A G R I C U L T U R AL
Research
The MEPI Local Grants Program seeks proposals that support inclusive economic growth in the Western Sahara by improving local economic opportunities. Proposals should develop and implementing locally-designed solutions to environmental, economic, or social problems or promote inclusive economic growth that reaches marginalized communities. (Note: This may include one or more categories of the Terra Viva Grant Directory.) Budgets should fall between US$50 thousand and US$500 thousand. Eligibility extends to US and foreign organizations and universities based in based in based in the Middle East and North Africa region (except Egypt, West Bank, Gaza, United Arab Emirates, and Oman). Project proposals have to be submitted by 25 February 2020.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) invites applications for the ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents to pursue Masters and PhD studies in China. Eligible fields of study include agricultural sciences, various fields of biology, and other areas of the natural sciences and engineering. The program will award scholarships to non-Chinese applicants worldwide. The maximum age of applicants is 30 (master) and 35 (PhD). Applicants are required to provide proof of proficiency of English or Chinese language. The application deadline is 31 March 2020.
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is inviting applicants for support of commodity development activities in its member countries. The CFC provides a range of financial and technical instruments in support or business activities contributing to commodity sector development in Developing Countries. Examples include agriculture, commodity value addition and trade, minerals and metals. Besides generating a viable financial return, eligible activities should also deliver a measurable social and environmental impact. Deadline: 15 April 2020
Agribusiness
The Yunus&Youth Fellowship Program is a six-month online program for young social entrepreneurs from all around the world. The program is designed for young early-stage social business leaders that have the potential to solve community-based problems with focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants will be matched with a mentor, participate in expert webinars with business professionals and receive help with business plan development. In the final stage of the program, fellows will present their social businesses to a team of real investors to shape their presentation skills and test their pitch decks. The deadline to submit applications is 16 February 2020.
Innovate4Climate seeks innovators, startups and entrepreneurs who develop climate-smart solutions with potential for transformative impact in reducing emissions and/or increasing resilience to climate change. Solutions can be goods, services (e.g. financial instruments, risk management mechanisms), technological solutions, or innovative business models. The competition aims to support climate-smart cities with innovations for energy, food/agriculture, waste/water, and two additional categories.The call for solutions will close on 01 March 2020.
Techstars provides funding and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs. Techstars Impact Accelerator is for for-profit founders building tech to solve social & environmental problems. Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator is for entrepreneurs focusing on the tech/digital side of food and agriculture. The Techstars Sustainability Accelerator, in Partnership with The Nature Conservancy, is for entrepreneurs with commercially viable technologies that can rapidly scale to help sustainably provide food and water and address global issues like climate change. Each selected project team receives up to $100 thousand startup investment. Application deadline is 05 April or 10 May 2020 for most programs. (please check application deadlines carefully).
Bio-diversity, Environment, Climate change
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation funds projects for conservation and science in themes that include climate change, ocean conservation, agriculture, and others. The Foundation makes grants to charitable, educational, and scientific organizations in the USA and other countries. Most grants range from US$20 thousand to US$500 thousand. Potential applicants should consult Packard’s website for the criteria, guidelines, and restrictions of grant making. There is no calendar deadline.
The Gadfly Project provides advanced software to entities committed to promoting peace, environmental sustainability, economic development, and quality-of-life advancements worldwide. The Custom Web and Mobile Application Development (CWMAD) program makes in-kind grants to non-profit organizations needing software to improve their operations and outreach. The Budget Booster Program offers the company’s services for half the stated price (50% discount). The Gadfly Project publishes submission guidelines for each of CWMAD and Budget Booster. Requests for support can be submitted at any time.
The Scientific Cooperation Research Program supports applied research and education projects between U.S. researchers and foreign scientists that create practical solutions to challenges faced by small farmers. Proposed solutions should address issues including agricultural trade and market access, animal and plant health, biotechnology, food safety and security, and sustainable natural resource management. The program supports up to 10 collaborative research programs with up to US$50 thousand. Eligibility extends to US public and private institutions of higher education. The application deadline is 02 March 2020.
