Your Weekly Funding Opportunities: October 23, 2023

New in:

  1. Call for Proposals: World Smart Cities Outlook

  2. Call for Proposals: Innovation Challenge for Small Islands Development States(see link for eligible countries)

  3. Call for Applications: Transforming Child Welfare, Crisis Response, and the Environment

  4. Call for Applications: Time Land Purchase Grant Program

  5. Submissions Open: University Faculty Fellowship Program (see link for eligible countries)



All currently open calls:

Grant-making opportunities

1. Call for Solutions: Green Transitions for Industrial Cities

The International Climate Development Institute (ICDI) invites global cities and the public sector to join them in fostering knowledge sharing, peer-to-peer learning, and collaboration as cities around the world work together to transition to a green, sustainable, and smart future. The call aims to stimulate the adoption of smart, adaptable, and practical solutions, ensuring that no one is left behind on the journey to a greener future.

Deadline: Oct 23, 2023

2. New Call for Proposals: World Smart Cities Outlook

UN-Habitat invites universities, research centers, foundations, think tanks, private firms and any other interested entity with expertise in research studies, global surveys, data analysis, and innovation management to contribute to World Smart Cities Outlook global assessment. The World Smart Cities Outlook will seek to dive deep into the current landscape of smart cities and digitalization across the globe. From exploring prevailing trends, challenges, regional diversity, to uncovering untapped opportunities, the study aspires to be a factual bedrock for the development of the guidelines on smart cities. The aim is to identify key drivers and enablers to build cities that are not only technologically advanced but also sustainable, inclusive, and respectful of human rights.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: October 26, 2023

3. New Call for Proposals: Innovation Challenge for Small Islands Development States(see link for eligible countries)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has a fantastic opportunity with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP). The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is a corporate programme of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at helping organizations that are advocating for the rights of persons with disability, women, and children.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Oct 27, 2023

4. Call for Proposals: InnoVet-AMR 2.0 in Food-Producing Animals - Ruminants & Aquaculture

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is pleased to announce a call for full proposals on Innovative Veterinary Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance (InnoVet-AMR) 2.0 in Food-Producing animals: Ruminants and Aquaculture. InnoVet-AMR 2.0 will support scientific research that will target projects, such as therapeutic and prophylactic alternatives to antimicrobials for aquaculture.

Funding information: More than USD 1 million

Deadline: Oct 30, 2023

5. Call for Proposals, Pathways Communication Grants 2023, Future Earth

To promote wider uptake and understanding of pathways for sustainability, the grant supports the dissemination of scientific findings of place-based research projects via innovative formats and practices.

Funding information: amount for each project EUR 2,500 to 10,000. Estimated number of awards per call: 3-10. Total funding available for 2023 is EUR 60,000.

Deadline: Oct 31, 2023

6. Call for Proposals: Prevention Envelope of the Transition Support Facility (see link for eligible countries)

The Prevention Envelope represents an important shift in the TSF funding strategy, aligning with the AfDB’s 2022-2026 Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa. It adopts a results-driven approach that focuses on preventive interventions to address fragility and conflict, aiming for scaled up results and greater impact for lasting resilience.

Funding information: More than USD 1 million

Deadline: Oct 31, 2023

7. Hurtigruten Foundation Grant Program (see link for eligible countries)

The Hurtigruten Foundation is seeking applications for its grant program to fight climate change, strengthen local communities, and stop unsustainable mass tourism. To ensure that the efforts have a measurable effect, they have chosen to focus on three areas: Preserving endangered wildlife; Battling plastic waste and marine litter; and, Supporting local communities in the areas where they operate.

Funding information: USD 1,000 to USD 10,000

Deadline: Nov 1, 2023

8. Special Olympics Youth Innovative Grant Program (see link for eligible countries)

Are you ready to Promote Inclusion in Your Community? Special Olympics awards Project-Based Grants to young people without intellectual disabilities. These grants fund youth-led programs that promote inclusion in schools and communities across the globe.

