Funding Friday...
Develop Impact - Issue 166
Happy Friday!
We hope your week has been filled with productivity and a sense of accomplishment in all your endeavors. As we approach the weekend, we're excited to share this week's Funding Friday edition, where we've compiled a list of seventeen global funding opportunities open to individuals and organizations working on innovative solutions to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Please let us know if you have any news, projects, or updates that you'd like to share with our community. We're always eager to learn about and celebrate your successes!
Have a fantastic weekend!
Best regards,
Jesse
What’s funding this week…
Global
Funding Amount: Grants for the design, implementation, or expansion of winning projects.
The Clean Cooking Alliance and the United Nations Capital Development Fund have launched the Digital Innovations Challenge to address financing needs for clean cooking markets. This challenge seeks private sector enterprises to address data and information barriers to increase finance for clean cooking companies and their consumers. The challenge focuses on digital innovations that reduce the time and cost for data and information management and facilitate faster access to financing opportunities, such as carbon markets or results-based financing (RBF). The challenge will have three stages: Bootcamp, Acceleration, and Scaling implementation. Eligible applicants will apply for the innovation challenge and may be awarded grants at different stages. The lead applicant must be a private sector entity with interest in providing digital solutions. This does not include funding for clean cooking products such as improved biomass cookstoves, LPG, etc but focuses on digital technology-based innovations (such as monitoring devices or platforms) that can support clean cooking products. Candidates are encouraged to apply as a consortium with a clean cooking enterprise, but this is not a requirement at the bootcamp stage.
Internet Society Foundation’s Research Program
Funding Amount: Up to $200,000 for independent researchers; Up to $500,000 for organizations and institutions
This program supports global research collaborations that advance the understanding of the Internet and its value for all. The research should be applied, open, and focused on one of the following thematic areas: Greening the Internet, The Internet Economy, A Trustworthy Internet, and Decolonizing the Internet. The Foundation encourages novel methodologies, diverse and collaborative research groups, and intersectional research that can inform decision-making in government and industry. Research involving human or animal subjects must be certified as ethical and comply with local laws. Independent researchers may apply for funding up to $200,000, while organizations and institutions may apply for funding up to $500,000.
The UN Global Compact's 2023 SDG Pioneers program recognizes business leaders at any level within their company who are using business as a force for good to advance the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Local Networks across all continents are hosting country-level SDG Pioneers campaigns to identify business leaders who will become contenders for the global recognition at the UN General Assembly in September 2023. The national rounds of SDG Pioneers submission are currently open.
Schwarzman Scholars Program 2024-2025
Funding Amount: Full Scholarship (including tuition & fees, room & board, in-country study tour, travel, health insurance, and stipend for personal expenses)
The Schwarzman Scholars Program aims to bring together a diverse cohort of young leaders from around the world, fostering understanding between China and other nations. Applicants from all fields of study are welcome, but they must articulate how participating
in the program will help develop their leadership potential. Candidates must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of August 1 of their enrollment year and demonstrate strong English skills. The scholarship covers tuition & fees, room & board, in-country study tour, travel to and from Beijing, health insurance, and a stipend for personal expenses.
Asia-Pacific
MEKONG-REPUBLIC OF KOREA COOPERATION FUND (MKCF) 7th Call for Regional Project Proposals
Funding Amount: Minimum of 300,000 USD and maximum of 1,000,000 USD, with a time frame of 2-3 years.
Eligible organizations from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam, Thailand (CLMVT), Republic of Korea (ROK), International Organizations including UN Agencies, and other International Non-Governmental Organizations having operating offices in the Mekong countries and ROK can apply for the 7th call of the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF). Projects in priority sectors such as Culture and Tourism, Human Resources Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Infrastructure, Information and Communication Technology, Environment, and Non-Traditional Security Challenges are welcomed. The fund encourages 3-way (triangular) or 4-way (quadripartite) collaborations with other donors, including but not limited to the Mekong River Commission (MRC), Japan, United States (US), Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Canada, etc. The fund provides grants for joint activities with a regional or international entity, formalized through a cooperation agreement, and is considered as regional.