The “Act for Biodiversity Challenge,” supported by Vittel, seeks already-implemented solutions that engage people and organizations across sectors to preserve and restore biodiversity. Solutions can be designed for agriculture, urban environments, and forests. The applicants must be a nonprofit, for-profit, hybrid organization, or have a fiscal sponsor with an already implemented project beyond the idea stage (pilot projects are eligible). Up to four winners will receive a cash prize (a total of CHF 60 thousand will be distributed among the winners). Applications have to be submitted by 03 March 2020.
The Agropolis Foundation seeks to promote the agro-ecological transition by promoting practices and solutions which conserve natural renewable resources. Therefore, the Foundation invites research and project proposals along three transversal axes: Agriculture and climate change: adaptation and mitigation (Axis 1); Conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity (Axis 2); Responsible production and consumption (Axis 3). The call will finance two types of projects. Type 1 projects may request between €150 thousand and €250 thousand, Type 2 projects may request between €20 thousand and €25 thousand. The lead proponent should be from one of the research units belonging to the Foundation’s scientific network. The application deadline is 03 March 2020.
The National Geographic Society seeks projects that will document underrepresented communities that have traditionally been given less consideration in stories of the environmental movement. Proposals may focus on all aspects of local and traditional communities, e.g., land use issues; indigenous heroes; impacts of environmental degradation; climate-related migration, etc. Applicants must have strong track records as storytellers (journalists, photographers, videographers, cartographers). Applicants may request up to US$80 thousand. The deadline is 22 April 2020.
The Office of Forestry and Biodiversity in USAID’s Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment seeks transformational solutions to cross-sectoral development challenges in biodiverse landscapes. Sectors that may comprise HEARTH concepts are: biodiversity conservation, health, food security (agriculture and nutrition), governance, economic development and livelihoods, water supply and sanitation, education, modern energy solutions, forest management and restoration, and climate resilience. Eligible priority countries include Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and South America Regional; Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Central Africa Regional; Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Vietnam and the Regional Development Mission for Asia. Awards range between US$1 million and US$10 million. The deadline for applications is 15 June 2020.
Fellowships/scholarships/grants
The Noel Buxton Trust makes grants up to £5 thousand per year for up to three years for projects in Africa that promote economic development, or that support the care of street children. Past recent projects in the theme of economic development include examples in livestock raising, aquaculture, and credit for women-led businesses. The Trust especially welcomes applications in support of initiatives that help build sustainable futures in the semi-arid areas of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, and South Sudan. The Trust invites applications from registered civil society organisations in Africa, and from UK-based charities — including from diaspora organisations based in the UK – for projects in the priority countries. Applications can be submitted at any time.
Each month, the Awesome Foundation makes a micro-grant of US$1,000 to an organization or project worldwide. Projects include initiatives in a wide range of areas including arts, technology, community development, and more. Anyone is eligible for a grant, including individuals, groups, and organizations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The EU’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan includes grants of technical assistance to benefit government institutions and private-sector organizations. Projects need to address the identified themes in FLEGT. Currently, requests can be submitted from entities in VPA countries and non-VPA countries. The VPA countries are Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Guyana, and Honduras. Grants are up to US$55 thousand. Eligibility extends to government institutions and non-profit organizations. Applications (English, French, Spanish) can be submitted at any time.
Urgent Action Fund Africa (UAF-Africa) is a rapid response fund to offer financial and technical resources at critical moments of need to African women’s organizations. Grants are made in five categories, including one category on natural resources governance & climate change. The Fund aims to respond to most urgent requests within 24 hours. Grants are up to US$12 thousand. Applications can be submitted in five languages (English, French, Swahili, Arabic, Portuguese) at any time.
The Violet Jabara Trust supports organizations working in the developing countries of the Middle East to promote sustainable economic development, as well as reproductive health and women’s welfare. The Trust’s thematic interests include environmental issues, among others. Priority countries are Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Palestine (Occupied Territories), Yemen, Egypt and North Africa. Countries further afield (such as the Gulf countries, Sudan, or Afghanistan) may be considered, but will not be given priority. Eligibility for grants extends to nonprofit groups in the USA and internationally, with preference for small local organizations. There is no deadline for submitting letters of inquiry.
