In its theme Equitable Development, the Ford Foundation makes grants to challenge inequality. The sub-theme “Natural Resources and Climate Change” seeks to ensure that indigenous and other communities have secure access to and control over natural resources, and can benefit from them fully. The Foundation’s regional offices represent most of the developing world. The Foundation accepts project ideas at any time. Link
community projects
Caribbean Policy Development Centre — Capacity Building Grants for Small Farmers
The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) aims to enhance the ability of rural farmers to adapt to disaster risks especially those risks influenced by climate change. The CPDC invited the submission of proposals to provide assistance to NGOs to support small scale farmers to provide equipment, services, agrotechnology and training for the adoption of disaster mitigation and sustainable agricultural practices. The funding amount per project is US$8 thousand to 12 thousand. In order to be eligible for a grant, the applicant must be non-profit-making and be established in Dominica, Grenada, or St Vincent and the Grenadines. The application deadline is 14 February 2021. Click here for details
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Environment and Climate Action: Asia-Pacific Islands
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. CFLI provides funding to projects that implement environment and climate action projects focusing on adaptation and mitigation, water management, and other thematic priorities. The average contribution is C$15 thousand to C$30 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit local, national or community-based organizations. The deadline for submission is 14 February 2021. Details here
European Commission — Food and Nutritional Security Support to Chad
The European Commission (EC) seeks to promote the socio-economic development of Chad through a reduction in malnutrition. The call aims to increase access to irrigated land and the sustainable optimization of the use of water resources, and promotes the diversification of food systems and agricultural production to support rural producers and families. Funding of up to €3 million is available, depending on target region and focus area. Projects need to have a duration of between 46 and 48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. The deadline for submitting applications is 15 April 2021. Know more
Fondation Chanel — Women’s Empowerment
Fondation Chanel supports non-profit organizations, community groups, social enterprises, and women’s associations. Projects eligible for support should focus on women’s empowerment, including economic resources and entrepreneurship, among other themes. Projects are generally 2-3 years in duration. The Foundation currently supports projects in 35 countries from all around the world. Fondation Chanel accepts unsolicited requests for funding through a letter of inquiry. If the project is of interest, Chanel will request further information or invite the applicant to submit a formal proposal. Letters of inquiry are accepted on a continuous basis. Find the selection criteria
United Nations Capital Development Fund — Women’s Empowerment in Bangladesh
The Women’s Empowerment for Inclusive Growth (WING) program supports women-led small businesses and social enterprises in Bangladesh who are working on real economic empowerment of women and girls. Interested enterprises are invited to submit their gender-responsive business proposal application for funding. WING provides technical assistance and financial support such as development grants, credit enhancements, and guarantees. The deadline for submission of investment proposals is 31 January 2021. Link to the call
UK Department for International Development — Funding for Small Charities
The Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF) supports UK-based grassroots organizations to help priority countries to enhance their capacity and efforts to help the poor, vulnerable and most marginalized. UK Aid Direct operates in the lowest 50 countries in the Human Development Index and in countries considered to be of high or moderate fragility. Thematic areas include agriculture, climate change, environment, water resources and others. Grants of up to £50 thousand will be available for projects of up to 2 years. Applications are reviewed on a 6-monthly basis. The next review of project grant proposals is 25 March 2021. Link
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin (Algeria)
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for small grants (up to US$20 thousand) in support of biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Basin. Funding will be provided in support of conservation/preservation of biodiversity in coastal areas and plant conservation in Algeria. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English and French. LOIs must be submitted by 26 February 2021. Link to CEPF
Tata Trusts — Social Alpha Agritech Challenge
The Social Alpha Agritech Challenge 2.0 seeks innovators and start-ups with science and technology-based solutions that have the potential to create an impact in the lives of smallholder farmers in India. The winners receive support in the areas of product development, testing, pilots, product validation, product management and market strategy. Additional funding will be decided on a case-to-case basis. The challenge is open to individuals, teams, social enterprises, nonprofits, and companies registered in India. The deadline for application is 31 December 2020. Link
UNDP-GEF Small Grants Program — COVID-19 Support for Indigenous Peoples and Fishing Communities in Malaysia
The Global Support Initiative for Indigenous Peoples and Community provides support to Indigenous Peoples and Fishing Communities to strengthen long-term socio-ecological resilience. Funding is intended for grassroots actions and initiatives across various themes, including agroecology and agroforestry, income-generation activities and community-based ecotourism, and other activities related to Covid-19 recovery and resilience. Grants are a maximum of US$50 thousand per project for the duration of 18 months. Applications must be from qualified organizations, such as national and local civil society organizations (including community-based organizations, NGOs, and Indigenous Peoples organizations). The application deadline is 10 January 2021. Find details