Provides grants to UK based NGOs for poverty reduction projects in developing countries.

Last date : February 29, 2016

The objective of UK Aid Match is to give the public a say in how a portion of the international development budget is spent. The scheme match-funds public donations to charity appeals for projects to reduce poverty in developing countries.

Value and duration of the UK Aid Match scheme

UK Aid Match will seek to award up to £120 million in grants over 3 years from 2013 to 2016. There will be 2 funding rounds each year, with up to £20 million committed in each funding round, providing DFID receives applications of sufficient quality. Any uncommitted funding will be rolled forward to future funding rounds.

At least £1 million per funding round will be reserved to match fund appeals run by small organisations (defined as organisations with an annual income of less than £1 million, averaged over the last 3 years). UK Aid Match will support projects of up to 3 years’ duration.

Communicating UK Aid Match funding

Organisations must, through their own and their partner channels, ensure that the public are aware that their donations will be matched pound for pound by the UK government. Appeal publicity must carry UK Aid Match messaging and the UK Aid Match logo. Communications plans will be assessed as part of the application process, and activities, messaging and branding will be agreed withDFID.

Revisions to UK Aid Match

We have made the following changes to UK Aid Match:

• projects may operate in up to 3 countries (previously in up to 5 countries)
• full applications must include a risk register/matrix explaining the project risks and how you will mitigate them
• clearer guidance on eligibility of donations appeals which include income from the sale of donated items in charity shops will not be permitted
• there is no longer a separate guidance document for your communications plan – all instructions are included in the form C1 that you should now complete, using the G1 guidance for reference

In addition to these changes, we have made several other revisions to application templates and guidance. You are strongly recommended to read all the guidance and look carefully at the application templates before starting to prepare your application.

Restrictions to promoting UK Aid Match funded appeals during the pre-election period

This includes match funded NGO partners using the UK aid logo and match funding messaging in appeal communications material. This will prevent us from match funding any appeal which starts during this period. Appeals which start before this period but run during it will need to keep communications about match funding low key for this period. We will provide guidance on this as needed.

Funding for projects which tackle female genital mutilation (FGM) and child, early and forced marriage (CEFM) for round 3 only

Following the Girl Summit on 22 July 2014 we are pleased to announce that a minimum of £1 million of the funding available for Round 3 will be ring-fenced for projects working to end FGM and CEFM.

For applications focused on these specific outcomes we will consider projects working in developing countries that are not currently included in the list of countries eligible for UK Aid Match funding where there is clear evidence of need.

If you are uncertain about whether a country would be eligible please contact us at ukaidmatch@dfid.gov.uk.

At concept note application stage applications for FGM/CEFM projects do not need to include confirmation of a communication partnership, although this will be needed at full application stage. Other than that, applications should be prepared following the published guidance for applicants and will be assessed according to the same criteria as for other UK Aid Match applications.

How to apply

There is a 2 stage application process to apply for the scheme:

• applicants submit a concept note
• applicants successful at the concept note stage will be invited to submit a full application

The full application and assessment process is expected to take 18 weeks. The Timetable for UK Aid Match Funding Rounds in 2015/16 is set out in this table.

Eligibility requirements

Any UK based not-for-profit organisation that works to reduce poverty in developing countries and is planning to run a public appeal to raise at least £100,000 can apply. To be successful, applicants will need to demonstrate that

• they are able to deliver poverty reduction projects which achieve development results representing good value for money
• their appeal communications will provide at least 400,000 opportunities to view

Countries

UK Aid Match funds can be used in 26 developing countries which are listed in the General guidance for applicants.

Background information on the fund

UK Aid Match is a demand-led fund that matches public donations to appeals for development activities focused on poverty reduction in developing countries. Organisations applying to have their appeals match funded will be selected on the basis of:

• the public reach of their appeal and commitment and capacity to communicate the results of the funding to the public
• capacity and track record in managing development activities
• commitment and capacity to account transparently on the use of the funding
• clarity of the expected results of the proposed activities
• whether the activities are consistent with DFID’s objectives and values
• whether the activities represent value for money

Contacts

UK Aid Match Team, Department for International Development (DFID)

Grants of Up to 5,000 Euros For Projects Protecting Human Rights of Vulnerable Civilians in Iraq: NGOs & CSOs can Apply!