Funding information: USD 1,000 to USD 10,000

Deadline: Nov 1, 2023

9. New Call for Applications: Transforming Child Welfare, Crisis Response, and the Environment

Box is excited to announce a grant opportunity for organizations working in crisis response, child welfare, and the environment. For environmental protection, Box is looking for digital transformation leading to planet-saving outcomes covering areas such as environmental protection, energy conservation, renewable energy, nature conservation, and biodiversity. Application examples include projects like improving environmental research or calculating your impact from going paperless.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Nov 8, 2023

10. Call for Applications: EJ4Climate Grant Program for Community-based Organizations

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is excited to announce that the third cycle of the USD 2 million Environmental Justice for Climate (EJ4Climate) Grant Program is now open for applications for projects on “Community empowerment strategies to improve resilience to extreme weather events in urban settings”.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000

Deadline: Nov 9, 2023

11. Call for Applications: Coral Accelerator Program

The Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) is seeking applications to propose ideas and concepts that will accelerate international research and development to supply the technologies and innovations required to secure a future for corals. The Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) will fund international collaborative teams with impactful ideas in coral conservation and restoration. Awards will span across the full range of novel early-phase projects through to final proof-of-concept development and testing.

Funding information: More than USD 1 million

Deadline: Nov 10, 2023

12. Call for Applications: Advancing the Disinfection of Wet Weather‐Driven Sewer Overflows

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is inviting applications for best practices and case studies under Advancing the Disinfection of Wet Weather‐Driven Sewer Overflows Project. One of the project’s objectives is to improve receiving water quality by fostering widespread adoption of disinfection practices and technologies, when needed, at strategic locations throughout sewersheds and at potential peak wet‐weather flow management points within water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) and stormwater treatment systems.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000

Deadline: Nov 14, 2023

13. Submit Proposals: Ozone Nanobubbles (NBs) Technologies for Water Treatment

Proposals are now being accepted for the Ozone Nanobubbles (NBs) Technologies for Water Treatment Project, funded by the Water Research Foundation (WRF). The overall objective of this project is to assess and evaluate the potential application of ozone nanobubbles (NBs) for water treatment. The specific objectives of this study include the examination on the behavior and performance of ozone NBs with the preferred ozone dissolution technique.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000

Deadline: Nov 14, 2023

14. Request for Proposals: Climate‐Resilient Water Infrastructure and Supporting Strategies

Applicants are now being invited to submit project proposals for Making the Case for Climate‐Resilient Water Infrastructure and Supporting Strategies. This project is co-funded by the Water Research Foundation (WRF) and Water Utility Climate Alliance (WUCA) as part of WRF’s Emerging Opportunities Program. Climate adaptation/resilience is one challenge within a complicated web of regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, affordability, and asset management challenges facing water utilities today.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Nov 14, 2023

15. Grants to support Wildlife Research, Habitat Monitoring & Environmental Conservation

Wildlife Acoustics is offering a grant program to support the advancement of wildlife research, habitat monitoring, and environmental conservation. The quarterly grant program provides scientists with bioacoustics research tools to further their study of bats, birds, amphibians, and other vocal wildlife.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Nov 15, 2023

16. Request for Proposals: Developing a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Library for Unit Processes

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is requesting proposals for the development of a greenhouse gas emissions library for unit processes by water utilities and decentralized systems. One of the project’s objectives is to develop a standardized approach for the water sector to determine baseline greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions according to common unit processes and evaluate the impact of process/operational changes to their systems.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000

Deadline: Nov 21, 2023

17. Request for Proposals: Integrating Energy Data into Water Utility Operations

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has announced a request for proposals for "Integrating Energy Data into Water Utility Operations: Energy Management Challenges and Best Practices". Many water utilities (drinking water, wastewater, distribution systems, collection systems) have goals to reduce energy consumption, become energy neutral, or even become net energy producers. Proposals should include how big data can help reduce energy consumption.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000

Deadline: Nov 21, 2023

18. Request for Proposals: Maximizing Value of Natural Assets & Green Infrastructure at the Watershed Scale

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is requesting proposals for maximizing the value of natural assets and green infrastructure at the watershed scale project. The research team will conduct one webcast hosted by WRF and collaborating organizations on the overall findings of this project. The research team is encouraged to submit one open access peer-reviewed journal paper after the completion of the project. In addition, the research team should consider additional outreach activities, such as presenting project findings at conferences.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000

