Funding Friday
A weekly roundup of (not USG) funding for innovation!
It has been a tough week for many of us in development. As I shared earlier, the U.S. government's decision to pause foreign aid payments will have devastating consequences for local organizations on the ground. Unfortunately, in speaking with local leaders here in Cambodia, the reality is clear. Many are struggling to stay open or avoid layoffs.
At Glean, we are in a slightly better position than most, thanks to our diversified income from software services. However, we have taken a significant Q1 hit, and the road ahead looks challenging. I deeply appreciate the support and encouragement many of you have shared. It means a lot. We are in this work because we believe in the cause, in the people we serve, and in the impact we can make. It is not for financial gain, despite how it is sometimes portrayed in the media.
Because I care about your work and organizations, my team and I have put in extra effort this week to highlight non-USG funding opportunities that you can apply for.
Hang in there. We need you!
Jesse
Global
🔬 Informing Humanitarian Response through Research, Learning, and Innovation
📝 The Novo Nordisk Foundation has launched a Call for Proposals (CFPs) to support humanitarian organizations in integrating research, learning, and innovation into their work. The initiative aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian responses, ensuring better outcomes for people affected by crises worldwide.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Innovation in Humanitarian Aid: How can cutting-edge research and innovative solutions enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian responses?
Learning from Crises: What strategies can humanitarian organizations use to continuously adapt and improve their interventions based on past experiences?
Collaboration for Impact: How can partnerships between researchers, NGOs, and humanitarian agencies strengthen disaster response and crisis management?
🔗 Informing Humanitarian Response through Research, Learning, and Innovation
🏞️ Land Acquisition Fund: Providing Funds to Local NGOs and CSOs
📝 The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) National Committee of the Netherlands (NL) is inviting proposals for its Land Acquisition Fund (LAF). This fund aims to support local conservation NGOs and CSOs in acquiring threatened natural areas to create safe reserves and connect wildlife habitats for endangered species.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Biodiversity Conservation: How can land acquisition contribute to the protection of critical habitats for endangered species?
Community Involvement: In what ways can local communities be engaged in the management and stewardship of newly acquired conservation areas?
Sustainable Management: What strategies can ensure the long-term sustainability and ecological integrity of protected areas established through land acquisition?
🔗 Land Acquisition Fund: Providing Funds to Local NGOs and CSOs
🥗 FoodTech Innovation Awards 2025
📝 Food 4 Future – Expo FoodTech is inviting applications for the FoodTech Innovation Awards 2025, recognizing innovative solutions that disrupt customer experience, improve management, and drive transformation in the food industry. The awards honor startups, companies, and research projects making an impact in digitalization, sustainability, and health.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Food Innovation: How can technology drive sustainability and efficiency in the food and beverage industry?
Automation & AI: What role do automation and AI play in transforming food production and supply chains?
Sustainable Packaging: What innovative solutions can reduce food packaging waste while maintaining food safety and quality?
🔗 FoodTech Innovation Awards 2025
👩🌾 Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application
📝 The World Food Prize Foundation is accepting nominations for the Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, endowed by The Rockefeller Foundation. This annual $10,000 award honors individuals under 40 who have demonstrated exceptional, science-based achievements in international agriculture and food production, embodying Dr. Borlaug's dedication to eliminating global hunger and poverty.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Youth in Agriculture: How can young scientists be encouraged to engage in field research to address global food security challenges?
Innovative Practices: What innovative, science-based approaches are emerging in agriculture to combat hunger and improve food production?
Global Collaboration: How can international collaboration enhance the impact of agricultural research and application in developing countries?
🔗 Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application
🚜 BeLeaf Be The Future: Become a Partner of Philip Morris Group
📝 Philip Morris Italia is inviting innovative enterprises in the agritech sector to participate in the BeLeaf Be The Future program. This initiative aims to integrate advanced technologies and solutions within the Philip Morris group, focusing on predictive agriculture to enhance crop management and resource optimization.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Predictive Agriculture: How can historical and real-time data be utilized to improve the understanding of crop dynamics and support farmers in optimizing resources?
Technology Integration: What innovative technologies can be applied to address the complex challenges of modern agriculture, particularly in tobacco cultivation?
Sustainability: How can agritech solutions contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices in the agricultural supply chain?
🔗 BeLeaf Be The Future: Become a Partner of Philip Morris Group
🔋 Honnold Foundation Core Fund Grant Program 2025
📝 The Honnold Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025 Core Fund Grant Program, which provides unrestricted funding to global solar energy access initiatives that reduce environmental impact and increase social and economic equity.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Community Impact: How can solar energy projects be designed to maximize social and economic benefits for underserved communities?
Sustainable Development: What innovative approaches can be employed to ensure the long-term sustainability of solar infrastructure in marginalized regions?
Equity in Leadership: How does leadership diversity within organizations influence the effectiveness and reach of solar energy initiatives?
🔗 Honnold Foundation Core Fund Grant Program 2025
Asia Pacific
🤝 Direct Aid Small Grants Program- Papua New Guinea
📝 The Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is accepting submissions for the Direct Aid Program (DAP) in Papua New Guinea. This flexible small grants program supports projects with a strong development focus that complement Australia's broader aid program, contributing to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Community Development: How can small-scale projects be designed to have a sustainable and lasting impact on local communities in Papua New Guinea?
Sectoral Integration: In what ways can projects effectively integrate multiple sectors (e.g., education, health, environmental protection) to address complex development challenges?
Empowerment Strategies: What approaches can be employed to ensure the active participation and empowerment of women and marginalized groups in development projects?
🔗 Direct Aid Small Grants Program in Papua New Guinea
🛡️ Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0- India
📝 The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), has launched the Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in cybersecurity. This initiative seeks to enhance India's cybersecurity capabilities and develop advanced security solutions in key areas such as API security, data security, AI-powered threat detection, and biometric authentication.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Cybersecurity Innovation: How can AI-driven solutions improve threat detection and incident response in critical sectors?
Data Protection: What measures can organizations take to enhance data security and prevent breaches in enterprise environments?
Future of Digital Security: How can next-generation biometric authentication systems be secured against AI-powered cyber threats?
🔗 Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 (India)
Africa
🐘 African Elephant Fund Program 2025
📝 The African Elephant Fund (AEF) is inviting proposals for its 2025 funding program, which supports initiatives aligned with the African Elephant Action Plan (AEAP). This program funds projects that address key threats to elephant populations across African elephant range states.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Community Engagement: How can local communities be actively involved in conservation efforts to ensure long-term success?
Innovative Solutions: What new technologies or methods can help mitigate human-elephant conflicts and protect elephant habitats?
Strengthening Law Enforcement: What strategies can be implemented to enhance anti-poaching efforts and combat illegal ivory trade?
🔗 African Elephant Fund Program 2025
🐍 ASA Network Research and Postdoc Research Grants Program
📝 The African Snakebite Alliance (ASA) is inviting proposals for its Network Research and Postdoc Research Grants Program. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes for individuals affected by snakebite envenoming by addressing evidence gaps in policy and practice across Africa.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Burden Assessment: How can research reduce gaps between true snakebite envenoming incidence and available data, and identify hotspots through data capture, mapping, and surveillance?
Treatment Optimization: What strategies can optimize antivenom distribution, decentralize treatment to community levels, and improve access to healthcare facilities?
Rehabilitation Focus: How can rehabilitation efforts be enhanced to improve the quality of life for snakebite survivors?
🔗 ASA Network Research and Postdoc Research Grants Program – Africa