Last date : November 10, 2015

 

As part of the Ceasefire Project, MRG) invites civil society organisations (CSOs) based in Iraq to submit proposals for the implementation of micro-projects aiming to protect the human rights of vulnerable civilians in Iraq. Civil society organizations based in Iraq can submit proposals for the implementation of micro-projects.

The Ceasefire Project is a three-year action mainly funded by the European Union to implement a system of civilian-led monitoring of human rights abuses in Iraq, focusing in particular on the rights of vulnerable civilians including vulnerable women (such as those fleeing violence), internally-displaced persons (IDPs), stateless persons, and ethnic/religious minorities, and to assess the feasibility of extending civilian-led monitoring to other country situations.

The aim of the project:

• Monitoring and reporting of human rights abuses of vulnerable civilians in Iraq.
• Targeted advocacy and advocacy campaign.

Grants Available

Grant of 2000 – 5,000 Euros to fund a micro-project.

Priority areas

• Minorities
• Women
• Internally Displaced People
• Stateless people

Eligibility Criteria

Non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations which are based in Iraq can apply.

 

 

For more details : http://minorityrights.org/about-us/jobs/call-for-proposals-from-civil-society-organisations-working-to-protect-the-human-rights-of-vulnerable-civilians-in-iraq/

EEP Mekong seeking high quality projects to improve livelihoods and climate resilience

Last date : September 30, 2015

 

The Energy and Environment Partnership Programme with the Mekong Region (EEP Mekong) is seeking high-quality applications for projects improving livelihoods and climate resilience in rural communities and semi-urban areas in the EEP Mekong countries through improved access and use of reliable, sustainable and affordable energy.

EEP is funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The EEP Mekong Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) is based in Vientiane – Lao PDR.

Mekong countries include Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

For the CfP, the focus is promising local private sector clean energy project opportunities that are close to commercial maturity but need a limited amount of ‘bridging’ finance to enable sustainable business growth.

CfP applications are sought in two stages: 1) Concept notes (current stage), based on which successfully ranked applicants are invited to submit 2) Full project proposals.

Concept note applications will be screened in terms of key criteria, including of the following types:

a) project or business idea
b) capability of the applicant
c) development impacts and climate change mitigations
d) Scale-up/replication potential and/or potential to mobilize future investment, and
e) financial leverage (co-financing share).

For more details : http://www.eepmekong.org/index.php/how-to-apply/the-first-call-for-proposals

Darwin Initiative: applying for main project funding

Last date : July 20, 2015

How to apply

Before applying, please read the guidance note Round 22- main projects guidance note (PDF, 676KB, 24 pages) .
Once you have read the guidance note, please complete the Stage 1 application formRound 22 - Stage 1 application form (ODT, 101KB) .
If you are invited to Stage 2, please complete the Stage 2 application form Round 22 - Stage 2 application form (ODT, 81.3KB) .
A completed budget form Round 22 - Stage 2 Budget Form (MS Excel Spreadsheet,44.5KB) must also be submitted with your Stage 2 application form.

When to apply

There is a two-stage application process for main round Darwin projects. The provisional timetable for Round 22 main project applications is:

• 24 June 2015 - call for Stage 1 applications
• 20 July 2015 - deadline for Stage 1 applications
• Early October 2015 - expected outcome of Stage 1 and notification of applicants invited to Stage 2
• 1 December 2015 – deadline for Stage 2 applications
• By March 2016 - expected notification of successful projects
• From 1 April 2016 – expected start date for successful projects

Who can apply

There are no restrictions on the location or nationality of applicants, but projects must benefit biodiversity and local communities in developing countries.
Organisations making the application must:

• have experience of managing similar projects in developing countries
• be able to demonstrate financial stability and provide audited accounts

The proposed project leader must have suitable qualifications or at least 10 years’ experience working on similar projects in developing countries.

Level of funding

There is no specific minimum or maximum level for a main round project. On average, a typical Darwin main round project is around £250,000 - £300,000 and up to three years in length.

Case study

Before completing the application form, you might like to take a look at a case studyshowing an example of a successful main project.
 
