The special self-help program of the U.S. Embassy to Malawi supports small, sustainable community-based initiatives that have an immediate and strong impact on the local community. The Embassy expects to support different types of projects: from development projects such as agricultural and aquacultural cooperatives to women’s empowerment and the environment. Grants typically range from US$3 thousand to US$10 thousand per project. All applicants must include a significant community contribution. The Embassy welcomes applications from Malawi-based nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and citizens. The closing date for applications is 30 April 2024. Self-Help Program
agriculture
Food and Agriculture Organization — FAO Fellowships 2024
The FAO Fellowship Programme is designed to attract fellows — typically PhD students, researchers, and professors — who have an advanced level of relevant technical knowledge and experience in any field of agriculture, fisheries, or forestry. Fellows will be assigned to supervisors in FAO’s headquarters or its regional, sub-regional, or country offices. Applicants should have a graduate or post-graduate degree, or be enrolled in a PhD program. FAO encourages qualified female applicants and qualified nationals of non- and under-represented member countries to apply. There are no age limits. The application deadline is 25 August 2024. Learn more
Urgent Action Fund Africa — Rapid Response Fund for African Women
Urgent Action Fund Africa (UAF-Africa) is a rapid response fund that offers financial and technical resources at critical moments of need to African women’s organizations and women’s rights activists. Grants are made in five categories, including one category on natural resources governance & climate change. The Fund aims to respond to most urgent requests within 24 hours. Grants are up to US$12 thousand. Applications can be submitted in five languages (English, French, Swahili, Arabic, Portuguese) at any time. About
African Food Changemakers — Leading African Women in Food Fellowship
The Leading African Women in Food Fellowship (LAWFF) program is an initiative designed to empower women leaders in the African food and agriculture sector. The program provides training, mentorship, and a supportive community. Eligibility extends to African women between 25 and 40 years with at least three years of experience working in the agri-food sector. Nominations have to be submitted by 18 February 2024. Leading African Women in Food
World Bank — PhD Scholarship for Research in Development
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) provides support to PhD candidates from developing countries to conduct PhD research on a development topic in a World Bank member country other than the Fellow’s home country. The funding is for 6-10 months in any field of applied research that addresses poverty alleviation. The fellowship offers compensation, totaling $42,750 per fellow. Candidates must be enrolled in a PhD program and be under 35 years old. The application deadline is 28 February 2024. Link to RSMFP
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Fellowship Program
The FAO Fellows Program offers scholarships for Master of Science degree courses in Hungary. The scholarship will cover application and tuition fees, dormitory accommodation, subsistence costs, and health insurance. Selected candidates may be asked to take a written or oral English examination as part of the admission procedure. Applicants have to be nationals of a FAO Member Nation. The closing date for applications is 29 February 2024. FAO Fellowship Program
Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World — Early-Career Fellowship
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) supports female scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with doctoral fellowships in the natural sciences. The early-career fellowships are for the pursuit of a doctoral degree at a host institution in a developing country that is not the applicant’s home country. The Fellowship is for two years and provides up to US$50 thousand. Applicants should be qualified young women science graduates (generally below 40 years of age), who have an M.Sc. degree or outstanding B.Sc. in the natural sciences. The eligible scientific fields include agricultural sciences; biological systems and organisms; and many others. The deadline for submission of applications is 14 March 2024. OWSD Early-Career Fellowship
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Vietnam
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Vietnam. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, and investing in the poorest and most vulnerable (which may include agriculture or aquaculture projects), as well as environment, climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, and water management. The average contribution is C$15 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 17 March 2024. CFLI Vietnam
African Impact Initiative — Business Challenge
The African Impact Challenge supports early-stage African entrepreneurs. In 2024, the challenge focuses on Botswana. Top-performing teams will receive up to US$25 thousand in either grant funding or a simple agreement for future equity investment. Projects and business ideas can focus on any sector as long as they are impact-focused entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood. The idea should address an identified problem/challenge and provide a comprehensive solution using a technology component. Registration for the 2024 challenge closes on 15 April 2024. African Impact Challenge
ygap — Poverty Solutions for South Africa
The ygap accelerator provides support to South African leaders with solutions to poverty. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the training program. The program offers a three-day accelerator followed by twelve months of tailored support including business skills development, strategy insights, mentor support, and more. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Eligibility extends to social entrepreneurs operating in South Africa, who are dedicated to creating a positive change in the lives of people living in poverty. Applications are closing on 31 July 2024. ygap South Africa