New in:
1. Tackling Technical Challenges in Land Data Assimilation virtual workshop
2. COVID-19 Response and Recovery Small Grants Mechanism, Management Sciences for Health (see link for eligible countries)
3. Call for Proposals, Global Development Network
4. Call for Code Global Challenge
5. Joint Call for Proposals on Food System, Sustainable FOOD production and consumption (see link for eligible countries)
6. Call for Applications, Grant Program, DWF Foundation (see link for eligible countries)
7. Call for Applications, UNFCU Foundation (see link for eligible countries)
All currently open calls:
Grant-making opportunities
1. Call for Applications, 2021 Innovation Challenge, World Food Programme
WFP is looking for disruptive innovations for fighting hunger in areas such as resilience to shocks and stress; access to safe and nutritious food; and advancing equitable livelihoods for all.
Benefits: up to USD 100,000 in equity-free funding with further funding dependent upon progress and measurable achievement of key targets; access to WFP operations; hands-on support, networking.
Deadline: May 31, 2021.
2. Smart Cities Datathon Challenge 2021, Asian Development Bank (see link for eligible countries)
Challenging innovators (startups, students, research organizations and independent researchers, corporate partners) to tackle the following problem statement: To build back smarter, how can digital solutions be used to make cities more livable with a focus on 1 or more of the following: access to services and amenities, participation and influence in the decision-making process, and improving financial access.
Funding information: USD 20,000 will be awarded to the best solution
Deadline: May 31, 2021.
3. Ocean Solutions Microgrants Program, Sustainable Ocean Alliance
To drive ocean innovation, strengthen youth involvement in the ocean sector, increase ocean literacy, and identify financially stable ocean conservation models.
Funding information: grants range from USD 500 to 2,000, typically disbursed in 2 installments
Deadline: May 31, 2021.
4. Call for Proposals, AI for Humanitarian Action Grant, Microsoft
Since 2018, Microsoft has supported 40 AI for Humanitarian Action projects in 13 countries, advancing solutions to address challenges in disaster response, refugees, displaced people, human rights, and the needs of women and children through grants, technology donations, and data science support.
Deadline: May 31, 2021.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes was created in 1995 to reward outstanding examples of action to safeguard and enhance the world’s cultural landscapes, a category of World Heritage.
Grant Size: USD 10,000 to 100,000
Deadline Date: May 31, 2021.
The International Visegrad Fund is currently accepting applications for the 2021 Visegrad Grants Program to support Regional Partnerships among NGOs and Civil Society Organizations, public institutions and municipalities, private companies and nonprofit organizations as well as education and research centers that contribute to cooperation in the Visegrad region.
Deadline: Jun 1, 2021.
7. 2021 Visegrad+ Grants Program to aid Democratization and Transformation Processes
The International Visegrad Fund is pleased to announce the 2021 Visegrad+ Grants Program to support projects which contribute to the democratization and transformation processes in selected countries and regions, especially non-EU member states in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership countries.
Deadline: Jun 1, 2021.
8. International Visegrad Fund's 2021 Strategic Grants Program
The International Visegrad Fund is currently accepting proposals for the 2021 Strategic Grants Program to support project addressing annual strategic priorities of the Visegrad Group.
Deadline: Jun 1, 2021.
9. Small Research Grant on Education, Spencer Foundation
Supports rigorous, intellectually ambitious and technically sound research that is relevant to the most pressing questions and compelling opportunities in education (broadly conceived).
Funding information: supports education research projects, with budgets up to USD 50,000 for projects ranging from one to five years.
Deadline: Jun 1, 2021.
10. Call for Proposals, Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund
To support conservation programs that protect threatened wildlife and habitats worldwide. Field studies and other projects that demonstrate a multi-disciplinary approach to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, and projects that involve in-country collaborators receive the highest funding priority.
Deadline: Jun 1, 2021.
11. Racial Equity Special Research Grants Program, Spencer Foundation
To support rigorous, intellectually ambitious, and technically sound research that is relevant to the most pressing questions and compelling opportunities in relation to racial equity in education.
Funding information: proposed budgets for this program are limited to USD 75,000 total and may not include indirect cost charges per Spencer’s policy.
Deadline: Jun 2, 2021.
12. Toyota Foundation's 2021 International Grant Program (see link for eligible countries)
In 2021, the International Grant Program of the Toyota Foundation continues to focus on “Cultivating Empathy Through Learning from Our Neighbors: Practitioners’ Exchange on Common Issues in Asia” in East and Southeast Asian countries.
Grant Size: USD 10,000 to 100,000.