For more details : https://www.gov.uk/darwin-initiative-applying-for-main-project-funding

The Darwin Initiative: Protecting Biodiversity and Natural Environment

Last date : 20 July, 2015

 
The Darwin Initiative is seeking applications from organizations to fund in projects focusing to protect biodiversity and natural environment in developing countries.
Objectives

• building environmental knowledge
• capacity building
• research
• implementing international biodiversity agreements

Darwin initiative will provide funds between £250,000 and £300,000 approximately.
Focus Areas
Projects typically address threats to biodiversity such as:

• over-exploitation
• invasive species
• habitat degradation and loss
• climate change mitigation and adaptation
• pollution

Eligibility

• Applicants can be from any country but their projects must benefit biodiversity and local communities in developing countries.
• Applicants must:
  • have experience of managing similar projects in developing countries
  • be able to demonstrate financial stability and provide audited accounts
• The proposed project leader must have suitable qualifications or at least 10 years’ experience working on similar projects in developing countries.

How to Apply

• The application process consists of two stages.
• Applicant must first submit the stage 1 application form and the selected applicants will be invited to submit the stage 2 application form.

For more details : https://www.gov.uk/darwin-initiative-applying-for-main-project-funding

Project Inspire 2015: Win US$ 25,000 to Implement your Project

Last date : July 1, 2015

 

Project Inspire 2015 will open for submissions on 25 February 2015. Project Inspire is a competition offering the participants 5 minutes time to pitch their project. Youth between 18-35 years of age from anywhere in the world can submit their project idea. The entrants must belong to NGOs, and social businesses, benefiting women and girls in Asia, the Middle East or Africa. This is a chance to win US$ 25,000 grant to implement the project idea and bring about changes.

Project Inspire-5 Minutes to Change the World is a joint initiative from the Singapore Committee for UN Women and MasterCard.

Prizes

1. Grand Prize : The grand prize winner will receive a US$25,000 grant to implement their project.
2. Runner-up: The runner-up will receive a US$10,000 grant each to implement their project.
3. People’s Choice: This year, Project Inspire will choose twenty semi-finalists to progress to a crowd-funding stage of the competition. From the semi-finalists, finalists will be chosen to attend the Grand Finals in Singapore where they will pitch their inspired idea to a panel of judges. The remaining semi-finalists stand a chance of winning a wild-card ticket to pitch their inspired idea at the Grand Finals in Singapore by securing the most amount of supporters during the crowd-funding stage of the competition.

Ten finalists will each receive

• 1 return flight from the finalist’s capital city to Singapore, to participate in the grand final.
• 1 ticket to the Project Inspire Grand Final on November, 13 2015.
• 4 nights accommodation in Singapore, plus meals and transfers.
• Exclusive INSEAD and Bain & Company workshops, plus one-on-one mentoring.

The application form will demand the following

• What is your inspirational idea?
• How will your project change the lives of women and girls in the short and long term?
• Tell us how many women and/or girls will benefit directly and indirectly from your project.
• How will you/your team carry out the project?
• Please include a timeline for the project, indicating key phases relevant to your project i.e., ground preparation, pilot phase, training period, evaluation etc.
• Tell us the activities you have planned to help reach your goal.
• How will you spend the US$25,000 grant to carry out the project?
• Within your proposal, include a detailed budget plan on how the US$25,000 grant will be utilized. The budget should clearly indicate the project expenses, operational costs, manpower costs, and other spending relevant to your project.
• How will you measure the success of the project?

Note the timeline

1. 25 February 2015 – 1 July 2015 – Application Submission
2. 30 August 2015 – Announcement of Top 20 Semi-Finalists
3. 15 September 2015 – Crowdfunding begins
4. 30 September 2015 – Finalists announcement
5. 15 October 2015 – Wildcard Ticket announcement
6. 11 November 2015 – Finalists bootcamp
7. 13 November 2015 – Grand Final Pitch Day

Eligibility Criteria

• Participants may submit entries as an individual or as a team of up to three members. If applying as an individual, applicant must be between the ages 18 and 35. If submitting as a team, at least one member of the team must be between the ages 18 and 35. The team leader must be between the ages 18-35. If chosen as finalists, the team leader will travel to Singapore to represent the project in the finals. The team leader must attend the entire duration of the finals.
• Each participant must submit (i) an application form, and (ii) a (maximum) 5-minute video.
• The project must be designed to empower disadvantaged women and girls through entrepreneurship and business literacy.
• The project must be based on an existing initiative.
• The beneficiaries of the project must be women or girls in Asia/Pacific, Middle East or Africa.
• The proposed project must not propagate any political views or religious doctrines.
• The project must be designed to be implemented with a budget of US$25,000.
• The winner of this competition must commence the fieldwork for their project by 1 February 2016.
• Submissions must be made in English or Chinese.
• A valid email address is required for submission.

