The SAIS Accelerator (Scaling Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups) offers a one-year, equity-free programme for technology-driven African start-ups in dairy and aquaculture. Participants receive up to €15,000 in technical assistance budget and an additional sector conference, plus investor introductions and pitch sessions. Eligible start-ups can later apply for a Scale-up Grant of up to €40,000 and working capital loans of up to €50,000. Applicants must be for-profit and registered in Africa. Priority areas are dairy animal health, genetics and feed (Kenya and Ethiopia) and aquaculture genetics and feed (Nigeria and Senegal), though start-ups elsewhere in Africa are welcome. The deadline is 15 November 2026. Details here
agriculture
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Rapid Crisis Response and Strengthen Rural Resilience
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) invites national and large sub-national farmers’ organizations to design and run targeted interventions for smallholder farmers hit by compounding crises. Applicants choose one primary pillar: access to inputs and production support, small-scale infrastructure, access to finance, or access to markets and market information. A total of US$500,000 is available, with two projects expected at up to US$250,000 each for up to 12 months. The call covers 20 priority countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Malawi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Mozambique, Haiti, Cuba, Honduras, Bolivia, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Chad. Applicants must be legally registered non-profit farmers’ organizations whose members are mainly smallholders. The deadline is 20 November 2026. Know more
Global Thinkers Forum — Mentoring Program 2027
The Global Thinkers Forum brings together a diverse network of thought leaders to share their visions of the future, create meaningful conversations around them, and effect positive change in the world. The program consists of an 8-month mentoring cycle that includes one-on-one sessions with experienced thought leaders and individuals aged between 18 and 29 from all over the world. The program’s mentors are successful individuals across several professional fields and countries. The application deadline is 23 November 2026. Become a Global Thinkers Mentee
IREX — Community Solutions
IREX Community Solutions is a professional development program for community leaders in eligible countries to participate in a four-month fellowship with a local nonprofit organization or government agency in the USA. The subject areas include environmental issues (among others). Applications are accepted from eligible countries in East Asia and the Pacific; South and Central Asia; Sub-Saharan Africa; North Africa and the Middle East; Europe; and Latin America and the Caribbean. Grants are for visa support, international travel, insurance, and a living allowance. The application deadline is 24 November 2026. About the Program
Earth Care Awards — Communicators for Climate Action
The Earth Care Awards recognise individuals, creative teams, organisations and collectives that use creative communication to deepen public understanding of climate change and inspire action. Entries can come from journalism, digital and social media, film and visual storytelling, performing arts and theatre, or audio, music and radio. Applicants must show at least three years of consistent work in climate and sustainability communication. Individuals and unregistered groups can apply, and entries from outside India are accepted. The deadline is 15 December 2026. Communicators for Climate Action
WAAW Foundation — STEM Scholarships for African Women
The WAAW Foundation supports African women who seek a STEM-focused college education. The Foundation offers a need-based scholarship of US$500 to undergraduate female African students. Applicants have to be under 32 years old and be enrolled in an undergraduate B.S. degree program at a University or college in Africa. Eligible courses include Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Natural Science, Zoology and many other fields. Application closes on 18 December 2026. Link to the WAAW Foundation
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Award for Innovation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes individuals, institutions, or organizations that have developed innovative approaches, technologies, or practices with a clear and positive impact on food security, sustainable agrifood systems, natural resource management, or rural livelihoods. The award includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and an official certificate of recognition. Eligible nominees may come from the public or private sector, civil society, academia, or international organizations, and nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or FAO senior official. The deadline to submit nominations is 31 December 2026. FAO Award for Innovation
University of Antwerp — Masters Program in Development Studies
The University of Antwerp’s Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB) offers three specializations for one-year master’s programs in development studies. Topics include poverty, climate change, conflict, good governance, sustainable development, and others. The Institute of Development Policy awards scholarships to students from many countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America for studies at Belgian universities that include Antwerp’s IOB. Candidates applying for an ICP Connect scholarship have to submit their application by 01 February 2027. Link
Embassy of Japan — Grants for Grassroots Projects in Uganda
The Embassy of Japan in Uganda provides financial assistance to non-profit, development-oriented organizations in support of community development projects in Uganda. Any projects geared towards grassroots assistance are eligible for financing, including water and sanitation, disaster relief, and agricultural development. The grant amount per project is generally under 10 million yen (approx. US$100 thousand). Potential recipients are international or local NGOs, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The Embassy receives concept papers anytime throughout the year, but the selection process is conducted twice a year with deadlines on 15 February and 15 June.. More about this opportunity
Fiat Panis Foundation — Prize for Master Thesis in Food Security
The Fiat Panis Foundation makes awards for university thesis and dissertation research in themes of agriculture, ecology, and natural resources, with a focus on food security in developing countries. The Hans Hartwig Ruthenberg Graduate Award is €7.5 thousand in support of qualified young scientists by honoring their excellent master thesis in the field of food security. The deadline for submissions (German, English) is 30 April 2027. Ruthenberg Graduate Award