SEAF seeks Applications for Second African Diaspora Marketplace Grants
Small Enterprise Assistance Funds (SEAF) is currently inviting applications for the Second African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) grants. The second ADM has been launched as an initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Western Union Company. The main aim of ADM is to encourage sustainable economic growth and employment by offering support to U.S.-based African Diaspora entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for start-up and established businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa.
It is expected that ADM will award 15-30 winning businesses with matching partnership grants approximately $50,000. The exact number of businesses supported will be determined by the availability of total funds. In addition, the ADM will facilitate access to technical assistance, capacity building and information on a range of follow-on financing options for all finalists. These opportunities will be afforded through linkages with existing USAID and other United States Government (USG) programs in Africa as well as ADM partnerships with the private and public sector.
Eligibility Criteria
The ADM seeks the most promising proposals for sustainable commercially-oriented business that meet the following eligibility criteria:
* Business Location: Proposals must be implemented in one of the following countries: Benin, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia. Representing four trading regions: ECOWAS, SADC, EAC, COMESA
* Sub-Saharan African Diaspora Participation: Proposals must be submitted by a member (or members) of the Sub-Saharan African Diaspora living in the United States as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Who is considered a “diaspora member?” The ADM uses the African Union’s definition of diaspora: “people of African origin living outside the continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality and who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and the building of the African Union.”
* Proposals may be submitted by an individual diaspora member, a group of diaspora members, or a diaspora-owned business based in the U.S.
* African Partnership: Proposals must be submitted in partnership with a local African entity located in the participating Sub-Saharan African country where the business is or will be established. The African based partner may be an individual, a group of individuals or a business.
* Award Size: Requests for ADM funding should be approximately US$50,000.
Business Criteria:
* Must be a start-up or established business seeking to expand or introduce new goods or services.
* Must be legally registered in the Sub-Saharan African country of implementation. Businesses that are not yet legally registered may also participate in the competition provided they are able to become legally incorporated before advancing to the final round of the competition.
* Must include a minimum of 25% ownership by the proposing U.S.-based diaspora member. Proposals that advance to the final round will be required to submit evidence of diaspora ownership.
* Eligible sectors: All commercially viable proposals in information & Communication Technology ICT, Agribusiness, and Renewable Energy will be considered.
Evaluation Criteria
* Business Idea
* Management Capacity
* Sustainability
* Financial
* Results
* Leverage
Last date for submitting the applications is February 3, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
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AusAid seeks Proposals for Community-based Climate Change Action Grants
AusAid is currently inviting proposals from Australian and international NGOs for the community-based climate change action grants, a funding scheme for NGOs to develop and implement community-based climate change responses in one or more Pacific Island countries or in a single country in South East Asia. Grant proposals can be submitted under any one of the two categories: Community-based adaptation grants and Community-based mitigation grants. While the adaptation grants are meant to focus on building the resilience of communities to the impacts of climate change, the mitigation grants will help communities reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions, while also addressing key development priorities.
Objectives
* increase the resilience of communities in developing countries to the unavoidable impacts of climate change;
* reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions while also contributing to development priorities in the target communities;
Funding Available
Up to AUD$30 million in funding is available to non-government organizations though the Community-based Climate Change Action Grants.
Organization Eligibility Criteria
* To be eligible for funding, organizations must comply with the following criteria:
* The lead organization is an Australian or International NGO with knowledge and technical skills of relevance to community-based climate change adaptation and/or mitigation. Applications from organizations that have established working relationships with local partners are encouraged.
* The organization(s) is accredited by AusAID and/or agrees to the Statement of International Development Practice Principles.
* The organization(s) manages activities and relationships with other organizations in a way that reflects good practice in developing countries.
* Applicant organizations must declare all other proposals or sources of funding (including Australian Government funding) that is related, or may impact, on the activity.
* Consortia applications must be accompanied by a separate letter from each partner providing information about the organization, noting the relationship between the lead and partner organizations and intent to collaborate on the proposed activity.
Activity Eligibility
* Proposed activities must be consistent with the Australian aid program’s strategic goals and development objectives, as outlined in An Effective Aid Program for Australia: Making a real difference – Delivering real results.
* The proposed activities must comply with AusAID’s safeguards.
* The proposed activity is to be implemented in one or more Pacific Island countries or in a single country in South East Asia.
* Organizations proposing to run activities in Vietnam are eligible for mitigation funding for this grants program. However, adaptation proposals for other eligible countries can include a mitigation component.
* Proposals for integrated adaptation and mitigation activities may be accepted for Vietnam. The proposals should clearly indicate the relative proportions of adaptation and mitigation components.