Deadline: Nov 21, 2023

19. Request for Proposals: Integrating Nature-based Solutions & Gray Infrastructure to Optimize Treatment Performance

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is requesting proposals for integrating nature-based solutions and gray infrastructure to optimize treatment performance projects. A project objective includes assessing water quality performance capabilities of mixed treatment trains using existing datasets, published literature values, and/or advanced tools such as simulation models.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000

Deadline: Nov 21, 2023

20. Request for Proposals: Unlocking the Advantages of Internally Stored Carbon for Nutrient Removal

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is requesting proposals for unlocking the advantages of internally stored carbon for nutrient removal projects. A project objective includes identifying knowledge gaps and advancing fundamental scientific knowledge related to biological nutrient removal (BNR) driven by internally stored carbon.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000

Deadline: Nov 21, 2023

21. Call for Proposals: Evaluation & Demonstration of Biotechnological Tools & Methods

Submissions are now open for the Evaluation and Demonstration of Biotechnological Tools and Methods for Improving Biofiltration Operation and Optimization Project, funded by the Water Research Foundation (WRF) as part of WRF's Research Priority Program. The specific objectives are related to evaluating effects of microbial community structure, function, and population dynamics on biofilter operation and optimization using biotechnological tools and methods, and to recommend the most suitable tools and methods for biofiltration optimization for water utilities, among other objectives.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000

Deadline: Nov 21, 2023

22. Call for Validation of an Integrated Framework of Wastewater & Stormwater Treatment Options of CECs

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is pleased to announce an open call for the Validation of an Integrated Framework of Wastewater & Stormwater Treatment Options of CECs Project. Research is needed to demonstrate/validate an integrated framework of wastewater treatment, as well as stormwater (and other non-point sources) treatment of CECs. Utilities, regulators, and policymakers need quantitative information to help develop policies that support the best and most cost-effective solutions for CECs. A fully developed stakeholder driven, multi-decision criteria analysis, ensuring triple bottom line guidance to utilities, will improve water sector knowledge on cost-effective approaches to managing multiple CECs in all water types.

Funding information: USD 100,000 to USD 500,000

Deadline: Nov 21, 2023

23. 2024 ClimateScience Olympiad Student 

Are you ready to step into the shoes of world leaders? Apply now for the 2024 ClimateScience Olympiad, a student competition to find solutions to climate change. ClimateScience Olympiad 2024 winners will receive a cash prize or a sponsored trip to Australia during the UN Climate Summit, COP29.

Funding information: USD 1,000 to USD 10,000

Deadline: Nov 24, 2023

24. Call for Applications, Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy Grant 2023

To provide small grants to aspiring PhD students at the dissertation level to support the research they are undertaking for their project in the major fields of the social sciences.

Funding information: each grant is worth a total of USD 10,000; USD 7,500 is awarded initially and USD 2,500 upon completion of the project.

Deadline: Dec 1, 2023

25. Call for Proposals: Human Security Awareness and Usage Program, United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (see link for eligible countries)

Promotes integrated and targeted responses that cut across sectors, are grounded in local realities, address the root causes of vulnerabilities, build resilience, and adopt multi-stakeholder partnerships to fully realize the transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda.

Funding information: for programs that aim to extend awareness and usage of the human security approach (Window II), the seed funding from the UNTFHS should not exceed USD 300,000

Deadline: Dec 15, 2023

26. Call for Applications: Conservation, Food and Health Foundation (see link for eligible countries)

To protect the environment, improve food production, and promote public health in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Funding information: There is no minimum or maximum grant size. It is anticipated that most grants will fall in the USD 25,000-50,000 per year range.

Deadline: Jan 1, 2024

27. Call for Submissions: Science, Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Program

The United States Government, as represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Innovation, Technology, and Research (ITR) Hub, invites applications for the Science, Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships in Higher Education program. USAID and its partners have been working to tackle the world’s toughest development challenges for more than 50 years. Their mission is to partner to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity.

