The Securing Water for Food (SWFF) Global Water-Agriculture Photo Contest will call attention to the significant issue of water scarcity, while recognizing and celebrating steps being taken around the world to improve water and food security. The four themes for photos are: agriculture; water; technology related to water-agriculture; and men and women working in agriculture. Cash prizes are up to US$500. The contest deadline is 27 September 2017. Learn about the photo contest
agriculture
Wageningen University — Vegetable Seed in Uganda
Wageningen University, in collaboration with Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation, seeks concept notes to strengthen seed sector development in Uganda, with a focus on vegetable seed. The fund will support four innovation projects, with a grant size €25 to €50 thousand, with an additional 50% matching contribution from the grantee. Applications are invited from domestic and foreign companies in the vegetable sector. Applying companies can partner with research institutes, universities, and NGOs. The deadline for concept notes is 29 September 2017. Learn more
Mennonite Economic Development Associates — Non-Traditional Finance for Agricultural Innovations
MEDA calls for proposals focusing on non-traditional finance to catalyze agricultural innovation by smallholder farmers in East Africa, the Andes region of South America, and South Asia. The call is open to private enterprises (including cooperatives and producer associations), financial institutions, finance-oriented organizations, research institutions, and NGOs. Applicants may be based in the target regions or outside the target regions, but project implementation must be in the target regions. Successful proposals will be awarded up to CAD $200 thousand (pilot award) or up to CAD $50 thousand (case study award). The submission deadline is 06 October 2017. Find the call for proposals
UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council — Sustainable Agriculture for Sub-Saharan Africa
The BBSRC calls for collaborative proposals to address research challenges of sustainable agricultural systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. This call encourages integrated partnerships between researchers in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa. Applications must not exceed a maximum of £2 million for projects up to three years. The application deadline is 08 November 2017. Visit the BBSRC for information on how to apply
Scottish Government — International Development Small Grants 2018
The Scottish Government’s International Development Small Grants Programme provides project funding in support of the government’s International Development Policy. Applications for grants are invited from incorporated not-for-profit organisations which have a presence in Scotland and an annual turnover of less than £200 thousand. Project grants should focus on any of Malawi, Rwanda, or Zambia in themes of food security; renewable energy; climate change; water; and others. Grants for capacity building and feasibility studies will be accepted in relation to any country designated as medium/low on the UN’s Human Development Index — but with priority for Malawi, Rwanda, and Zambia. Awards are a maximum of £60 thousand for project grants over three years, or a maximum of £10 thousand for feasibility and capacity building grants over one year. The application deadline is 13 November 2017. About the small grants
Research Council of Norway — India/Norway Research on Bio-Economy
India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Research Council of Norway (RCN) will jointly fund Indo-Norwegian research in mutually agreed fields. The current call in the field of bio-economy research will focus on the following topics: agriculture and land-based food; biotech; aquaculture; and bioenergy/biofuel. Joint proposals must be developed in cooperation between principal investigators representing a research institution in Norway and a research institution in India. The application period is 11 October 2017 through 22 November 2017. Learn more
Organic Farming Research Foundation — Research Grants 2018
OFRF offers funding for research on organic farming and food systems and the dissemination of these research results to organic farmers and agricultural and research communities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Priorities are research on soil health; innovative weed control; issues of emerging insects and diseases; and livestock health. OFRF particularly encourages farmers, ranchers, graduate students, early-career researchers, veterans, and extension personnel to consider applying for funding. Grants are up to US$20 thousand for one year. The next deadline for proposals is 15 December 2017. Visit OFRF’s website to apply
Rise Fund — Under 30 Impact Challenge
The Rise Fund is partnering with Forbes and Echoing Green to sponsor the “Under 30 Impact Challenge.” The challenge is designed to celebrate entrepreneurs around the world, under the age of 30, who are building successful for-profit enterprises that drive positive social and environmental impact. The eligible sectors include energy, food and agriculture, and five others. Applicants must be under age 30, and their businesses must be in a growth phase. There are no restrictions by nationality or residence. The winner will qualify for an investment of US$250 thousand by The Rise Fund, plus an in-kind media grant by Forbes. The submission deadline is 06 September 2017.
Rothamsted Research — Agri-Tech in China
With funding by the UK Government and implementation led by Rothamsted Research, the Agri-Tech in China: Newton Network + (ATCNN) addresses challenges facing the agri-tech and agri-food sector in China. The program will provide UK excellence in satellite imaging, remote sensing, smart sensors, robotics, and data-intensive science for new solutions for agricultural productivity and sustainability in rural China. Applications are currently invited for the Small Projects Awards. Projects must be led by either a UK business or a UK research organisation. Projects with actual or in-kind support from Chinese partners will be given priority. The application deadline is 15 September 2017. Guidance for applicants
Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund — Funding for Projects Led by Women 2018
VGIF provides grants up to US$7,500 for projects that are led by women, and that help empower women and girls in grassroots communities around the globe. Most grants are for one year. Past projects include examples in farming, kitchen gardens, water supply, and other aspects of sustaining local livelihoods. VGIF will accept letters of intent through 02 October 2017. Find the guidelines here