The SEED Replicator program offers incubation workshops to identify opportunities for enterprise creation and to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking for partnerships to build an eco-inclusive business model. SEED Starter program guides participants from the early stages of ideation to the generation of a viable business plan. SEED Replicator targets entrepreneurs without a business idea as well as early-stage entrepreneurs who are trying to identify partnership opportunities and grow their impact. SEED Catalyser guides enterprises to refine their business models and optimize their impacts. SEED Accelerator develops the investment readiness and operational excellence of established eco-inclusive enterprises looking to scale up. Successful alumni can apply for a SEED Grant which pays for your immediate necessary activities, measures, or machinery required to establish the new enterprise. SEED programs are currently offered in the following countries: Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Morocco, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and Zambia. Click here for more information
South Asia
Conservation, Food and Health Foundation — Local Project Support
The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation supports special projects and programs in the areas of conservation, food, and health in low- and lower-middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The foundation supports projects that demonstrate local leadership; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community-based organizations, and academic institutions. There is no maximum grant size. Most grants will fall in the US$25 thousand to US$50 thousand per year range. The application deadlines for concept notes are 01 January and 01 July 2025. About this opportunity
Efico Foundation — Support for Coffee Producers
EFICO Foundation supports coffee farmers and their families through training and education programs, sustainable income increase, resilience to 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
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Private Sector for Food Systems
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) makes grants to strengthen partnerships between the private sector and smallholder producers to stimulate investments in inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural value chains. The selected entity will participate in the co-design and implementation of the project, fostering effective collaborations between private financial institutions, governments, value chain actors, financial institutions, food system actors, and the IFAD, with the goal of advancing sustainable and inclusive rural development. The grant targets six countries in Asia (Cambodia, India, Laos, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam). The deadline to receive proposals is 19 August 2024. Link to IFAD
Commonwealth Secretariat — Youth Essay Award
The Commonwealth Secretariat launches the “Think Trade, Think Green: Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay Award Competition.” This competition invites young researchers and students aged 18-29 to explore the relationship between trade and climate change and propose how trade policy can be part of the solution to the climate crisis. The first prize is £1,000, the second and third prizes are £500 each. Applicants must be Commonwealth nationals to participate in this competition. The submission deadline is 21 August 2024. Youth Essay Award Competition
Swedish International Development Agency — Training Program: Locally Controlled Forest Restoration
The LoCoFoRest (Locally Controlled Forest Restoration) training program aims to build capacity in national, regional, and local institutions and organizations in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. The program will give participants the skills and knowledge to support local communities and entrepreneurs to make forest and landscape restoration scalable. The training consists of a web-based preparatory course, three weeks of training in Sweden, and a project in the participants’ home countries. The application should be made by the individual applicant but needs to be endorsed by an employer. International travel, accommodation, food, costs for lectures, and study tours are covered by the organizer. The application deadline is 01 September 2024. Link to LoCoFoRest
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) seeks to empower communities and civil society in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands to implement actions to improve the resilience of species, ecosystems, and human populations to climate change. CEPF intends to make small grants of up to US$50 thousand in support of strengthening the capacity of local communities and civil society at regional and local levels to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce exposure to climate change risks, and supporting research and ensure the dissemination of results for the promotion and improvement of knowledge on ecosystem-based adaptation actions. Eligibility extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. The closing date for letters of inquiry is 13 September 2024. More
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office — Research, Science, and Innovation Leadership Fellowship
The Chevening Research, Science and Innovation Leadership Fellowship (CRISP) is aimed at mid-career professionals with very high potential in the fields of science, innovation, and business from India and Sri Lanka. Each fellowship includes program fees, living expenses for the duration of the fellowship, and return economy airfare from India or Sri Lanka to the UK. To be eligible for a Chevening CRISP Fellowship, applicants must have a postgraduate level qualification and at least seven years’ work experience prior to applying. CRISP is open for applications until 10 October 2024. Link to the program
Earth Journalism Network — Grants for Video Content Production
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) seeks to boost video content production and distribution of information to build awareness about renewable energy in all states of India. To improve public awareness about the country’s efforts to decarbonize and scale its renewable energy capacity, EJN is providing fellowships for the production of video content. EJN will provide remuneration and mentorship to each selected applicant. The budget should cover reporting and production costs amounting to a maximum of INR 2.75 lakhs for a video of around 8 minutes in length. Proposals from all states in India are eligible. The application deadline is 16 August 2024. Know more
Gray Matters Capital — coLABS Impact Investing Fund
coLABS seeks scalable social enterprises that have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of women and girls around the world. coLABS strategically funds entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures that leverage women, and their critical role in the community through revenue-share investment capital. Seed investment ranges from US$100 thousand to US$250 thousand. Focus regions are South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Pre-screen forms can be submitted on a rolling basis. Details