The Off-Grid Energy Challenge invites applications from early-stage energy entrepreneurs in West Africa who are running businesses that generate or can be powered by off-grid energy. Businesses must have at least an existing prototype and business model to enter. The winners of the competition will receive free business, legal, and financial services and the chance to pitch for up to US$5 thousand in prize capital. Up to three teams will be accepted into the programme. The deadline for applications (English, French, Portuguese) is 21 November 2016. Link
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Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity in Eastern and Southern Africa
On behalf of the CEPF, Birdlife International announces the 16th and final call for proposals supporting biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Afromontane Hotspot. The eligible countries are Dem Rep Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The maximum grant is US$20 thousand. Applications need to be submitted by 23 November 2016. Link
Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Africa — Small Grants for Organizations in Africa
PAN is an advisor to the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) for grants to civil society in subjects of environment and sustainable development. PAN Africa invites African organizations to submit short proposals that may qualify for GGF support. Themes important to PAN include phasing out highly hazardous pesticides; alternatives to pesticides and DDT; monitoring the effect of pesticides on human health and environment; and opposition to GMOs. Proposals should include project objectives, methodology, expected results, and an activities budget. The requested contribution should not exceed US$3,500. Proposals must be sent to PAN by e-mail no later than 25 November 2016. Link
India Department of Science and Technology — Bilateral Research Collaboration
India’s DST calls for proposals of bilateral research in thematic areas that include energy, environment, climate change, plant-based medicines, and many others — varying with each program area. Calls with application deadlines in November 2016, December 2016, and January 2017 include joint research with Australia, Israel, Italy, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Switzerland. Link
World Wildlife Fund — Funding for Women Conservationists in the Congo Basin 2017
WWF-US supports women conservationists in the Congo Basin for short-term training and for academic and technical degrees in conservation. Applicants must be citizens and permanent residents of Central African Republic, Dem Rep Congo, Gabon, or Rep Congo. Note: EFN plans to include Cameroon in the list of eligible countries for the deadline on 01 February 2017. Most professional development grants are for less than six months and are funded up to US$5 thousand. Most academic grants are for one year and up to US$10 thousand for study anywhere in the world. The next application deadlines are 01 November 2016 and 01 February 2017. Link
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Grants for Biodiversity Conservation in the East Melanesian Islands
In partnership with the IUCN, the CEPF makes grants for biodiversity conservation in the East Melanesian Islands. Small and large (>US$20 thousand) grants will address biodiversity conservation in the islands region of Papua New Guinea. Funding is also available for multi-country projects covering the islands region of PNG, Solomon Islands, and/or Vanuatu. Eligibility for grants extends to community groups, NGOs, academic institutions, private companies,and other civil society organizations. The deadline for letters of inquiry is 28 November 2016. Link
World Bank — Big Data Innovation Challenge
The World Bank is interested in how “big data” can be used to address development questions, including how climate change affects food security and forestry and watersheds. Solutions may include but are not limited to analytical methodologies, APIs, algorithms, software applications, tools, and new data set generation. Technologies may include artificial intelligence, crowd-sourcing applications, data science, dynamic visualizations, machine learning, and predictive analytics. The Challenge will award US$10 thousand to the winner in each of the following two categories: (i) food security or nutrition, and (ii) forestry or watersheds. Submissions are invited from individuals, students, entrepreneurs, start-ups, university labs, private companies, nonprofits, and public sector agencies legally established in member countries of the World Bank Group. The closing date for submissions is 09 November 2016. Link
Newton Fund — Agri-Food Innovation in Turkey
The Newton Fund promotes partnerships in science and innovation to promote the economic development and social welfare of 16 partner countries, including Turkey. The current call for proposals invites UK companies in partnership with Turkish companies to address three challenges: (i) using waste products and residues from Turkey’s agri-food industry to reduce environmental impact and add value; (ii) improving the productivity of small and medium-scale farmers in Turkey; and (iii) improving animal and plant breeding in Turkey. The amount of available co-funding varies with business size. The deadline for registration is 16 November 2016. Link
European Commission — Capacıty Building in the Fıeld of Clımate Change in Turkey
The EC and the Government of Turkey will co-fund a program to increase public understanding and enhance capacity of Turkish organizations on actions to mitigation and adapt to climate change. One lot of grants is for NGOs in partnerships with local governments and municipalities (maximum grant is €50 thousand, varying with cost shares), while the other lot is for metropolitan municipalities (maximum grant is €200 thousand, varying with cost shares). The deadline for concept notes is 14 November 2016. Reference EuropeAid/138406/ID/ACT/TR. Link
Coady International Institute — Women’s Leadership 2017
The Global Change Leaders Program is a seven-week education program to enable women from developing countries to strengthen their leadership capacities at the Coady Institute, affiliated with St Francis Xavier University in Canada. The program offers successful candidates a full scholarship that includes tuition, travel, accommodations, and meals. Applicants should have at least four years of demonstrated leadership experience in fields such as food security, environment, inclusive economic development, and others. The application deadline is 15 November 2016. Link