The Fair Water Action Fund supports civil society organizations, journalists, and researchers in the Global South—especially in Africa—to promote water justice and hold governments and corporations accountable for water security. Grants range from £3,000 to £36,000 for projects up to 12 months that focus on advocacy, community monitoring, investigative reporting, and systemic change. Eligible applicants include grassroots networks, NGOs, academic centers, and independent media. Priority is given to countries facing water scarcity and governance challenges. The next application deadline is 31 July 2025. Fair Water Action Fund
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U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Seabird Conservation Program 2025
The U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites applications to improve populations of focal Pacific seabirds through actions that increase survival and reproduction. Proposed projects may address the management of non-native, invasive animals; restoration of nesting grounds and habitat; research and monitoring activities to address conservation needs; or activities that reduce bycatch. Awards generally fall within a range of US$50 thousand to US$1 million. Eligibility is not restricted. The deadline for proposals is 20 August 2025. Seabird Conservation Program
Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Endangered Species Fund
The Brookfield Zoo Chicago administers conservation grants funded by the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). The Fund’s priority is to support projects that assist directly in the protection of populations of threatened and endangered species; or that protect a specific habitat that is of high biological value or that is substantially threatened (IUCN Red List Status). Grants are up to US$7 thousand. The application deadline for concept notes is 31 August 2025. General directions
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
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
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — World Soil Day Award
The World Soil Day Award (WSDA) recognizes individuals and/or institutions that have made an effort to organize successful celebrations in the framework of the World Soil Day campaign of the previous year. The award consists of US$15 thousand and a trip to Thailand. The award is open to individuals, non-profit organizations, universities, and private companies. Applications have to be submitted by 01 September 2025. World Soil Day Award
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
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety — Marine Litter Innovation Challenge
The PROTEGO Marine Litter Innovation Challenge empowers organizations in Ghana and Nigeria to develop and scale innovative solutions addressing marine plastic pollution in identified hot spots along the Gulf of Guinea. Participants can receive up to €40,000 in project funding. Eligible applicants include NGOs, companies, research institutions, or community organizations. The application deadline is 21 July 2025. Know more
International Federation of Inventors’ Associations — Regenerative Innovation Competition
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) accepts applications for the prestigious Regenerative Innovation Competition. The initiative aims to unite visionaries from Latin America and the Caribbean, in an effort to generate breakthrough solutions in fields such as Renewable Energy and Urban Sustainability, among others. Participation is open to individuals aged 16 and above, including representatives of academic institutions, third-sector organizations, startups, and traditional businesses. The winners will be awarded medals and official certificates. The application deadline is 30 July 2025. InnovaCities 2025