The Africa Region of the World Bank Group seeks applications for the 2027 WBG-Africa Fellowship Program for Ph.D. Students and recent Ph.D. graduates who are Sub-Saharan nationals. Fellows will spend at least six months at the World Bank offices in Washington, D.C., or in a Sub-Saharan country, getting hands-on experience in development work. While benefiting from research and innovation in multiple sectors, fellows will also work on economic policy, technical assistance, and lending to eliminate poverty and increase shared prosperity. Fellows will receive consultant fees, economy-class air travel, and worker’s compensation insurance. The program invites applications from recent Ph.D. graduates, or current doctoral students, in disciplinary fields that include agriculture, energy, and others. The deadline to submit applications is 25 August 2026. Link to the fellowship
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Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability — Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability invites applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainability, supporting early-career researchers conducting interdisciplinary projects that address global sustainability challenges. Fellows work under the mentorship of a Cornell faculty member and an external partner organization, with research aligned to one or more of the Center’s priority areas: Accelerating Energy Transitions, Reducing Climate Risk, Increasing Food Security, and One Health. Eligible applicants are researchers who have earned, or will earn, a PhD within two years of the fellowship start date. Up to four fellowships will be awarded, each providing a three-year appointment, an annual salary of US$65,000, full employee benefits, and US$12,000 per year for research and travel expenses. Applications, including letters of recommendation, are due by 20 October 2026. Postdoctoral Fellowship
Tools with a Mission — Tools for Livelihoods in Africa
Tools with a Mission (TWAM) supports livelihood projects in Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe. The program ships tools and school books to registered charities and NGOs either working in Africa or based in Africa. Organizations can apply for different kits, including the Agricultural Tool Kit, the Electricians Kit, and the Plumbers Tool Kit. Tools with a Mission lists the available equipment and books on its website. There is no application deadline. Find out more
Global Environment Facility — Small Grants Program
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme invites civil society organizations to apply for the CSO Challenge Program, which supports the scaling and replication of proven environmental solutions that generate global environmental benefits while strengthening local communities. Eligible applicants are civil society organizations with successful initiatives that align with one of five priority areas: community-based management of threatened ecosystems and species; sustainable agriculture or fisheries and food security; low-carbon energy access; chemicals and waste management; or sustainable urban solutions. The program provides grants of up to US$300 thousand. The first call is open to civil society organizations in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Small Grants Program
Lipman Family Prize — Funding for Social Change
Each year, the Lipman Family Prize awards cash to three social impact organizations – US$250 thousand for the winning organization and US$125 thousand for each of the two other honorees. The award recognizes and amplifies the work of organizations devoted to positive social impact and creating sustainable solutions to significant social and economic challenges. Past winners include projects in the field of improved sanitation, energy innovations, and micro-forestry. Eligibility extends to organizations from all around the world addressing social and economic issues. Applications close on 31 July 2026. Find details
International Development Research Centre — Multilateral Research Call
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) invites expressions of interest for collaborative, multi-country research projects that advance Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. The call supports research in five thematic areas: agriculture, health, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, energy, and environment. Eligible applicants are consortia consisting of one lead institution and at least two co-applicant institutions from different participating SGCI countries; eligible organizations include public research organizations, public and private universities, and governmental research organizations, while organizations outside participating countries may join as unfunded partners. Funding ranges from CA$50 thousand to CA$300 thousand per consortium member. The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 25 September 2026. Multilateral Research Call
World Summit Awards — Young Innovators Award
Nominations are open for the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). The awards recognize market-ready digital solutions that create positive social or environmental impact and contribute to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Eligible applicants include startups, social entrepreneurs, companies, NGOs, student groups, project teams, and individuals. Winners receive global recognition, the opportunity to present their solutions at the WSA Global Congress, mentorship, networking opportunities, workshops, and international visibility. The deadline to apply for WSA Young Innovators is 15 October 2026. Find out more
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — World Food Day Poster Contest (Age 5-19)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FOA) calls on children and teens from all over the world (ages 5 to 19) to use their imagination and create a poster. “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.” shows us how innovation can help feed the world, protect the planet, and build a better future for everyone. Winners will be promoted by FAO offices around the world and receive a surprise gift bag. Entries have to be submitted by 06 November 2026. Submit a poster
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in South Africa
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in South Africa. The program targets local civil society organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and municipal agencies working on local development priorities such as inclusive governance, gender equality, and climate action. Grant awards typically range from CAN$30 thousand to CAN$60 thousand, with a maximum allowable ceiling of CAN$100 thousand per project. The deadline to submit initial expressions of interest is 03 July 2026. CFLI South Africa
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Lesotho
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Lesotho. The program targets local civil society organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and regional government bodies working on local priorities such as environment and climate action, inclusive governance, and gender equality. Grant awards typically range from CAD$20 thousand to CAD$50 thousand, with a maximum allowable ceiling of CAD$100 thousand per project. The deadline to submit initial expressions of interest is 03 July 2026. CFLI Lesotho