Deadline: Jun 5, 2021.
To strengthen environmental and occupational health-related research collaborations, enhance research training, create relevant advanced educational curricula and outreach material; support research needed to identify and design mitigation strategies for the adverse consequences of environmental and occupational exposures, and inform nationally-relevant policy development in LMICs.
Funding information: anticipated budget total costs may not exceed USD 300,000 per year.
Deadline: Jun 8, 2021.
14. Most Innovative Development Project 2021, Global Development Network (see link for eligible countries)
Invites NGOs and CSOs to submit project applications within the following three themes of the Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project: universal health coverage and COVID; community-driven, climate-related, disaster risk reduction in rural areas; quality urban infrastructure and community driven governance
Funding information: winning projects will receive grants worth USD 45,000 and, in total; the MIDP category will award 9 grants worth USD 135,000.
Deadline: Jun 9, 2021.
15. New COVID-19 Response and Recovery Small Grants Mechanism, Management Sciences for Health (see link for eligible countries)
Seeks applications from country-based civil society organizations to ensure that women, children and adolescents can continue to access essential health and nutrition services to improve WCAH outcomes as countries develop and execute COVID-19 response and recovery plans.
Funding information: max. amount of grants ranges from USD 30,000 to 50,000 depending on the funding stream.
Deadline: June 11, 2021.
16. Call for Proposals, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (see link for eligible countries)
This opportunity will enhance detection and response to infectious disease threats in healthcare facilities globally by developing networks to implement prevention and containment strategies at local, national, and regional levels. Interventions to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats in healthcare, including AMR, HAIs, and COVID-19, will be developed and implemented within networks.
Funding information: approx. total fiscal year funding USD 15 million; average 1-year award USD 800,000
Deadline: Jun 15, 2021.
17. Call for applications to the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD)
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking applications for its International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD). Established under the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the IFCD is a voluntary multi-donor fund which supports the emergence of dynamic cultural sectors in developing countries.
Grant Size: USD 10,000 to 100,000.
Deadline: Jun 16, 2021.
18. Nature Research Awards for Inspiring Women in Science
Nature Research Awards for Inspiring Women in Science are now open for applications. It is presented for initiatives that support girls or young women to engage with, enjoy and study STEM subjects or to increase the retention of women in STEM careers.
Grant Size: USD 10,000 to 100,000.
Deadline: Jun 20, 2021.
19. SERI: Research Partnership Grants Program 2021
The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation are pleased to announce applications for Research Partnership Grants Program to strengthen the exchange and cooperation between Switzerland and Latin America on a scientific basis through research, teaching, further education, and services.
Grant Size: USD 10,000 to 100,000.
Deadline: Jun 25, 2021.
The U.S. Department of State and Office of Acquisitions Management is pleased to announce the Public outreach to address demand for endangered and protected species in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Program to develop innovative outreach and behavior change campaigns to highlight risks to endangered and protected species and reduce demand for TCM products promoting and/or containing these species.
Grant Size: USD 500,000 to 1 million.
Deadline: Jun 26, 2021.
21. New Call for Applications, UNFCU Foundation (see link for eligible countries)
Emphasis on reducing poverty through quality healthcare and education for women and youth.
Funding information: up to USD 50,000
Deadline: Jun 30, 2021.
22. Small Grants Program, Save Our Seas Foundation
To support research, conservation or educational projects that are capable of attracting significant public attention and that, as a result, may genuinely increase public and government awareness of the urgent need to protect the marine environment. Only projects concerned with marine chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, chimaeras) will be considered.
Funding information: up to USD 10,000
Deadline: Jun 30, 2021.
23. Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund
To provide targeted grants to individual species conservation initiatives, recognize leaders in the field and elevate the importance of species in the broader conservation debate.
Funding information: maximum grant size is USD 25,000
Deadline: Jun 30, 2021.
24. Skål International seeking Nominations for Sustainable Tourism Awards
The Skål International is seeking nominations for its Sustainable Tourism Awards to all public and private sector companies, educational institutions, NGOs, and government agencies.
Deadline: Jun 30, 2021.
25. Grants Program, The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation (see link for eligible countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Middle East)
Seeks to protect natural resources, improve the production and distribution of food, and promote public health. Supports projects that demonstrate local leadership and promote professional development in the conservation, agricultural, and health sciences; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field.
Funding information: average grant is approx. USD 20,000. Grants exceeding USD 30,000 rarely awarded.
Deadline: Jul 1, 2021.
26. Call for Proposals for AI for Earth Grants Program, Microsoft
To support projects that use AI to change the way people and organizations monitor, model, and manage Earth’s natural systems. Focus areas: climate, agriculture, biodiversity, water.