How to Apply?

• Interested applicants can fill & submit the application form available on the website.
• Applicants also need to upload the budget document in the application form.
• Each submission will only be considered complete once the application form has been submitted and accompanied by information on the existing initiative, biographies of the team members and any supporting materials (e.g. website, social media channels, media clippings, past awards).

For more details : http://projinspire.com/about-us/

Project Inspire 2015: Win US$ 25,000 to Implement your Project

Last date : July 1, 2015

Project Inspire 2015 will open for submissions on 25 February 2015. Project Inspire is a competition offering the participants 5 minutes time to pitch their project. Youth between 18-35 years of age from anywhere in the world can submit their project idea. The entrants must belong to NGOs, and social businesses, benefiting women and girls in Asia, the Middle East or Africa. This is a chance to win US$ 25,000 grant to implement the project idea and bring about changes.
Project Inspire-5 Minutes to Change the World is a joint initiative from the Singapore Committee for UN Women and MasterCard.
Prizes

1. Grand Prize : The grand prize winner will receive a US$25,000 grant to implement their project.
2. Runner-up: The runner-up will receive a US$10,000 grant each to implement their project.
3. People’s Choice: This year, Project Inspire will choose twenty semi-finalists to progress to a crowd-funding stage of the competition. From the semi-finalists, finalists will be chosen to attend the Grand Finals in Singapore where they will pitch their inspired idea to a panel of judges. The remaining semi-finalists stand a chance of winning a wild-card ticket to pitch their inspired idea at the Grand Finals in Singapore by securing the most amount of supporters during the crowd-funding stage of the competition.

Ten finalists will each receive

• 1 return flight from the finalist’s capital city to Singapore, to participate in the grand final.
• 1 ticket to the Project Inspire Grand Final on November, 13 2015.
• 4 nights accommodation in Singapore, plus meals and transfers.
• Exclusive INSEAD and Bain & Company workshops, plus one-on-one mentoring.

The application form will demand the following

• What is your inspirational idea?
• How will your project change the lives of women and girls in the short and long term?
• Tell us how many women and/or girls will benefit directly and indirectly from your project.
• How will you/your team carry out the project?
• Please include a timeline for the project, indicating key phases relevant to your project i.e., ground preparation, pilot phase, training period, evaluation etc.
• Tell us the activities you have planned to help reach your goal.
• How will you spend the US$25,000 grant to carry out the project?
• Within your proposal, include a detailed budget plan on how the US$25,000 grant will be utilized. The budget should clearly indicate the project expenses, operational costs, manpower costs, and other spending relevant to your project.
• How will you measure the success of the project?

Note the timeline

1. 25 February 2015 – 1 July 2015 – Application Submission
2. 30 August 2015 – Announcement of Top 20 Semi-Finalists
3. 15 September 2015 – Crowdfunding begins
4. 30 September 2015 – Finalists announcement
5. 15 October 2015 – Wildcard Ticket announcement
6. 11 November 2015 – Finalists bootcamp
7. 13 November 2015 – Grand Final Pitch Day

Eligibility Criteria

• Participants may submit entries as an individual or as a team of up to three members. If applying as an individual, applicant must be between the ages 18 and 35. If submitting as a team, at least one member of the team must be between the ages 18 and 35. The team leader must be between the ages 18-35. If chosen as finalists, the team leader will travel to Singapore to represent the project in the finals. The team leader must attend the entire duration of the finals.
• Each participant must submit (i) an application form, and (ii) a (maximum) 5-minute video.
• The project must be designed to empower disadvantaged women and girls through entrepreneurship and business literacy.
• The project must be based on an existing initiative.
• The beneficiaries of the project must be women or girls in Asia/Pacific, Middle East or Africa.
• The proposed project must not propagate any political views or religious doctrines.
• The project must be designed to be implemented with a budget of US$25,000.
• The winner of this competition must commence the fieldwork for their project by 1 February 2016.
• Submissions must be made in English or Chinese.
• A valid email address is required for submission.