Games Symposium for Oceania and the Asia Pacific 2023
DiGRA Australia and Chinese DiGRA, in partnership with Pride at Play, are inviting short submissions from game makers, scholars, artists, writers, and players for the Games Symposium for Oceania and the Asia Pacific, to be held in Melbourne (Australia) and online on 14-15 June 2023. The symposium aims to explore games and gaming culture in the Oceania and Asia Pacific regions, including overseas Chinese and Asian perspectives around the world. Presentations must be contextualized in Oceania or the Asia Pacific, and themes may include intersectional identities, regional characteristics of game production and play, gender, sexuality, race, nationality, game histories and futures, and game fandoms/role-playing/cosplay. The symposium especially encourages researchers working in Chinese sectors to submit their work on game culture to share and collaborate with workshop attendees. Information about funding is not provided.
Mekong Cultural Hub (MCH) Curated Conference 2024
Funding Amount: All expenses for participating in Meeting Point; 300 USD stipend per participant
Mekong Cultural Hub (MCH) is calling for applications from art and cultural practitioners from across Asia to participate in the Curated Conference 2024, to be held in Hanoi (Viet Nam) from 21-23 March 2023. The conference is part of Meeting Point 2024, which aims to provide space for diverse cultural practitioners to discuss and explore topics related to cultural organizations and their impact. This year's conference will focus on two topics: Life Cycles of Grassroots Cultural Organizations in Asia and Hitting Pause: Examining Purpose & Practice. The selected conference Fellows will be assigned to one group according to their preference at the application stage. The program is designed for diverse cultural practitioners, including artists, from anywhere in Asia. The working language is English. The support offered includes all expenses for participating in Meeting Point and a 300 USD stipend per participant.
HANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy
Program Description: HANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy is inviting applications from emerging filmmakers from Asia to participate in a three-month education program, including online and in-person sessions, from 9 July to 13 October 2023. The program includes short film production, workshops, mentoring, and masterclasses. The completed short films by the fellows will be officially screened at the Busan International Film Festival in October 2023.
Program Schedule:
Short Film Script Submission: 9 July 2023
Online Pre-Production: 17 July – 23 September 2023
Programme Dates: 24 September – 13 October 2023
Eligibility: Applicants should have Asian nationality or be a Korean overseas, be over 18 years old, have experience in directing, producing, cinematography, editing, production design or sound in at least two short films, be able to communicate in English, and attend all sessions including online pre-production. Applicants who have never attended Asian Film Academy/CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy before are eligible to apply.
Program Content: Fellows will make two short films during the program, with two selected for screening at the Busan International Film Festival. Divided into two teams, fellows will go through a collaborative filmmaking process from script development to post-production with the support of mentors, instructors, and professional crew. In addition, there will be workshops and mentoring with experts from various filmmaking fields, faculty film screenings, a MPA-BAFA Film Workshop: Bridge to Hollywood to help participants develop their pitches, CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy Network event to allow fellows to meet with alumni, and a graduation with a short film screening.
Africa and Middle East
EEP Africa - Early-stage Clean Energy Projects in Southern and Eastern Africa
Funding Amount: Grants and repayable grants between EUR 200,000 - 1,000,000
EEP Africa invites private companies, start-ups, and social enterprises from any country with early-stage clean energy projects in active development phase in Southern and Eastern Africa to apply for grants and repayable grants. Applicants should be registered legal entities for at least six months prior to the EoI opening date and demonstrate local engagement. Projects should address one or more of the following themes: Gender & Youth, Circular Economy & Productive Uses of Energy, Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience, and Leave No One Behind (LNOB). The minimum required co-financing is 30-50% of the total project budget, depending on the project phase and company maturity. The deadline for applications is 12 May 2023 at 12:00 (Helsinki time, GMT +3).
SaaS Accelerator Program: Africa
Funding Amount: Up to €65,000 (€45,000 cash + €20,000 program)
The SaaS Acceleration Program in Africa, offered by Startup Wise Guys, provides tailored guidance and support to SaaS startups through world-class mentors and experts. The program includes weekly 1:1 support in sales, marketing, and pitching, and offers access to an extensive network of founders, practitioners, and investors. Startups can receive up to €65,000 investment in exchange for up to 12% equity, with a potential for follow-on investment.