Grant information: If you already have access to a labeled dataset and are ready to start using Azure AI tools and cloud computing, this grant provides you with Azure compute credits worth USD 5,000, USD 10,000, or USD 15,000 (depending on project scope & needs).
Deadline: Jul 5, 2021.
27. USIP launches Grant Competition for Nonprofit Organisations and Academic Institutions
The United States Institute of Peace is seeking applications for its Grant Competition with the aim of understanding how multilateral institutions can be reformed to build and sustain peace more effectively. Priority will be given to research which identifies the factors impacting multilateral peacebuilding and conflict prevention and offers concrete recommendations to reform, rebuild, and sustain more effective institutions at the global and regional levels.
Grant Size: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000.
Deadline: Jul 7, 2021.
28. Call for Applications: Planet "See Change, Change the World" Challenge, Copernicus Masters
Looking for creative solutions that use Planet and Copernicus data to address objectives of the European Green Deal.
Funding information: Possibility to access EUR 10,000 worth of commercial datasets. Extra EUR 10,000 if your concept gets selected as Copernicus Masters 2021 Overall Winner
Deadline: Jul 19, 2021.
29. DLR Environment, Energy & Health Challenge, Copernicus Masters
Looking for innovative solutions that use Earth observation data to support the sustainable management of our limited natural resources and foster human well-being.
Funding information: a cash prize worth EUR 5,000; possibility to access EUR 10,000 worth of commercial datasets; extra EUR 10,000 if your concept gets selected as Overall Winner
Deadline: Jul 19, 2021.
30. BMVI Digital Transport Challenge, Copernicus Masters
Solutions can solve challenges on the local, national or international level and can target any mode of transportation. Participants are encouraged to use Copernicus data along with additional data sources such as traffic information, or other mobility-related data.
Funding information: a cash prize worth EUR 5,000; possibility to access EUR 10,000 worth of commercial datasets
Deadline: Jul 19, 2021.
31. New Call for Applications, Grant Program, DWF Foundation (see link for eligible countries)
DWF Foundation provides funds, resources and support to help communities achieve their full potential.
Funding information: Foundation does not have a min. grant size but the majority of the grants will fall under GBP 5,000.
Deadline: Jul 31, 2021.
32. Call for Concept Notes, Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals (see link for eligible countries)
For high-impact partnerships implementing innovative business models to accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Partnership must include at least one commercial partner and at least one non-commercial partner.
Funding information: Partnership awards may be up to USD 1 million, typically in the USD 100,000 range for start-ups and more for scale-ups
Deadline: Jul 31, 2021.
33. Call for Applications, Small Grants Program, Mérieux Foundation (see link for eligible countries)
Program to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases. The projects including as beneficiaries mothers and children will be given priority.
Funding information: selected projects will receive up to EUR 5000. Two annual sessions are organized to study the applications.
Deadline: Aug 1, 2021.
34. International Elephant Foundation accepting Applications for 2022 Asian and African Elephant Conservation and Research Funding (eligible for Asian and African countries) The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) is currently accepting applications for the Asian and African elephant conservation initiatives for funding in 2022.
Grant Size: USD 1000 to 10,000.
Deadline: Aug 6, 2021.
35. Call for Applications, Scientific Product Grant Program, Wildlife Acoustics
To support the advancement of animal biology research, habitat monitoring, and environmental conservation that provides scientists with resources to help further their research into the study of bats, birds, frogs, and other vocal wildlife.
Funding information: up to USD 5,000 is available to be awarded each quarter.
Deadline: Aug 15, 2021.
36. New Joint Call for Proposals on Food System, Sustainable FOOD production and consumption (see link for eligible countries)
To strengthen Research and Development on innovative solutions for resilient, climate-smart and sustainable food systems, with a focus on approaches to improve resource efficiency and enhance the capability of food systems to withstand severe physical and economic shocks.
Funding information: joint network consists of 14 funding bodies from 13 countries committing EUR 7,850,000 for transnational research.
Deadline: Aug 16, 2021.
37. Call for Applications, Merck Research Grants 2021
To create new sustainable partnerships with leading global science and technology players to work on breakthrough science and to generate valuable seeds for future business.
Funding information: amount of the grant(s) is EUR 40,000 - 450,000 per year/up to 3 years.
Deadline: Aug 31, 2021.