Tools with a Mission (TWAM) supports livelihood projects in Dem Rep Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The program ships tools and school books to registered charities and NGOs either working in Africa or based in Africa. Organizations can apply for different kits, including the Agricultural Tool Kit, the Electricians Kit, and the Plumbers Tool Kit. TWAM lists the available equipment and books on its website. There is no application deadline.
The Borlaug Fellowship Program supports short-term research projects to improve agricultural productivity, economic development, and food security in over developing countries. The program offers training and collaborative opportunities for agricultural research, international agricultural economics, leadership, and policy. The program lists the eligible countries, and the research priorities for each of them. Fellows work one-on-one with a U.S. mentor who will coordinate the training program. After completion of the 6 months fellowship, the mentor will visit the fellow’s home institution to continue collaboration. USDA will select U.S. host institutions and mentors for each fellow. The application deadline is 18 February 2020.
The Turkish Government offers scholarships to international students. The government-funded scholarship program is awarded to students that pursue full-time or short-term program at universities in Turkey. Fields of study include Agriculture, Natural and Applied Sciences, amongst many others. Applications are open from students from all around the world. Türkiye Scholarships Burslari provides financial support and university placements to its awardees. The application deadline is 20 February 2020.
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers grants to journalists based in eastern India and coastal Bangladesh to report on critical issues related to climate change. ENJ seeks in-depth stories that focus on climate and environmental change, such as climate-induced migration, agricultural and water issues or food security in the Bay of Bengal region. EJN expects to award at least 10 grants averaging US$1,300 each. Early- or mid-career journalists from print, web, radio and television are eligible. Freelance reporters should demonstrate a plan for publication and provide a letter of interest from an editor. Deadline for applications is 21 February 2020.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) seeks results based management approaches to enhance project management for rural transformation. The selected grant recipient (or consortium) will receive a three-year grant for a total amount of up to US$2 million (cash and in-kind co-financing is required). Eligibility to receive cash grants extends to non-profit organization, universities, vocational training providers, private sector companies and research institutes. The deadline to receive proposals is 01 March 2020.
The African Center of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development (ACEESD), in collaboration with World Bank and SIDA, invites students and individuals, both nationals of Rwanda and non-nationals, to submit their business ideas to develop a product aimed at a practical solution reflecting the real problems faced by communities in Rwanda and Africa. Selected entrepreneurs will attend a boot camp and receive mentorship, coaching and guidance to further develop their idea into a real business. The best five ideas will receive seed funding. Proposals have to be submitted by 06 March 2020.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. The program seeks profit and non-profit organizations with great ideas and bold solutions to solve hunger globally. The Innovation Accelerator offers financial support, training and access to WFP partners and technical experts. Selected teams get an opportunity to develop their projects and receive up to US$ 100 thousand. Applications for the 2020 Program (Cohort II) have to be submitted by 08 March 2020.
New Zealand’s government provides a variety of opportunities for training and university study through the New Zealand Aid Program, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The program has four scholarship schemes, reaching a total of over 90 countries. The priorities for support often include agriculture, renewable energy, fisheries, disaster risk management, and other areas related to natural resources and environment. The eligibility requirements for scholarships are specific to each country/regional program. The application deadline for submissions is 28 February 2020 for most developing countries in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean; and 27 March 2020 for Commonwealth countries. Check the eligible countries and closing dates carefully.
USADF, in collaboration with the Government of Benin, invites small and medium-sized enterprises to submit requests for funding and support for the development of their local Beninese businesses. Projects focusing on value chains of corn, cassava, cashew, shea, pineapple, palm oil, rice, peanut and soybean and off-grid energy and craft industries are eligible. Startups can request a total of US$50 thousand for projects in processing, crafts and off-grid energy sectors. Grants range from US$10 thousand to maximum of US$ 250 thousand. Businesses must provide a minimum contribution of 30% of the total cost of the project. The application deadline is 28 February 2020.
In partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the government of Hungary announces scholarships for MSc degrees in agriculture at participating Hungarian universities. The fields of specialization for the 2020-2021 Academic Year are Food Safety, Horticultural Engineering, and Animal Nutrition. Applicants should be residents and nationals of the developing countries listed in the announcement. The application deadline for scholarships is 28 February 2020.
