The Women’s Market Access Open Innovation Challenge invites women-led or gender-inclusive agribusinesses operating in Somalia to submit solutions that enhance market access, competitiveness, financial inclusion, and scalability for women agro-entrepreneurs. Funding and support will be provided to a select group of participants. The deadline for submissions is 31 August 2025. Details
partnerships/collaboration
African Centre for Technology Studies — Innovation Challenge
The AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge offers up to US$100 thousand in seed funding to scale AI solutions already deployed in real-world settings across Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative supports innovations addressing climate action, agriculture, education, gender/disability inclusion, and inequality, and provides not only funding but also mentorship. Eligible applicants include individual researchers, startups, universities, and consortia based in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, and others in the region. The deadline to apply is 04 September 2025. AI4D
JPI Climate — Climate Services for Risk Reduction in West Africa
The Climate Services for Risk Reduction in West Africa (CS4RRA) aims to support interdisciplinary projects that enhance climate resilience across 16 West African countries. With funding of up to €2 million per project for durations of up to 36 months, the call targets initiatives that improve early warning systems, assess climate security risks, and integrate climate services into policy and financing mechanisms. Eligible consortia must include at least two institutions from different West African countries and one European partner, with the coordinator based in West Africa. The application process is two-stage, with pre-proposals due by 11 September 2025. More information
International Development Research Centre — Indigenous Research Leadership
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) funds up to seven grants of CA$100 thousand each to support 12‑month, knowledge‑sharing projects between Indigenous-led or Indigenous‑supporting organizations in the Global South. Applicants must be legally established non‑profits, public research institutes, universities, or think tanks based in eligible Global South regions (including Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Middle East, North Africa). Applications are accepted until 23 September 2025. Details here
Efico Foundation — Support for Coffee Producers
EFICO Foundation supports coffee farmers and their families through training and education programs, sustainable income increase, resilience for climate change, infrastructure support, and natural resource protection. About every 3 years, the Foundation organizes a project initiation round and funds projects that aim to improve the living conditions of coffee producers and their communities. Preference is given to projects having a clear strategy to become self-sustaining and creating a leverage effect. Applicants receive a full application form after contact. Efico Foundation
Climate and Clean Air Coalition — Food & Nutrition Challenge
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) invites innovative, cross‑sector projects to reduce food loss and waste linked to methane and black carbon emissions while tackling malnutrition. Participants may include governments, NGOs, private sector entities, research institutions, and community organizations worldwide. Selected initiatives can receive funding, alongside technical support and alliance-building opportunities. The application deadline is 06 August 2025. CCAC Food & Nutrition Challenge
Amphibian Survival Alliance — Partnerships for Amphibian Conservation
The Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) makes grants to evidence-based conservation projects that address key threats to amphibians and raise awareness. AArk Program Grants are intended to support conservation projects for amphibian species that cannot currently be saved in the wild, with a primary focus on ex situ actions, and in partnership with appropriate field activities. Funded programs will receive up to US$7,000 in the first year. Additional funds will be available for year 2 (up to US$5,000) and year 3 (up to US$3,000). Interested organizations must submit project outlines before the deadline on 31 August 2025. Link to AArk Program Grants
British Academy — International Writing Workshops
The British Academy invites proposals for Writing Workshops in developing countries. The aim of the Writing Workshops is to provide access for early-career researchers to the academic requirements of journals, including international journals, and to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to publish in these journals. Awards are set at a maximum of £30 thousand. Funding must be used in the direct delivery of the workshops and can cover travel and related expenses. The lead applicant must be based at a UK university or research institute. Each application must have at least one co-applicant based in an ODA-eligible country. The deadline for submissions is on 17 September 2025. More information
Swiss National Science Foundation — Team-oriented Cross-border Research
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) offers funding through the Swiss Programme for International Research by Scientific Investigation Teams (SPIRIT) to research projects in all disciplines. Grants should contribute to the education of researchers in participating countries, with a special focus on equal opportunities and the promotion of women scientists. Research groups can request between CHF50 thousand and CHF500 thousand. The duration of projects is limited to 2-4 years. Applicants from two to four eligible countries are eligible to apply (SNSF determines the eligible partner countries based on the official list of countries receiving development assistance). The submission deadline is 04 November 2025. About
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in China
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in China. The priorities under this call include environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$10 thousand to C$40 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 11 July 2025. CFLI China