Deadline: March 4, 2024

28. Call for Applications, Human Health Grants, Ekhaga Foundation

To promote human health by working for the development of improved food, natural medicines and healing methods, as well as supporting research for a healthier way of life, which can have a disease-preventing effect.

Funding information: no maximum ceiling for the amount of funds that can be applied for. The foundation's annual distribution framework in recent years has been in the range of SEK 10-20 million. Usually there are about 10 projects that receive funds.

Deadline: May 20, 2024

29. New Call for Applications: Time Land Purchase Grant Program

Are you a conservation NGO looking to protect biodiversity in your area? This is My Earth (TiME) is excited to offer grants to help local organizations purchase and protect land for the benefit of all species, now and in the future. TiME’s Grant Program offers funding for the purchase of land that will be permanently protected, owned, and managed by local partner organizations. To be eligible for the program, the land should be of significant importance for biodiversity conservation and under the threat of destruction or degradation. This unique opportunity is open to conservation organizations worldwide that wish to purchase biodiverse lands for their long-term protection.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

30. 2023 OpenAI Cybersecurity Grant Program

The goal is to work with defenders across the globe to change the power dynamics of cybersecurity through the application of AI and the coordination of like-minded individuals working for collective safety.

Funding information: will grant in increments of USD 10,000 from a fund of USD $1M, in the form of API credits, direct funding and/or equivalents.

Deadline: Ongoing

31. Call for Proposals: Innovating for Climate Resilience Fund

The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) has launched its Innovating for Climate Resilience fund in partnership with the Adaptation Research Alliance and the Global Resilience Partnership, with seed funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. The Innovating for Climate Resilience fund invests, through grant, equity, and debt instruments, in innovations with the potential to scale and support the world’s poorest to build resilience and adaptation.

Funding information: More than USD 1 million

Deadline: Ongoing

32. Rapid Ocean Conservation Grants Program

The Waitt Foundation is seeking applications for its Rapid Ocean Conservation (ROC) Grants Program. ROC Grants provide small grants with a quick turnaround time for solutions to emerging conservation issues and ocean protection. This complements the Waitt Foundation’s existing major grants program and is responsive to conservation opportunities, supports higher-risk ideas at a low financial cost, and engages with small, local NGOs on a global scale.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

33. Call for Grant Proposals, ICNL (see link for eligible countries)

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) is pleased to invite proposals for grants as part of its ongoing project to safeguard civic freedoms and address democratic backsliding that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

34. Call for Proposals, Best Practice Pandemic Governance and Civic Society Collaboration(see link for eligible countries)

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) seeks individuals or organizations to conduct research assessing for examples of pandemic governance best practices with respect to civic freedoms and civil society collaboration.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000 Deadline: Ongoing

35. Global Impact Cash Grant Program for NGOs and NPOs (see link for eligible countries)

Cisco welcomes applications for Global Impact Cash Grants from community partners around the world who share their vision and offer an innovative approach to a critical social challenge.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

36. Catalyst Fund, Roddenberry Foundation (see link for eligible countries)

The Roddenberry Foundation is accepting applications for its Catalyst Fund from anyone, anywhere in the world who has an early-stage idea.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Ongoing

37. Climate Innovation Fund, Microsoft (see link for eligible countries)

Funding information: Microsoft is pleased to announce an open call for the Climate Innovation Fund to accelerate technology development and deployment of new climate innovations through equity and debt capital.

Deadline: Ongoing

38. Call for Proposals, Social Science Research Council (see link for eligible countries)

A call for proposals for The Mercury Project, a $10M+ research consortium investigating the impacts of health misinformation and evaluating interventions to prevent its spread in the United States, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Deadline: Ongoing

39. Call for Applications, Daily Grant Program, The Pollination Project

Micro grants 365 days a year to grassroots global change agents who seek to spread compassion in their communities and in the world for the benefit of all. To contribute to the creation of a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world for all.