Humboldt Foundation is seeking applications from Young Climate Experts for its International Climate Protection Fellowship.
With the International Climate Protection Fellowships, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables prospective leaders in academia and industry to implement a research based proposal in the field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation during a one-year stay in Germany.
Up to 20 International Climate Protection Fellowships are granted annually, funded under the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety’s (BMU) International Climate Initiative. The fellowships target prospective leaders from non European transition and developing countries. Deadline: 1 March 2020
Wallonie Bruxelles International (WBI) offers postdoctoral scholarships through the Excellence Scholarship Program. Focus areas include life sciences, agriculture-industry, environmental technologies, and others. Applications are open to candidates of any nationality that hold a doctor higher education diploma. The deadline for applications for long term scholarships (min. 1 year) is 01 March 2020, and for short term scholarships (1-3 months) is 01 February 2020 and 01 October 2020.
The TEF Program fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. TEF combines mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 01 March 2020.
Candidates who are interested in conducting postdoctoral research at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research in Israel are invited to apply for fellowships. Research topics include desert ecology, solar energy, environmental physics, architecture and urban planning, rainfed and irrigated agriculture, hydrology, aquaculture, environmental microbiology, desalination and water treatment, and biotechnology. The current value of a the BCSC fellowship is US$25 thousand. Candidates should first select a topic of interest and identify a prospective supervisor. Applications are open worldwide. The application deadline is 02 March 2020.
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) invites proposals to its Global Partnerships Seedcorn Fund 2020 call. The Fund allows UK environmental science researchers to forge new partnerships and networks with international researchers from developing countries. Activities under this grant scheme may include, but are not limited to, programs of exchange visits, scoping studies, proof of concept studies and workshops. Awards are up to a maximum of £100 thousand for two years. The deadline to submit a notification of intent is 12 March 2020.
Taiwan’s program of development assistance includes scholarships for university students in eligible developing countries to study in Taiwan. The program provides full scholarships for applicants from selected countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean region, Latin America, and certain other countries. Subject areas at Taiwan’s participating universities include tropical agriculture, aquaculture technology and management, environmental sustainable development, and others. Undergraduate students receive NT$12 thousand per month as an allowance, Masters students receive NT$15 thousand per month, and PhD students receive NT$17 thousand per month, plus travel, fees and other costs for the program. The application deadline is 15 March 2020.
The Hilden Charitable Fund makes grants in the UK and developing countries in defined thematic areas. Projects in developing countries focus on community development, education, and health. (Note: Projects related to food security, community water supply, local energy, etc., may be relevant.) Hilden particularly welcomes projects addressing the needs and potential of girls and women. Hilden will consider funding for charitable organizations based in any developing country, that have been active for at least five years, and that meet its criteria on financial income. Hilden only accepts applications from UK charities for overseas projects. Projects may be for more than one year. Average grants are £5 thousand. Applications can be submitted anytime but the closing date for the next meeting is 18 March 2020.
The New England Biolabs Foundation makes grants to grassroots and charitable organizations to support conservation of biological diversity; ecosystem services; community food security; and marine environment. The geographical scope focuses on regions (specified on the website) in Central America; South America, and West Africa. Maximum grant size is US$10 thousand. Most grants are US$3 thousand to US$8 thousand. The deadlines for submission of LOIs are 23 March 2020 and 10 August 2020.
Future Food – A Swiss Research Initiative awards up to ten postdoc fellowships each year to further expand research and education in the area of food and nutrition sciences. The fellowship provides personal research funds for three years, enabling fellows to work on their projects in a Swiss research laboratory. Applicants must hold a doctorate (PhD). There is no restriction on nationality. The deadline for applications via the online form is 31 March 2020.
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) invites women scientists in the field of agriculture (and other sciences) from science and technology lagging countries to apply for the OWSD PhD Training Fellowships. Each fellow will receive a monthly allowance to cover basic living expenses, a special allowance to attend international conferences, travel expenses, medical insurance, and the opportunity to attend regional science communications workshops for up to four years. Applications will be accepted until 31 March 2020.
