The special self-help program of the U.S. Embassy to Lesotho 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 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 Lesotho-based nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and citizens. The closing date for applications is 08 April 2024. Self-Help Program
energy
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
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
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Bioenergy Youth Award
The GBEP Youth Award recognizes research conducted by students in the field of bioenergy. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to present their research and receive their award certificate during the GBEP Bioenergy Week at FAO headquarters in Italy (June 2024). Applicants should be within the age limit of 30 years old for bachelor and Master students, and 35 years old for Ph.D. students. Candidates must complete the application form before 31 March 2024. GBEP Youth Award
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
Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs — Women-led Clean Energy Enterprises
Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) launches the Improving Outcomes for Women-led Clean Energy Enterprises through Applied Research. The initiative will fund actionable research that aims to build the evidence base on these barriers and potential solutions. ANDE aims to support collaborative research projects led by practitioners and researchers based in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa. ANDE will fund six research projects on women in the clean energy sector, each eligible for a grant of up to US$60 thousand. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2024. Know more
Village Capital — Greentech Europe
Village Capital launches an investment readiness program to support gender-diverse ventures creating sustainable economic, environmental, and social solutions across Europe. The program currently accepts 50 additional startups to participate in an online, self-paced investment-readiness curriculum. The program will run for twelve weeks. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, through 18 March 2024. Greentech Europe
Energy Globe Award for Sustainability — Awards 2024
The Energy Globe Award recognizes outstanding projects worldwide that conserve and protect natural resources, and that employ renewable energy. Energy Globe seeks innovative projects and smart technologies in five categories: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Youth. The international winners in each of the five categories receive €2000 in prize money. Applicants can be individuals as well as organizations (i.e., private companies and corporations, development NGOs, community associations, government agencies, universities, and others) that contribute to climate change and other environmental issues. The deadline for applications is 31 Januar 2024. About participation
Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa — Writing Workshop
The Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) provides writing training to Africa-based early career researchers working on the themes of governance, democracy, and green energy. The 5-day program will be organized as a writing retreat, with daily seminars and writing sessions. Successful applicants will be provided with funding to cover travel expenses to Ghana from Sub-Saharan Africa. The submission deadline is 10 February 2024. Writing Workshop Ghana
Ashden Awards — International Awards for Sustainable Energy 2024
Ashden supports projects in sustainable energy in the UK and the developing world. The awards are made to pioneers in sustainable energy, saving energy, generating renewable energy, or promoting behavior change. The competition for the International Awards is open to businesses, NGOs, government organizations, and social enterprises whose activities take place in low- and middle-income countries worldwide. Winners are supported with prize money up to £25 thousand, plus assistance with mentoring and networking. The closing date for applications (Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish) is 25 January 2024. Ashden Awards