The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers grants to journalists based in the Pacific Islands to report on critical issues related to climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and the illegal wildlife trade. Selected journalists will receive an average of US$ 1,500 in funding to cover travel and field reporting costs to produce of in-depth or investigative stories focused on environmental challenges in the region. Grants are open to early- and mid-career journalists. Deadline for applications is extended to 31 March 2020. More information
Asia-Pacific
Thomson Reuters Foundation — Story Grants: Reporting the Energy Transition in Southeast Asia
The Thomson Reuters Foundation invites journalists and editors from Southeast Asia to participate in a three-day training program on climate change and energy transition. The Foundation will provide mentoring support and a number of small story grants to journalists and editors who completed the training. To be considered for this opportunity, participants must submit an application that includes a story proposal and budget. The application deadline is 04 March 2020. Click here
European Commission — Partnerships for Sustainable Cities
The European Commission invites concept notes for projects that address urban challenges such as water security, pollution, and climate change, among others. The call is divided into five geographical areas: Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Southern and Eastern Europe, and extremely fragile countries. Amounts requested under this call must fall between €2 million and €5 million. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. Deadline for submission of concept notes is 27 March 2020. Link
Fondation SUEZ — Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions
Fondation SUEZ accepts applications for the Acting for Natural Assets program in search for “Biodiversity and nature-based solutions.” Applicants must demonstrate how their project addresses the issue of conserving biodiversity or restoring ecosystem service. The project is situated in France or the French overseas territories. SUEZ will donate a total amount of €100 thousand that will be divided up between three projects according to their needs. The call is open to companies, entrepreneurs, universities, NGOs, and organisations. The deadline for applications is 29 March 2020. More about the Acting for Natural Assets program
New Zealand Aid Program — Development Scholarships 2020
New Zealand’s government provides a variety of opportunities for training and university study through the New Zealand Aid Program, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The program has four scholarship schemes, reaching a total of over 90 countries. The priorities for support often include agriculture, renewable energy, fisheries, disaster risk management, and other areas related to natural resources and environment. The eligibility requirements for scholarships are specific to each country/regional program. The application deadline for submissions is 28 February 2020 for most developing countries in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean; and 27 March 2020 for Commonwealth countries. Check the eligible countries and closing dates carefully. Details here
U.S. Agency for International Development — Save Forests and Biodiversity in the Philippines
USAID aims to combat threats to biodiversity caused by habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, mining and marine ecosystem degradation, and overexploitation in the Philippines. Therefore, USAID seeks projects and activities to be implemented in areas of biological significance and/or land areas of high climate change mitigation potential. The total estimated budget under this call is US$22 million. USAID intends to make two to three awards. The call is open to eligible U.S. and non-U.S. foundations, academic organizations, for-profit private enterprises, and consortia. The closing date for applications is 10 March 2020. Link
UK Natural Environment Research Council — Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems
UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) invite proposals for collaborative research projects to understand the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems in Southeast Asia. Applicants may request up to S$1.25 million from NRF and up to £700 thousand from NERC. Applications are sought from teams comprising researchers from Singapore, the UK and low- and middle-income countries in Southeast Asia. A Notification of Intent to submit should be submitted no later than 05 March 2020. Find details
Water and Energy for Food — Asia Agriculture & Energy Prize
The Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) Prize seeks business owners and entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia with innovations in renewable energy and agriculture. The Prize includes a US$355 thousand cash prize for winners and runners-up, and sponsorship to participate in the Clean Asia Energy Forum in the Philippines (June 2020). The Prize is open to mid-stage businesses and youth innovators. To be eligible for the mid-stage prize, enterprises must have existing services or products. For the Youth Innovators Prize, applicants must be under the age of 30 with a pre-revenue or post-revenue business model. Submission deadline is 29 January 2020. Click here
Asia New Zealand Foundation — Capacity Building for Agribusiness Entrepreneurs
The Asia New Zealand Foundation and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs offer young Southeast Asian agribusiness entrepreneurs the opportunity to visit New Zealand. Applicants will learn about the New Zealand agriculture business environment, meet and network with entrepreneurs and business leaders, and attend New Zealand’s leading agribusiness event, Fieldays. Applicants must be entrepreneurs or business leaders at CEO or senior management level involved in agriculture from an ASEAN country. The Asia New Zealand Foundation will cover the costs of participating in the capacity building program (airfare, accommodation, meals, etc.). Applications close 20 February 2020. More here
Young Sustainable Impact Southeast Asia — Innovation Program 2020
Young Sustainable Impact (YSI) Southeast Asia invites applications for a fully funded Incubation Program which will provide participants with the frameworks, mentorship and resources to start a company. Teams or individually are invited to create lasting solutions to Southeast Asia’s pressing problems in the themes of “Energy Transitions”, “Future of Food & Agriculture”, and “Circular Economy.” Candidates have to be 18-35 years old. Participants receive a fully funded trip to Singapore to participate in a 9-day workshop. Up to US$5 thousand funding is available to promising startups. Applications have to be received by 18 January 2020. More about this opportunity