Funding information: total cost for the immediate project for which you are requesting funding from TPP must be less than USD 40,000

Deadline: Ongoing

40. Expedition Grants, Explorers Club and Discovery, Inc.

To foster scientific understanding for the betterment of humanity and all life on Earth and beyond, including our commitment to mitigate climate change, prevent the extinction of species and cultures, and ensure the health of our lands, oceans and all that inhabit them.

Funding information: grants generally range from USD 25,000 to USD 40,000.

Deadline: Ongoing

41. Call for Applications, Fund for International Development, OPEC (see link for eligible countries)

To provide financial assistance to developing countries, particularly low-income countries, in support of their economic and social development efforts.

Funding information: amounts of up to USD 100,000, OPEC Fund's contribution to a stand-alone project should not exceed 50% of the total cost of the said project

Deadline: Ongoing

42. Internet Freedom Fund, Open Technology Fund (see link for eligible countries)

To support projects and people working on open and accessible technology-focused projects that promote human rights, Internet freedom, open societies.

Funding information: Minimum of USD 10,000 and maximum of 900,000 for a year-long contract. Note, however, that OTF’s target support ceiling is USD 300,000; most supported efforts receive between USD 50,000 and 200,000.

Deadline: Ongoing

43. Rapid Response Fund, Open Technology Fund

Aims to facilitate the digital emergency response community to resolve threats in a timely and comprehensive manner for individuals, communities, and organizations whose free expression has recently been repressed.

Funding information: total value of support cannot exceed USD 50,000. Average support amounts are between USD 5,000 and USD 25,000.

Deadline: Ongoing

44. Grant Program, Fund for Innovation in Development

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

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 to USD 15,000,000

Deadline: Ongoing



Fellowships and other opportunities

1. Fellowships Program, Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study

STIAS provides and maintains an independent ‘creative space for the mind’ to advance the cause of science and scholarship across all disciplines. It is global in its reach and local in its African roots, and values original thinking and innovation in this context. No restriction is placed on the country of origin, discipline, or academic affiliation when STIAS considers a fellowship invitation.

Deadline: Oct 31, 2023

2. Call for Applications: Green Web Fellowship in Global South (see link for eligible countries)

The Green Web Foundation is calling for practitioners in digital rights and climate justice for the next cohort to build bridges across these movements. This fellowship builds on the findings and opportunities identified by the Green Screen coalition and the landscape analysis it commissioned about this intersection.

Funding information: USD 1,000 to USD 10,000

Deadline: Oct 31, 2023

3. Call for Submissions: Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship (see link for eligible countries)

The Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs is accepting applications for the Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship to offer an opportunity for young climate and clean energy practitioners from across the Global South to broaden their technical skills, deepen their professional networks, and exchange views with top global clean energy and climate change leaders.

Deadline: Nov 1, 2023

4. Bayer Digital Campus Challenge 2023

Are you a student with a passion for digital innovation and a drive to make a difference in health care or agriculture? Submit your ideas leveraging the power of disruptive technologies to address some of the major challenges facing humanity: A growing and aging world population and the increasing strain on nature’s ecosystems.

Deadline: Nov 5, 2023

5. Call for Applications: Pure Ocean Challenges

Applications are now open for the Pure Ocean Challenges to support innovative applied research projects around the world, thus contributing to the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems and biodiversity. (Based on the United Nation's 10 Ocean Decade Challenges)

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: Nov 15, 2023

6. New Submissions Open: University Faculty Fellowship Program (see link for eligible countries)

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has launched the Current and Aspiring University Faculty Fellowship to improve the capacity of local and regional faculty to activate the training of current and future conservation leaders, leading to more equitable and accessible conservation science capacity, education, and leadership for the benefit of people and nature.

Funding information: USD 10,000 to USD 100,000

Deadline: December 18, 2023

7. Call for Applications: International Climate Protection Fellowship (see link for eligible countries)

Are you working academically or practically in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation in your home country – a non-European developing or transition country? If yes, then Alexander von Humboldt Foundation invites you to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship. The Foundation will award up to 15 International Climate Protection Fellowships to prospective leaders and up to five to postdoctoral researchers, which are funded through the International Climate Initiative.

Funding information: USD 1,000 to USD 10,000 

Deadline: Feb 1, 2024