The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) invites applications for the Innovate Africa Challenge, which supports the deployment of proven artificial intelligence solutions for climate-smart agriculture in Africa. The challenge seeks AI-driven innovations that improve climate resilience, agricultural productivity, and farmer decision-making in areas such as precision agriculture, crop forecasting, pest and disease surveillance, climate risk modeling, and natural resource management. Eligible applicants are startups, innovators, and solution developers. Preference is given to applicants serving smallholder farmers. The application deadline is 31 August 2026. Innovate Africa Challenge
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African Plant Nutrition Institute — Outreach Fellowship for Soil Fertility Management in Africa
The African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) invites applications for its Outreach Fellowship. APNI offers awards of US$5,000 to African scientists, extension specialists, or educators running education, training, and communication programs that improve the use and efficiency of plant nutrients in African agro-ecosystems. Applicants must work at an African NARES institution, an African university, a nonprofit organization, or in the private sector. Proposals should address knowledge gaps or synthesize existing information to speed the adoption of improved soil fertility practices, and APNI gives particular attention to work aligned with its priority initiatives: 4R Nutrient Stewardship, nutrient and water management for African drylands, soil health and diagnostics, precision farming, and farmer-led on-farm innovation. The application deadline is 21 September 2026. Outreach Fellowship
Lantmännen Research Foundation — Funding for Agricultural Research
The Lantmännen Research Foundation invites research proposals that contribute to sustainable agriculture, food systems, bioenergy, and the bioeconomy. Eligible applicants are researchers affiliated with universities, research institutes, and other recognized research organizations, primarily in the Nordic region, although international collaborations are encouraged where relevant. The Foundation expects to award approximately SEK 25 million, with individual grant amounts depending on the scope and duration of each project. The application deadline is 30 September 2026. Know more
Giving Joy — Micro-Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
Giving Joy makes micro-grants to women who seek to establish or improve their businesses for the benefit of their communities. Applicants can propose activities in any field, trade, occupation, or craft (e.g., agriculture, fisheries, energy, WASH, etc.). Proposed grant activities must have a social benefit to the community. Grants range from US$250 to US$500. Grants support women entrepreneurs worldwide. Giving Joy offers different grant cycles per year. The next application deadline is 30 September 2026. Giving Joy Grants
Earth Institute — Post-Doctoral Fellowships 2027
The Earth Institute at Columbia University invites applications for 2-year postdoctoral fellowships that contribute to understanding critical scientific and social issues in global sustainable development. Specific areas of research include food security, energy systems, climate change, poverty reduction, disease, and environmental degradation. The multi-disciplinary program is open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens who received their doctoral degrees within five years of beginning their appointments. The deadline for applications is 30 October 2026. Post-Doctoral Fellowships
The Pollination Project — Animal Welfare Grants
The Pollination Project (TPP) supports individuals and groups who are working to protect farmed animals. TPP funds projects that aim to reduce the consumption of animals, advocate for farmed animal welfare, and raise awareness about farmed animal cruelty. The Pollination Project supports individuals and groups with US$1,000. Grants are open to anyone in the world, but applications from people in Brazil, India, and Mexico are especially welcome. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Animal Welfare Grants
World Bank Group — Africa Fellowship Program 2027
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
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