The Lemelson Foundation supports programs to empower local inventors and entrepreneurs in India and East Africa to address social and economic challenges to improve the lives of the poor. Supported solutions include access to clean water and sanitation, agricultural productivity, and access to clean and affordable energy. The Foundation funds very few unsolicited applications. However, it accepts short concept notes on a rolling basis. Learn more about International Entrepreneurship
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
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
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation funds projects for conservation and science in themes that include climate change, ocean conservation, agriculture, and others. The Foundation makes grants to charitable, educational, and scientific organizations in the USA and other countries. Most grants range from US$20 thousand to US$500 thousand. Potential applicants should consult Packard’s website for the criteria, guidelines, and restrictions of grant making. There is no calendar deadline. For Grantseekers
USAID sponsors Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) to identify, develop, test, and scale innovative approaches in development. DIV’s portfolio includes projects across the range of USAID’s program areas — including in agriculture, energy, climate change, water, waste management, and others related to natural resources and environment. Applicants may apply for any of the three following stages: Proof of Concept (Up to US$200 thousand for up to 3 years), Testing and Positioning for Scale (US$200 thousand to $1.5 million for up to 3 years), and Scaling (US$1.5 million to US$15 million for up to 5 years). Proposals are accepted year-round, from any type of organization (including private businesses, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, foundations, civic groups, regional organizations, and international organizations), in any country. Link
The Agropolis Foundation in France seeks partnerships to address the world’s challenges related to food, agriculture, and biodiversity. The Foundation intends to devote one-third of its resources to co-invest with private and public partners. Potentially interested partners can contact Agropolis at the indicated email address. Click here for more information
Fondation Segré focuses on the conservation of threatened species and their habitat, and the restoration of degraded ecosystems. It supports conservation projects around the world – including in the developing regions of Africa; Latin America and the Caribbean; Asia and Australasia; and Europe and the Middle East. The Foundation welcomes proposals anytime in the preliminary form of a brief concept. If the concept is approved by the Foundation, the proponent will be invited to submit a full proposal. Details
The Darvish Yu Water Fund supports projects that provide safe drinking water and sanitation facilities at the grass-roots level in developing countries. Grants are up to US$4 thousand per project. Any organization working at the grass-roots level aiming at addressing water-related issues in developing countries is eligible to apply. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Details here
The program Scientific Exchanges is aimed at researchers who want to host their own scientific event in Switzerland; invite colleagues from abroad for a research visit to Switzerland; or visit their colleagues in another country. For events, an important criterion is the participation of women speakers and young researchers. Applicants for scientific exchanges must be employed in Switzerland, and applications must be submitted at least four months before the event or visit. Details
RUFORUM’s program for Graduate Training Assistantships (GTA) grants support for 325 PhD training opportunities during the next four years. The GTA aims to improve the quality of higher education and increase the pool of PhD academic staff in RUFORUM’s member universities by facilitating cross-university PhD studies and teaching. Applicants need to be nominated for PhD training by his/her university. RUFORUM Secretariat assists in facilitating placement of the nominated staff to universities with the appropriate fields of the required training. The GTA accepts rolling applications (no deadline). Link