38. U.S. Agency for International Development announces Social and Behavior Change Research
The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of Population and Reproductive Health (PRH) is pleased to announce the Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Research Annual Program Statement (APS). Contribute to USAID’s behavioral science investments to advance research and technical assistance that improves the health of women, men, children, and their communities, and to strengthen local capacity to design, lead, and monitor SBC research and learning efforts in USAID-assisted countries.
Deadline: Dec 31, 2029.
39. Fund for Innovation in Development Grant Program
A new initiative to support innovation that contributes to reducing global poverty and inequality. Through flexible grant funding, FID enables innovators and researchers to test new ideas, build rigorous evidence of what works, and scale the highest-impact and most cost- effective solutions.
Deadline: ongoing
40. Call for Proposals, Social Science Research Council
As part of the Just Tech program, seeks proposals from across the social sciences and related fields that address the risks, opportunities, and challenges posed by public health surveillance stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Funding information: awards will range from USD 5,000 to 10,000, with larger amounts directed to projects committed to research partnerships
Deadline: ongoing
41. Collaborate Pacific, New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade (see eligible Pacific countries)
Aims to support effective governance, leadership, regional cooperation, and sustainable development in the Pacific through support to one-off, small scale activities that tackle issues that matter to the region. Recognizes that partnership, capacity building, people-to-people links, and knowledge-sharing are critical to ownership of development processes.
Deadline: ongoing
42. Global Water Futures – Affiliate Projects
To deliver risk management solutions, informed by leading-edge water science and supported by innovative decision-making tools to manage water futures in Canada and other regions where global warming is changing landscapes, ecosystems, and water environments.
Deadline: There is no associated closing date with applications.
43. Call for Applications, Urgent Action Fund (Africa)
Urgent Action Fund-Africa is expanding its COVID-19 response towards supporting women, transgender and gender non-conforming defenders with disabilities to: develop and widely disseminate messages and information about the disease in disability friendly formats, simplify and/or translate complex COVID 19 information, and provide practical resources.
Funding information: up to USD 8,000
Deadline: applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
44. COVID-19 Young Leaders Fund
Program is designed to support young leaders who are tackling the Covid-19 pandemic on the frontlines. Applicants should be focused on SDGs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8. One Young World will prioritize initiatives which can use the funds to impact the maximum number of people to the greatest extent.
Funding information: One Young World recommends requesting between GBP 2,500 - GBP 10,000.
Deadline: Program is open on an ongoing basis.
45. Global Innovation Fund (GIF)
This program seeks to invest in social innovations that aim to improve the lives and opportunities of millions of people in the developing world. Open to funding innovations in any sector as long as they can demonstrate their innovation improves the lives of those living on less than USD 5 PPP per day.
Range: USD 50,000 – 15,000,000
Deadline: Program is open on an ongoing basis.
Fellowships and other opportunities
1. Call for Applications, The Global Forum on Humanitarian Health Research
Seeks to bring researchers and humanitarian organizations (including NGOs, local policymakers, and international agencies) together to share experiences and promote collaboration around health research in humanitarian settings. The forum prioritizes the participation of and case study presentations by researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Deadline: May 28, 2021.
2. Call for Proposals, 4th Human Rights Youth Challenge
Hearing from youth and from their perspective and their thoughts on how climate change impacts drinking water, water used for personal and domestic purpose as well as sanitation facilities including sewerage, toilet and shower facilities, hygiene products, among others.
Prize information: UN Special Rapporteur will invite the winner to join him and to speak at a side-event to Human Rights Council in September 2021.
Deadline: May 31, 2021.
3. Call for Applications, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
To support the research and development of broadly protective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (BPCoV2) to meet the need for protection against variants. Emphasis is again on antigen design to elicit durable, potent and broad protection against variants.
Deadline: May 31, 2021.
4. UNESCO Clubs 2021 Worldwide Youth Multimedia Competition
2021 Entry Question: COVID-19 has tested Human Solidarity like nothing before. Based on your research, knowledge and experience, develop and submit, a Multimedia proposal/project that describes the lessons we have learned and how those lessons will shape our future. For example, our future in education, employment, development, or social aspects.
Deadline: May 31, 2021.
5. ISID/ESCMID Fellowships, International Society for Infectious Diseases (see link for eligible countries)
To foster international, peer-to-peer collaboration and the exchange of scientific knowledge and best practice. The program enables early-career investigators, from low and lower-middle income countries outside of the region, to travel to Europe for multidisciplinary clinical and laboratory training.
Benefits: 2 fellowships of up to USD 7,500 and up to three months duration are awarded annually.
Deadline: Jun 1, 2021.