The Mahmoud S. Rabbani Fellowship is intended for Arab Students interested in pursuing their education in The Netherlands. A maximum of €15 thousand is awarded for one year. Eligible fields of study include Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery, Environmental Sciences, Natural sciences and others. Arab students who have been accepted into a Masters or a PhD program in the Netherlands and Dutch students who have been accepted into a Masters or a PhD program in the Arab World are eligible to apply. The application deadline is 31 March 2020.
NextWorldNow (NWN) is committed to working with community leaders who are solving difficult social problems. This includes social problems related to water, sanitation, deforestation, smallholder productivity, and food security — among other subject areas. Grants are up to US$10 thousand. To apply, community organizations submit a short “Notification of Interest” to register their intent to submit a formal grant application. NWN will screen the initial requests and forward a full application form to selected community organizations. The deadline to submit a Notification of Interest is 31 March 2020.
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites applications for the One Planet Fellowship. The Fellowship seeks to build a network of African and European scientist leaders to help Africa’s smallholder farmers adapt to climate change. Applicants who are a citizen of the following Sub-sahara African countries are eligible to apply: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia. Selected candidates will participate in intensive training workshops aimed at fostering leadership skills, strengthening scientific research skills including integrating gender into their research. The call for applications closes on 31 March 2020.
The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) provides funding to social science researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa for short-term collaborative assignments at the NAI in Uppsala, Sweden. Female researchers are especially encouraged to apply. The scholarship includes travel (economy class), accommodation, a subsistence allowance of SEK400 per day plus an installation grant of SEK2,500. The thematic research programs include the topics of economic growth, poverty alleviation, sustainable livelihoods, climate change, and sustainable development, among others. The application deadline is 01 April 2020.
The Latvian State Education Development Agency offers scholarships to foreign students, researchers and teaching staff for studies, research and participation in summer schools in Latvian higher education institutions (HEIs) for the academic year 2020/2021. Study programs include Agriculture, Environmental Science, Forestry, Energy, among others. The scholarship amount varies from €500 to €670 per month, depending on the program. Eligibility extends to countries that signed an agreement on cooperation in education and science (detailed in the announcement). The deadline for application is 01 April 2020.
IDEX invites applications worldwide for its Fellowship Program 2020. The Fellowships build the capacity of young professionals for social enterprise in areas such as agriculture, education, clean energy, sanitation, healthcare, livelihoods, and impact investing. The program provides six months of leadership training in enterprise development, including field placements at social enterprises in India. Candidates should be 21 to 35 years old, with a minimum of one to three years of professional work experience. IDEX offers a limited number of full and partial scholarships to select candidates. The application deadline is 05 April 2020.
Engineering for Development (E4D) awards two doctoral scholarships per year and promotes projects that are directly relevant for improving the livelihoods of underprivileged people in low-income countries. Funding of CHF 175 thousand is available to cover salary costs of selected doctoral students for three years. Interested candidates have to find an ETH professor who supports their application. The deadline for submissions of concept notes is 30 April 2020.
The Australian government contributes to the education of talented individuals in the developing countries through its scholarship programs. Subject areas for study correspond to priorities of Australia’s aid programs by regions and countries — and include agriculture, energy, natural resources, and environment. The call lists countries that are eligible for Australia Awards Scholarships, and country-specific eligibility criteria. The application period for the 2020-2021 scholarships is 01 February 2020 through 30 April 2020.
India’s National Science Academy administers the JRD-Tata Fellowships to support visiting scientists from the developing world and promote South-South cooperation. The program is open to applicants from developing countries (except India) younger than age 45, and who possess doctorate or masters degrees in science or equivalent degrees in engineering/medicine. Past participants have included several in agriculture, biological sciences, and geo-sciences. The fellowship is for three months and includes transportation, maintenance allowance, accommodation, and contingencies. The application deadlines are 30 April and 31 October of each year.
