NEF invites applications for the Africa Energy Ideas Competition which aims to accelerate the development of early-stage energy firms across Africa. The competition is open to early-stage energy entrepreneurs from Africa to collaborate with local research institutions or industries. Young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 years from Africa are invited to participate and nominate a relevant local research institution or organization. Winners will pitch their proposed prototype model at the 2024 Nigeria Energy Forum, in Lagos (Nigeria) and a cash prize of up to $10 thousand. The deadline for proposal submission is 30 September 2024. Click here
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U.S. Agency for International Development — Development Innovation Ventures
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 the 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
Pure Ocean — Pure Ocean Challenges
Pure Ocean supports innovative applied research projects worldwide, protecting fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Pure Ocean seeks projects that develop marine conservation initiatives managed by local communities and Indigenous peoples or explore nature-based solutions for the preservation of blue carbon ecosystems. Only non-profit organizations (NGOs, universities, research institutes) can apply and receive funding. Pure Ocean only supports scientific projects addressing a clearly defined research question. Selected projects will receive up to €40 thousand ( €25 thousand/year), for the duration of one to two years. Applications have to be submitted by 01 October 2024. Pure Ocean Challenges
Biodiversa+ — Biodiversity and Transformative Change
Biodiversa+ launches a joint call for transnational research proposals on the topic “Biodiversity and Transformative Change” (BiodivMon). The call is focused on helping understand trade-offs and cross-linkages between the worldwide crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution and identifing transformation processes that may safeguard biodiversity by mitigating its threats and halt its decline. The call is an opportunity to advance knowledge on biodiversity through monitoring, building on previous and existing efforts across Europe and beyond. Funding organizations have reserved a total amount of over €40 million for joint research projects. Research teams must form transnational research consortia with eligible partners from a minimum of 3 countries participating in the call. The deadline for pre-proposals submission is 08 November 2024. Biodiversa Joint Call
MedWet — World Wetlands Day
MedWet launches a call for projects to financially support actors in the realization of educational animations within the framework of the World Wetlands Day 2025. MedWet will select up to 34 projects and provide financial support of €250 for the implementation of campaigns and educational activities that highlight the importance of wetlands for humanity and the planet. This call targets actors that engage in wetland conservation in the Mediterranean region. Applications have to be submitted by 11 November 2024. Link to more information
Environmental Research & Education Foundation — Sustainable Solid Waste Management Research Program
The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) seeks applications for the Sustainable Solid Waste Management Research Program in North America. Pre-proposals must relate to sustainable solid waste management practices in the topic areas of waste conversion to energy, biological conversion technologies, and recycling, among others. Previously awarded grants have ranged from $15 thousand to over $500 thousand with an average grant size of about $160 thousand for 2 years. There are no restrictions in regard to geographic location. EREF has two deadlines per year with pre-proposals being accepted 15 days prior to the deadline date. The next application deadlines are 01 December 2024 and 01 May 2025. Find out how to apply for a grant
HawkWatch International — Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant
The Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant invests in projects led by citizens of developing countries with the aim of increasing diversity and inclusivity in conservation while building local capacity. Projects must be located in high-priority countries for raptor research and conservation (mainly Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, or Southeast Asia), focus on a single species of raptor, and be led by an applicant who is associated with a registered NGO and/or university in the country where the project will take place. Preference will be given to projects working in low-income countries. Applicants may apply for up to US$2,500. The application deadline is 15 January 2025. More information
World Academy of Sciences — Visiting Expert Programme
The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme supports visits of internationally renowned scientists to research institutions located in developing countries, especially least-developed countries. Only persons who have attained international recognition in their fields of science will be considered for support. Nominations of women are particularly welcome. Applications are made jointly by the host institution in the developing country and the visiting expert. The deadline for applications is 07 October 2024. Link to TWAS
Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bangkok — Small-Scale Local Projects in Thailand and Laos
The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bangkok invites applications for small-scale development projects from organizations in Thailand or Laos. Projects and development activities in the areas of environment, agriculture, health, education, and social services are welcome. The Czech Republic will provide between US$ 8,500 and US$ 22 thousand per project. Non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or community groups are welcome to apply. Interested entities should submit their proposals to the Embassy of the Czech Republic no later than 09 October 2024. Link
Munich Re Foundation — RISK Award “Children and Youths”
The RISK Award seeks operational field projects in risk reduction and disaster management. The prize will provide financial support of €100 thousand to projects dedicated to increasing people’s resilience to risks and disasters, especially in developing countries. The submitted projects may emphasize the importance of children and young people as agents of change. There are no eligibility restrictions but research institutions and NGOs are especially encouraged to submit. Projects have to be submitted by 17 October 2024. More