How to Apply?

• Interested applicants can fill & submit the application form available on the website.
• Applicants also need to upload the budget document in the application form.
• Each submission will only be considered complete once the application form has been submitted and accompanied by information on the existing initiative, biographies of the team members and any supporting materials (e.g. website, social media channels, media clippings, past awards).

For more details : http://projinspire.com/about-us/

Submit Sustainable Project for EUR10,000 (each in 5 Categories) the Energy Globe Awards

Last date : September 22, 2014

Exceptional sustainable projects from all around the world are invited for the Energy Globe Awards 2015. Projects focusing on the conservation of resources, the improvement of air and water quality, the efficient use of energy, the implementation of renewable energies as well as creating a heightened awareness for these important areas are being accepted by the Energy Globe Foundation for the International Award. The foundation also yearly organizes Energy Globe National Awards.

Award Categories

1. Earth
2. Water
3. Air
4. Fire
5. Youth

Prizes

1. EUR10,000 each for winners in 5 award categories
2. The best projects will be honored as part of a ceremony that will be broadcast worldwide as well as featured by the international media.

Eligibility Criteria

• Projects can be entered by individuals as well as companies, clubs, organizations, schools, universities, and public authorities.
• Only projects that have already been implemented will be considered for the Energy Globe Award. ‘Implemented’ means that enough progress must have been made for a project to be assessable.
• Projects must be submitted together with a complete description as described in the question categories provided on the submission form.
• Continuous projects and initiatives that have not yet been completed but are already showing initial results may also be entered.
• Applicants must provide informative images, brief project summary and more information in the project submission form available on the website.

Note: Projects still at an early planning stage with no implementation results may be entered as well. However, they will not be considered for the Energy Globe Awards; instead they will be evaluated by Energy Globe partners willing to offer project financing or startup consulting.

For more details : http://www.energyglobe.info/en/participation/

The Unusual Builder Foundation Fund for Project in Environment, Health and Economic Development

Last date : Open

The Unusual Builder (Insolites Batisseurs) Foundation accepts applications from organizations with projects that contribute to sustainable development in the select developing countries. The projects must be focused in one of the five areas of intervention.

Areas of Intervention

1. Support and Assistance with access to health care and education: support children with disabilities, victims of neglect or abuse; reintegration of street children; to schooling and access to healthcare for all poorest Children
2. Environmental preservation of natural and cultural sites: training to organic farming and sustainable management of resources, the development of local crafts or develop art workshops based on the complementarity of cultures.
3. Training and vocational rehabilitation
4. Preservation of lifestyles, traditions and cultures
5. Economic Development: vocational training, upgrading of skills, the creation of jobs, the creation of fair trade for the sustainable development in poor countries.

The foundation also provides humanitarian aid in emergency conditions anywhere in the world.

Eligibility Criteria

• The proposed humanitarian project must contribute to sustainable development in one of the following countries-Bolivia,  Burkina Faso,  Cambodia,  Colombia,  Costa Rica,  Ecuador,  Ethiopia,  Guinea,  Haiti,  India, Indonesia,  Japan,  Madagascar,  Mauritania,  Morocco,  Nepal,  Niger,  Pakistan,  Palestinian Territories, Somalia,  South Africa, Vietnam.
• Proposed project must be focused on one of the five areas of interventions mentioned above.
• Project submission is considered only when the completed form with last activity and financial report is submitted.

For more details : http://www.fondation-insolitesbatisseurs.com/-Proposer-un-projet-.html?lang=en

The Ockenden International Prizes of $150,000 for Projects Helping Refugees and Internally Displaced People

Last date : July 31, 2014

The Ockenden International invites internationally operating organizations registered as charities to submit their own project or a project by a registered partner or affiliate organization for the Ockenden International Prize 2015. The project must be helping refugees and/or internally displaced people. The primary objective of the prizes include highlighting the challenges faced by displaced people, raising awareness of their range of needs, and providing reward and recognition for those giving outstanding support.

The finalists will be announced in November 2014.