The Fiat Panis Foundation makes awards for university thesis and dissertation research in themes of agriculture, ecology and natural resources, with a focus on food security in developing countries. The Hans Hartwig Ruthenberg Graduate Award is €7.5 thousand. The deadline for submissions (German, English) is 30 April 2020.
The ICGEB Research Grants support projects in agricultural biotechnology, environmental bio-remediation, and many other fields. The grants are intended to facilitate the creation of research facilities in promising institutes; to promote training of young scientists; and to develop new research programs in participating countries. The program is open to applicants who have positions at universities and research institutes in ICGEB’s member states. Grants are a maximum of €25 thousand per year for projects of up to three years. The deadline for submitting applications is 30 April 2020.
The Nestlé Foundation supports research in human nutrition in low-income and lower middle-income countries. In relation to agriculture, the Foundation will consider research on food policy, food production, and food technology if the intervention has high potential for improved nutritional status and public health. The Foundation offers training grants, pilot grants, and full project grants. Priority is for proposals submitted by researchers in developing countries, or jointly with partners in developed countries. A Letter of Intent (LOI) can be submitted at any time of the year. The deadlines for full grant applications are 10 January and 10 May 2020.
Annie’s Homegrown Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship Program is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students studying at an accredited college or graduate school in the US. Students must be focusing their studies on sustainable and regenerative agriculture. International students may apply as long as they are studying at an eligible institution in the US. Funds are intended for school needs, such as room and board, books, and tuition. The application deadline is 15 May 2020.
Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR) makes seed grants to support income-generating projects led by women. RSWR’s current priorities are grassroots organizations selected states and districts of India; Quaker groups in Kenya and Sierra Leone. Projects include many in the production and sale of fruits and vegetables; meat and milk; grain crops; fish; fuelwood; and other enterprises associated with small-scale agriculture and rural livelihoods. RSWR provides micro-credits of up to US$5,500 for one year projects. The next application deadline is 30 June 2020.
Tinker’s program of Institutional Grants supports the theme of sustainable resource management (among others) in Latin America. Particular issues of interest include sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry and non-timber forest products, sustainable tourism, fisheries management, and payment for environmental services. Tinker is also very interested in issues of water scarcity and quality for communities. Past grants range from US$200 thousand to US$600 thousand. The Foundation encourages project collaboration among organizations in the USA and Latin America. Tinker invites brief letters of inquiry to the Foundation before proposals are prepared and submitted. The application deadlines for LOIs are 31 January and 31 July of each year.
The Regional Studies Association (RSA) covers issues in the fields of climate change, energy, migration, and economic development. RSA makes grants to researchers interested in establishing networks for research collaboration. The maximum funding is £10 thousand for newly established networks; and £7,500 for renewing networks. A research network must be organised and managed by active RSA members. Networks are typically made up of individuals from different countries, without any geographical limitation. The application deadline is 20 September 2020.
The MAN Impact Accelerator seeks social entrepreneurs from Europe, South Africa, and Brazil to tackle social and environmental challenges through innovative solutions in the transport and logistics industry. Social businesses and startups in the key areas agriculture, data analytics (including environmental data), sensors, among others, are invited to apply. The program provides indirect grants and support of up to US$50 thousand (no equity or cash) for each startup. This also includes free access to coaches and mentors as well as to software and data perks. The application deadline is 01 October 2020.
AWARDS and O T H E R
The School Enterprise Challenge is an international business program for schools run by the educational charity Teach A Man To Fish. It guides and supports teachers and students to plan and set up real, sustainable school businesses and generate real profits to help support their school or a social cause of their choice. Thematic areas include agriculture, drinking water and sanitation, and the environment, among others. Prizes are between US$250 and US$5 thousand, including in-kind donations like laptops and cameras. Please note that only pre-primary schools, primary schools, secondary schools and technical/vocational colleges are eligible (universities are not eligible to apply). The deadlines for project submission are 20 February, 20 May, 20 August, and 20 November 2020.
InterAction encourages photographers from all around the world to submit powerful photos that illustrate innovative, effective, and inspiring efforts in international relief and development. Examples of empowering women, innovative technology, food security and environmental development are within the contest’s theme, though entries are not limited to those areas. The Grand Prize Winner will receive US$1,000 and the winning photo will be showcased at InterAction’s 2020 Forum in April 2020, in Washington, DC (USA). The deadline for submissions is 11 March 2020.
