The program Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) invites scientists, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators in 136 emerging countries to compete in the GIST Tech-I Competition 2018. The competition is open to everyone between the ages of 18 to 40 in any sector who has either an idea or a startup in the form of an invention, a product, a service, an app, any combination of these, or something entirely unique. Each participant in the competition submits an executive summary and a promotional video. The top 10 semi-finalists will advance to the Tech-I finals during the 2018 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Istanbul, Turkey to showcase their ventures and receive intensive training. The application deadline is 28 December 2017. More here
forests
Eurasia Foundation — Project Competition 2017/2018
The US-Russia Social Expertise Exchange announces the launch of its recent project competition. Project ideas in the field of “Hands-on Learning in the Areas of Flora and Fauna” are welcome. This includes preservation of ecosystems and waterways, wildlife protection, and tech-based ecological stewardship. Teams composed of at least one US and one Russian organization or higher education institution are invited to propose innovative bilateral initiatives that benefit the people of both countries. Project teams may request up to $40 thousand for a period of up to eight months. Deadline for applications is 22 January 2018. Know more about the application process
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment — Innovative Use of Land Contracts
The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) will make two grants of US$10 thousand each for innovative uses of www.OpenLandContracts.org, an online repository of publicly available commercial agriculture and forestry contracts. Users of the website can search contracts by different categories; view summaries of key social, human rights, environmental, fiscal, and operational provisions; compare certain provisions across contracts; and download full contracts. CCSI offers the grants to support and advance innovative uses of the repository and of the content available through it. Applications must be received by CCSI on or before 31 January 2018. Link
European Commission — Sustainable Forest and Land Management & Energy Efficiency
The EC calls for concept notes that reduce the climatic vulnerability of local populations in Togo through the preservation of forest resources and energy efficiency. Eligibility for funding extends to nonprofit organizations, public sector operators, local or national authorities, and international (inter-governmental) organisations in EU member states or Africa. Grants under this call range from €300 thousand to €1 million, varying with cost shares. Reference: EuropeAid/158703/IH/ACT/T. The deadline to submit concept notes is 31 January 2018. Find the details here
United Nations University — Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships 2018
The United Nations University offers postdoctoral fellowships to young scholars and policymakers, especially from the developing world. One fellowships program is with the UNU’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS); the other is with the UNU’s Center for Policy Research (UNU-CPR). The research themes include ecosystem services; water and urban development; governance for sustainable development; low-carbon technology; and others. There are no nationality requirements, but applicants should be fluent in English. The closing date for applications is 28 February 2018. About this Fellowship
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade — NZ Partnerships for International Development Fund 2017/2018
The New Zealand Partnerships for International Development Fund is a contestable fund open to New Zealand organizations. It aims to encourage partnerships between New Zealand organizations and in-country partners in the developing world, with emphasis on the Pacific region and Southeast Asia. Priority areas for support include agriculture, fisheries, tourism, energy, and water and sanitation — among others. The Fund encourages multi-activity projects for up to five years. The next application deadline (Round 12) is 02 March 2018 for drafts (partners who would like to receive feedback on their application, prior to submitting it to the Round) and 30 March 2018 for full applications. Find out more
Network for Rural Development of Serbia — Sustainable Rural Development in the Western Balkans
Network for Rural Development of Serbia invites civil society organisations (CSOs) to submit applications related to the thematic areas of sustainable rural development. This may include capacity building programs in sustainable agriculture, environment protection, sustainable management of natural resources, and others. The maximum grants size is €17 thousand per organization. Eligibility extends to organizations from Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. (Note: The Programme is part of the project “ALTER – Active Local Territories for Economic development of Rural Areas” by the European Union.) Deadline for applications is 17 December 2017. Hurry up!
AuthorAID — Small Grants for Researchers in Developing Countries: Travel Grants
AuthorAID announces its second round of small travel grants to support researchers in developing countries with travel and workshops. AuthorAID plans to award five travel grants of US$1,500 each for early-career researchers to present their research at an academic conference. AuthorAID posts the list of eligible developing countries. The deadline to apply for travel grants is 03 January 2018. More about the travel grants for researchers
Colorado State University — Training in Protected Areas Management 2018
Colorado State University, in collaboration with partner organizations in the USA, announces its annual one-month course in protected areas management to be held July-August 2018 in the Western USA. Participants are invited from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, with emphasis on participants from Latin America. The course will be given in Spanish. The university does not offer scholarships for the course, but it suggests where to look for funding support in their FAQs. Applications are due by 02 February 2018. Course information (in Spanish)
Swissuniversities Development and Cooperation Network — Consortia for North-South Education and Research (2nd Call)
The Swissuniversities Development and Cooperation Network (SUDAC) calls for various types of Swiss higher education institutions to partner with each other and with partners in the Global South to develop Consortia for Education and Research (COFER). COFER will aim for stronger integration of research, education, and implementation through new collaborative networks oriented towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Each COFER must address at least two SDGs; provide at least 50% matching funds; and provide funding for partners in the Global South. The application deadline for the current, 2nd call is 28 February 2018. About COFER