Prizes

1. Grand Winner - $100,000
2. Runner-ups (2) – $25,000 each

The three contenders for the 2015 International Prize will make final presentations to a specialist panel of five judges on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, United Kingdom. The winners will be presented the prizes at the ceremony.

Eligibility Criteria

• Submissions can be made by internationally operating organizations registered on charities.
• Nominations can be made for organization’s own project or to a project by a registered partner or affiliate organization.
• The project must have been initiated after May 2011 and should demonstrate properly measured and evaluated outcomes.

For more details : http://www.ockendenprizes.org/ockenden-news

The Toyota Environmental Activities Grant Program for Overseas and Domestic Projects

Last date : June 10, 2014

The Toyota Environmental Activities Grant Program is accepting applications for overseas project grant and domestic project grant.

• Overseas project – targets the activities in overseas, conducted by groups based in Japan or foreign groups collaborate with Japanese groups. Applications can be made for maximum 7 million Yen to conduct project up to two years (starting from January 2015).
• Domestic project- targets community-based activities in Japan. Grant applications can be made for up to 3 million Yen to implement the project for up to two years (starting from January 2015)

The major objective of the grant program is to support environmental revitalization and conservation activities both in Japan and overseas for the purpose of sustainable development.

Themes

1. Biodiversity Conservation
2. Global Warming Countermeasures

Eligibility Criteria

• NPOs (Non-profit organizations), NGOs (Non-governmental organizations), charitable organizations and officially unregistered voluntary organizations or groups are eligible to apply.
• For-profits, national, regional and municipal government agencies, schools (including from kindergarten to universities) and international institutions (established by international agreements) are not eligible for this grant.

For more details : http://www.toyota-global.com/sustainability/corporate_citizenship/environment/toyota_environmental_activities_grant_program/index.html

USAID’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management Program

Last date : June 24, 2014

All eligible organizations are requested to submit application for Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management Program. This program is being organized by United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The goal of this program is to reduce global poverty and hunger, recognizing the need to increase global agricultural production by 70% by the year 2050 to provide sufficient food for the world’s growing population. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) research investments will increase agricultural production and reduce spoilage loss, utilizing ecological processes to control pests in modern and traditional cultivation strategies while minimizing environmental hazards and maximizing food and worker safety.

USAID strongly encourages applications from potential new partners.

Total estimated budget under this call is $50,000,000.

The geographic focus of this program: Africa, Asia

Eligibility criteria:

• Applications may only be submitted by eligible US colleges and universities as defined under Section 296(d) of Title XII of the Foreign Assistance Act.
• All types of U.S. and non-U.S. entities are eligible as collaborating partners (e.g., sub-recipients or contractors at various tiers), provided that they are not excluded from U.S.Government (USG) acquisition and assistance awards.
• USAID strongly encourages applicants to include qualified Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) including, but not limited to, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs),and Asian American Native Alaskan and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs).
• USAID strongly encourages applications from potential new partners.

Important Note: All applicants must have a DUNS number and must be registered in the U.S. Government’s System for Award Management (SAM).USAID cannot fund organizations that do not comply. To obtain  DUNS number, applicants may visit this link, and is required for registration in SAM.

For more information, please visit grants.gov and search by funding opportunity number RFA-OAA-14-000018.

For more details : http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html

USAID Calls Private Sector to Partner on Establishing Regional Leadership Centers

Last date : July 1, 2014

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is inviting Partnership Concept Papers from private sector on Regional Leadership Centers under the President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

YALI is an effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The initiative was lunched by US President Obama to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. The goal of YALI is to develop a prestigious network of young female and male leaders across critical sectors who use innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to strengthen democratic institutions and spur economic growth, as well as to build stronger ties to the United States.

The specific objectives of the partnership program are – to support establishment of YALI Regional Leadership Centers that would offer gender-sensitive short-term leadership training and connect young African leaders between the ages of 18-35 with each other and the world.

Approximate budget for the establishment of five YALI Regional Leadership Centers is $12 million.

Partnerships might include entities from the public, private and non-profit sectors that together bring relevant technical expertise, a strong track record in the development of young leaders, and necessary resources

Eligibility Criteria :

• Eligible partners are the private sector organizations which include (but not limited to) African and multinational corporations, financial institutions, chambers of commerce, industry associations, foundations, entrepreneurs, investors and other private sector organizations.
• The applicant must incorporate the expertise, experience and resources of academia (including African and US universities and training academies, as well as executive training or similar organizations) and of a broad range of civil society organizations and initiatives, including US and non-US governmental organizations.
• Preferred physical locations for the Centers include South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Mozambique, and Kenya. Concept papers can be submitted for work that is conducted within one or more of these sub-regions to support one or more centers.