The Baobab Network Accelerator Program
Funding Amount: $50,000 USD
Summary: The Baobab Network offers a world-class accelerator program for early-stage tech or tech-enabled startups in Africa, providing $50,000 in funding and a 3-month cohort program in exchange for 10% equity. The program includes personalized two-week consultation sessions with tailored support to help startups scale and unlock further funding stages. Eligible applicants must have an MVP or be at the initial stages of scale and be based in a key market covered by the program. Required application documents include an investment deck, cap table, and traction document.
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program
The AWE Program, a partnership between the U.S. Embassy and SELFINA, supports aspiring or startup women entrepreneurs aged 20-45 in Pemba and Mara, Tanzania. The program offers online education, resources, and networking opportunities to help participants develop their business skills, create business plans, raise capital, and connect with successful business owners. Eligible applicants must be Tanzanian citizens with basic computer knowledge, a working laptop, and English proficiency. They should be committed to attending the full program and sharing the knowledge gained with others. The application deadline is May 21, 2023.
Europe and Americas
Generation Google Scholarship (EMEA) for Women in Computer Science
Funding Amount: 7,000 EUR (or local equivalent) for the 2023-2024 academic year
The Generation Google Scholarship aims to support students pursuing computer science degrees, particularly women, to excel in technology and become leaders in the field. Applicants must be currently enrolled as full-time students in a Bachelors program at an accredited university or college for the 2022-2023 academic year and intend to be enrolled in or accepted as a full-time student in a Bachelors program at an accredited university in Europe, Middle East, or Africa for the 2023-2024 academic year. They should be studying computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field, demonstrate a strong academic record, exemplify leadership, and show a passion for improving representation of underrepresented groups in computer science and technology. Selected students will receive a 7,000 EUR award (or local equivalent) for the 2023-2024 academic year, based on their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, leadership, and academic performance.
Promoting Sustainable Development through UNESCO's Programmes and Sites
Funding Amount: Up to 25,000 USD per site
Summary: The UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe and the abrdn Charitable Foundation (aCF) are launching a second call for applications for UNESCO designated sites in Europe and North America as part of the 3-year project 'Promoting sustainable development through UNESCO's programmes and sites.' Eligible UNESCO sites include Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks, and Natural and Mixed World Heritage sites. Each selected site will receive funding to implement activities under the three expected results. Multi-designated areas and joint proposals from geographically close sites are encouraged. The deadline for applications is 26 April 2023 at 23:59 CET. Applications must be submitted as PDF files in English or French by email to Regional.Bureau-SC@unesco.org.
SILEO Eurocluster Open Call for Business Digital Transformation Projects
Funding Amount: Up to €5,000 per individual SME
The SILEO Eurocluster Open Call offers European SMEs in the lighting and furniture sectors the opportunity to access expert consultancy services to boost their business's green and digital transition. Expert services include general consultancy on company digitalization processes, specific consultancy on advanced technologies and digitalization processes, and general consultancy for business transformation and market analysis. The application deadline is 20 June 2023 at 17:00 CEST.
FRIEND CCI: Call for Expression of Interest for Service Providers
The FRIEND CCI project, funded by the European Commission, aims to improve the resilience of the creative and cultural industries (CCI) ecosystem in Europe and support its green and digital transformation. This call seeks service providers who can offer training services related to the twin (green and digital) transition or internationalization services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Selected providers will be part of an online registry on the Euroclusters platform, which creative and cultural SMEs will consult for support in their project implementation. The support funding received by the selected SMEs from the FRIEND CCI project must be used for the training, digitalization, and internationalization services described in the call.
Fat Beehive Foundation Small Grants for Websites and Digital Products
The Fat Beehive Foundation is a UK registered charity providing small grants (up to £2500) for websites and digital products to small UK registered charities with an average income of less than £400,000 a year. The aim is to help these organizations carry out their work more efficiently and effectively, resulting in positive social benefit. The funding priorities for this year are environmental protection or climate change mitigation, human rights, equality and diversity, and art & culture.