The Arrell Food Institute seeks nominations for the 2020 Arrell Global Food Innovation Awards. The Award recognizes global excellence in food innovation and community impact through research and food security. Individuals or teams of any country are eligible for nomination. Two winners will receive C$100 thousand each, plus up to C$25 thousand for travel and accommodation to participate in the Arrell Food Summit 2020. Nominations are accepted until 28 February 2020.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launches an award to promote youth initiatives for innovation in rural areas. The award honors good practices and technologies resolving issues related to the rural area, especially of small local farmers. Categories include food security, climate action, and conservation, among others. Participants must be young nationals (18-35 years) of Latin America and the Caribbean. Participants will compete for financial resources, products and services, and loans. Applications have to be submitted by 29 February 2020.
Ideas for Action is a knowledge platform of the World Bank Group and the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research at the Wharton School. The annual Ideas for Action competition seeks innovative ideas and actionable projects to support the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Past winners include water solutions for better fish farm yields, women-led business models to improve sustainable access to energy, web based solutions for agriculture processes, and many more. Teams must consist of two to six members and may be formed across different schools, institutions, companies, or countries. Students and young professionals between the ages of 18-35 years from around the world are invited to participate. The winners of the competition present their ideas at the annual meeting of the World Bank Group, receive support from a project incubator and coaching. The deadline for submissions is 29 February 2020.
The Right Livelihood Awards are annually made to individuals and organizations offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today. The Award is sometimes referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” Past laureates include several whose work in issues of environment and natural resources advances social justice and grassroots development in the developing world. Normally, the Foundation makes three cash awards and one honorary award each year. Nominations are invited from anyone worldwide (excluding self-nominations, close relatives, and Foundation staff and jury). The deadline for proposals is 01 March of each year.
The TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize gives international recognition to individual scientists in the developing world for their outstanding scientific achievements. The prize carries a monetary award of US$100 thousand. In 2020, the prize is for agricultural sciences. Candidates must be nationals of a developing country, and must have lived and worked in a developing country for the last 10 years. The deadline for nominations is 10 March 2020.
Each year, the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) awards nine awards of US$10 thousand each to individual scientists who have been working and living in a developing country for at least 10 years. The disciplinary fields include agricultural sciences, biology, and seven others. TWAS particularly encourages nominations of women scientists, and scientists from scientifically-lagging countries. The deadline for nominations is 16 March 2020.
The Society of Chemical Industry awards travel bursaries to young PhD students. There are various schemes available, some related to agriculture and life sciences. Applicants will have preference if they wish to travel outside their country of residence, especially if they wish to work in a laboratory abroad. Next deadline cycle for the AJ Banks Award (Food Science), and the Messel Award (Chemical Science, including all life sciences) is 31 March 2020.
The Fiat Panis Foundation makes awards for university thesis and dissertation research in themes of agriculture and natural resources, with a focus on food security in developing countries. The Josef G. Knoll European Science Award is made to a young scientist who focuses on helping to reduce hunger and malnutrition through agricultural research. The value of the award is €30 thousand. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2020.
The World Food Prize Foundation invites nominations for the annual World Food Prize. The World Food Prize (US$250 thousand) recognizes an individual or individuals who have made outstanding achievements to enhance the world’s food production and its distribution to those most in need. The deadline for nominations is 01 May 2020.
The Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for the Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA) supports innovation and leadership in education, research, and outreach in the agricultural and life sciences. This year, two World Agriculture Prizes will be awarded, each to a faculty member from a higher education institution for lifetime achievements in agriculture and life sciences. At least one prize will be awarded to a person from a developing country. The amount of the prize is US$100 thousand. The closing date for nominations is 31 May 2020.
The World Food Prize Foundation invites nominations for the Borlaug Field Award. The Award (US$10 thousand) recognizes science-based achievement in international agriculture and food production by an individual under age 40 in the challenge to eliminate global hunger and poverty. The deadline for nominations is 15 June 2020.
Source: PAEPARD FEED