For more information, please visit grants.gov and search for funding opportunity RFA-OAA-14-000037.

For more details : http://www.grants.gov/search-grants.html

Enter Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition with Best Ideas and Projects

 

Last date: June 30, 2014

Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition is the joint initiative of Stiftung Entrepreneurship, Goi Peace Foundation and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)  to empower young entrepreneurs and innovators for positive change.

Young people between the ages 15 and 30 from around the world are invited to enter the competition with their best ideas and/or projects. This is an opportunity for the youth to be a part of global community of creative youth entrepreneurs and peers who together are building a harmonious and sustainable society for all.

Winners of the competition will get opportunity to participate in the award ceremony and present their ideas and projects to an international audience. Award ceremony will be held at the Entrepreneural Summit in October 2014 in Berlin.

Categories :

1. Best Ideas – New and original ideas and plans for an enterprise that still needs to be implemented.
2. Best Projects – Existing enterprise that has demonstrated social impact.

Prizes :

1. Grand, Second and Third Prize – in each category [Finalists will be 10 entries receiving most votes - in each of the two categories]
2. People’s Choice Prize for the entry with largest number of votes – in each category
3. Finalists not chosen as prize winners will receive honorable mention.

Eligibility Criteria :

• Competitor must be between the age 15-30.
• Youth should have an innovative idea for an enterprise which contributes to the sustainable development of your community, in a field such as – The Environment, Poverty Reduction. Education. Health. Peace Building. Sustainable Energy, Empowerment of Women and Youth, Food Security, Cultural Diversity, the Elderly. OR
• The youth should be operating such enterprise in the form of a business, a non-profit organization, or an informal program.
• Entry must be submitted for one of the categories.
• Submissions can be made by team too but the idea must be submitted by one team member.
• One entrant can submit more than one idea/project.
• Ideas or projects that have won other prizes or competitions are also eligible to enter the competition.
• Entries must be submitted in English and Presentation must also be made in English language.

Enter the Competition

1. Register online
2. Learn how to create an Idea/Project through free training at the online Entrepreneurship Campus
3. Submit the best Ideas and/or Projects
4. Enroll Friends and colleagues to vote and comment

Timeline :

1. Entry Deadline: 30 June 2014
2. Online Voting and Comments Deadline: 31 July 2014
3. People’s Choice Prize Winners Announced – 1 August 2014
4. Video Presentation to be submitted by the top 10 Entries – 15 August 2014
5. 10 finalists announced in the Best Ideas Category and the Best Projects Category respectively – 20 August 2014
6. Prize Announced – 15 September 2014
7. Award Ceremony – October 2014

For more details : https://www.youth-competition.org/

Project Inspire 2014: Grants to Inspire the Young People for Empowerment

 

Last date :June 30, 2014
The Singapore Committee for UN Women and the MasterCard Initiative are accepting applications for the ‘Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World‘. This is a grant opportunity that invites youths between 18-35 years around the world to submit their project ideas. The participants can be from NGOs, and social businesses, benefiting women and girls in Asia, the Middle East or Africa.
Each participant gets five-minutes time to present the inspiring story. This is an opportunity to win US$25,000. Project Inspire aims to inspire young people across the world to take action to empower disadvantaged women and girls in Asia/Pacific, the Middle East or Africa through entrepreneurship and business literacy.
Top 10 finalists will be flown to Singapore in August 2014. There, they will spend three days preparing the five-minutes pitch to present before the judging panel which will lead them to win a US$25,000. Project Inspire was launched in 2011 to mark the 100th International Women’s Day and the 25th anniversary of MasterCard Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.
Prizes :

1. Grand Prize – US$25,000
2. Global Reach Award – US$10,000
3. Inspirational Award – US$10,000
4. People’s Choice Award to one of the finalists with maximum number of votes

Eligibility Criteria :