6. Call for Proposals for 2021 Public Forum, World Trade Organization
Theme is “Trade beyond COVID-19: Building Resilience”. Will look at the effects of COVID-19 on trade and how the multilateral trading system can help build resilience to the pandemic and future crises and deliver positive results for developing and least-developed countries.
Deadline: Jun 7, 2021.
7. New Tackling Technical Challenges in Land Data Assimilation virtual workshop
June 14-16, 2021.
This workshop is focused on the technical challenges of data assimilation, and we have a great lineup of technically-focused, thought-provoking talks that allow ample time for discussion. The second half of each day will be dedicated to making connections between land DA communities, increasing knowledge exchange to tackle land DA challenges, and building a collaborative land DA community inclusive of all backgrounds and career stages.
8. Call for Applications, Resilient Ecosystems Challenge, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
How can communities sustainably protect, manage, and restore their local ecosystems? The MIT Solve community is looking for technology-based solutions that help communities restore, sustain, and benefit from resilient ecosystems.
Funding information: applicants will receive a $10,000 grant from Solve
Deadline: Jun 16, 2021.
Priority will be given to research which identifies the factors impacting multilateral peacebuilding and conflict prevention and offers concrete recommendations to reform, rebuild, and sustain more effective institutions at the global and regional levels.
Award information: fellows receive a monthly stipend of USD 11,500. The fellowship does not cover housing costs nor health insurance.
Deadline: Jun 24, 2021.
10. Information Controls Fellowship Program, Open Technology Fund
Fellows have experience in fields such as computer science, engineering, information security research, software development, and social sciences, law, and data visualization, among others. Information controls is a cross-disciplinary field, so applications are open to a variety of backgrounds and disciplines and can include students and junior to mid-career practitioners.
Fellowship information: 3, 6, 9, or 12-month fellowships available. Monthly stipend of USD 5,000
Deadline: Jun 30, 2021.
Brings together a select group of college students across the world to build tech-powered social ventures that address problems in Healthcare, Agriculture, Education Technology, Economic Empowerment, and Renewable Energy & Sustainability.
Funding information: winners receive up to USD 50,000 in prize money to further develop their ideas. Access to subject matter experts, mentors, leading academics, & investors also provided.
Deadline: Jul 1, 2021.
12. New Call for Proposals, Global Development Network
GDN is partnering with AFD to conduct an online video contest, on key development transitions taking place across the globe. The videos will tell the stories of young researchers working in the Global South – enabling global audiences to learn about their challenges and successes. The videos will link deep local knowledge and perspectives to the public discourse on subjects such as climate, energy, gender, governance and more.
Deadline: Jul 4, 2021.
13. Landecker Democracy Fellowship (see link for eligible countries)
To build a new generation of leaders whose approaches to political and societal challenges become catalysts for democratic placemaking and community building. This year’s thematic focus is social cohesion. To support young professionals in their quest to build bridges and form unique and lasting ties among those who are increasingly drifting apart.
Deadline: Jul 11, 2021.
14. Call for Applications for 2021-2023 EDGE Fellowship Program (see link for eligible countries)
Awards two-year Fellowships to future conservation leaders working on poorly-known EDGE fish, gymnosperms, bird, mammal, amphibian, reptile, shark or ray species.
Benefits: 4-week Conservation Tools training course, a grant of £10,000 to undertake a 2-year project, ongoing technical support, one-to-one support from a scientific advisor, and a 2-week Conservation Leadership training course.
Deadline: Jul 18, 2021.
15. New Call for Code Global Challenge
Competition that asks developers to build sustainable open source solutions that address the world’s greatest humanitarian issues. This year the competition will focus on solutions that help halt and reverse the impact of climate change, with a focus on the following sub-categories: clean water & sanitation, zero hunger, and responsible production & green consumption.
Deadline: Jul 31, 2021.
Each Chair will be provided up to USD 970,000 over a four-year period and tasked with executing a world-class research program able to contribute significantly towards building both the human capital and the scientific knowledgebase required to solve important climate change-related problems in Africa and beyond.
The application process will remain open until suitable candidates are identified.
17. Scholarship for Displaced Students, Columbia University
Supports displaced students from anywhere in the world who are unable to complete their higher education. These students will receive full tuition, housing, and living assistance while pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees across all 18 Columbia schools and affiliates. Scholarship aims to shift the global dialogue surrounding displaced persons, from one that views them as a burden to one that recognizes them as vital contributors to global innovation and prosperity.
18. Partnering for Change: Link Research to Societal Challenges, University of Basel
Course: How can we address societal challenges with research? Investigate the principles, processes, and uses of transdisciplinarity. Topics include: transdisciplinary projects on sustainable development, migration, and health.