• Entrant can be from anywhere in the world without restriction of nationality.
• Entrant must be youth between the ages 18-35 at the time of submitting entry.
• Entrant must be from non-profit and non-governmental organizations, and social businesses.
• The project must show creativity and demonstrate the potential to make a sustainable impact on the empowerment of women.
• The project must be designed to empower disadvantaged women and girls through entrepreneurship and business literacy.
• The project must be based on an existing initiative.
• The beneficiaries of the project must be women or girls in Asia/Pacific, Middle East or Africa.
• Project can be submitted as an individual or a team of up to three. The team leader must be between the ages 18-35 and must commit to travel to Singapore and be present during the whole duration if chosen as finalist.
• The proposed project must not propagate any political views or religious doctrines.
• The project must be designed to be implemented with a budget of US$25,000.
• The entrant must commit to commence the fieldwork for their project by 1 February 2015.

Last Year’s Award Winners were :

1. Protsahan – Project Inspire Grant
2. Global Peace Institute – Global Reach Award
3. Katutandike – Inspirational Award

The Singapore Committee for UN Women is an independent NGO in support of UN Women’s mission on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Established in 1999, the organization supports programs that provide women and girls with access to education, healthcare, economic independence and a life free of violence and abuse. Focus Area of the NGO are – Ending Violence Against Women, Economic Empowerment, and Governance & Leadership.
MasterCard is a technology company and payments industry leader who also invests in the lives of people to fulfill its social responsibility.
For more details : http://projinspire.org/2014/

AGFUND: Human Development Projects Grant for NGOs & Individuals

Last date : May 31, 2014

The Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND) – a funding organization based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia works mainly in the field of development and growth at the international level through an effective partnership with the United Nations Organization, with regional and national development organizations, with public institutions, with the private sector, as well as with organizations of the civil society. Its major grant program is the AGFUND International Prize for Pioneering Human Development Projects.

The Prize has been set up with the aim of inciting and encouraging innovation and creativity in the areas of human development. The idea of the Prize was stemmed from AGFUND’s approach to enhance development performance and support key development projects in order to achieve the goal of sustainability and investment in people.

This year (2014), the prize will be offered in the field of “Marketing of Home Products.”

AGFUND invites the UN, International and regional organizations, ministries and public institutions, NGOs, universities and research centers and experts in the field all over the world to submit their nominations for the Prize, which is worth US $ 500,000 allocated for its four categories.

The Prize has four categories:

FIRST CATEGORY: (US$ 200,000)

The role of UN and international organizations in supporting the developing countries’ programs through marketing of homemade products (For projects implemented by UN, international or regional organizations).

SECOND CATEGORY: (US$ 150,000)

The role of NGOs in marketing of homemade products (For projects implemented by national NGOs).

THIRD CATEGORY: (US$ 100,000)

The role of governmental and public institutions in setting up policies and programs that are supportive to homemade products (For projects implemented by ministries and public institutions).

FOURTH CATEGORY: (US$ 50,000)

Individual-led initiatives for empowerment of woman through marketing of homemade products (For projects initiated, sponsored and/or implemented by individuals).

For more details : http://www.agfundprize.org/?page_id=190

SFIAR Awards to PhD/PostDoc Project and Master Thesis Project

Last date : July 15, 2014

The Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research (SFIAR) is inviting applications from graduates and scientists of a Swiss institution who work in agricultural research for development for SFIAR Award 2014. The major aim of the award is to support relevant agricultural research for development (ARD); and promote knowledge on and visibility of Swiss ARD. The SFIAR Award may help the winner enter into development work, or receive project funding.

The application must cover at least one of the following characteristics –

1. Partnership, outreach to the farm level, output and impact
2. Product development (or steps thereof)
3. Tool or instrument

Awards :

1. Best PhD or Post Doc Project – CHF 5,000
2. Best Master Thesis Project – CHF 1,000

Eligibility Criteria :

• The SFIAR Award 2014 is restricted to PhD or Post Doc projects. In addition the best Master thesis project is also awarded.
• Research must have been carried out at or in close collaboration with a Swiss institution involved in ARD.
• Research must have appropriate linkages in developing countries.
• Research must have been completed preferably no longer than three years ago (for Master Thesis Award: thesis not older than 18 months).
• Applications can be submitted in English, French or German language.

For more details : http://www.sfiar.ch/award.htm