Last date for submitting the concept paper is February 10, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
This grant is only for Australian or international organizations.
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FAO Call for Papers and Grant Opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Cornell International Institute for Food Agriculture and Development (CIIFAD) in collaboration with the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) is hosting an international symposium on “Inclusive Agro-Enterprise Development”, as part of the technical program of IAAE’s Triennial Conference of 2012.
The symposium aims to bring together leading scholars, government officials, private sector representatives and development practitioners to discuss innovative approaches to promote inclusive agro-enterprise development. The goal is to offer a platform whereby novel international experiences in agro-enterprise development policies and support institutions can be discussed, lessons can be learned and recommendations can be made to improve the effectiveness of agro-enterprise investment promotion initiatives by governments and development organizations.
* Areas of special interest for discussion include:
* Business models linking producers and buyers
* Agro-industry clusters, agribusiness incubators and agro-food parks
* Agro-based growth corridors and special economic zones
* Technical and financial support for small and medium enterprises
* Collective action and producer associations/ cooperatives
* Risk management approaches and tools for small-holders
* Pro-poor investment promotion policies and mechanisms
* Incentives for micro and missing-middle investors
* Infrastructure investments to enhance market integration
Potential contributors to the symposium can send a proposal consisting of an extended abstract (250 – 400 words) and a brief resume.
Professionals from developing countries who have their contributions accepted for presentation at the symposium are eligible to a grant of a maximum of US$2,500 (two thousand and five hundred dollars), to help defray their costs of participation in the IAAE event. The grants will be provided to a number of selected participants, upon submission of a technical paper to be prepared in accordance with FAO guidelines, to be later communicated to authors. The selected papers and a synthesis of the symposium discussions and deliberations will be published as a joint FAO – Cornell University book.
Deadline for Submission of an extended abstract (max 400 words): February 28th 2012
For more information, visit this link.
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University of Groningen, Netherlands seeks Applications for the Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship
University of Groningen, Netherlands seeks applications for the Eric Bleumink Fund scholarship from eligible students in developing countries to pursue Maters degree program at the university. The grant is usually awarded for a maximum of 2 years for a Master’s degree program.
The primary objective of the Eric Bleumink Fund, established on 23 May 2000, is to provide financial support to Master’s students and PhD students from developing countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree or a doctorate. This initiative will not only improve the cooperation between the University of Groningen and universities in developing countries, but will also raise the level of academic expertise in these countries.
University of Groningen offers a number of scholarships for international students and researchers. Several scholarships are available for international students who are motivated to study Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs, as well as for exchanges, short courses and research stays at the university. More than 70 Master’s degree programs have English as the language of instruction.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates for the Eric Bleumink Fund should:
* be nationals of and have their permanent residence in a developing country
* have a good command of the English language
* be in good health, so that health insurance in the Netherlands can be arranged
* be available for the whole period of the fellowship and be able to take part in the entire study program
* have no other means of financing the study in question
Eligible Countries
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Replublic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, China, Colombia, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kiribati, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Moldova, Mongolia, Macedonia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Namibia, Niue, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Autonomous Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, East Timor, South Korea
Allowances
* A living allowance of € 970 per month for food and accommodation for Master’s students. In the case of a short stay in the Netherlands, the University of Groningen will make lodging arrangements for this period. The costs of rent, amounting up to a maximum of € 450 for master’s students will be deducted from the living allowance. In that case € 520 remains of the monthly allowance.
* A settling allowance of € 275 for extra expenses incurred when arriving in the Netherlands. This lump sum is paid along with the first monthly allowance.
* Travel costs for the journey from Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol) to Groningen and back.
* A study allowance of € 310 per year for books and other study material.
* The expenses for the visa at the Netherlands Embassy and the Foreign Police Department in the Netherlands will be reimbursed.
* All tuition fees for the Master’s program will be covered by the Eric Bleumink Fund.
Deadline
Deadline for submitting the application for scholarship is February 22, 2012
For more information, visit this link.
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African Union Research Grants-Open Call for Proposals -2012
Deadline: 20 April 2012
Countries/Region: AFRICA
The African Union Commission (AUC) is committed to ensure that science and technology in Africa contributes to its sustainable development efforts. The Act establishing the Union recognizes the need for Africa to embark on an ambitious strategic science and technology development programme, aimed at contributing to the wellbeing and improved quality of life for the African citizens. To this end the establishment of the AU in 2002 was accompanied by the setting up the AUC with a special Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology to drive this strategic programme.
The Specific objective of this Call for Proposals is to award grants to finance research projects in the fields of (a) Post-harvest and Agriculture, (b) Renewable and Sustainable Energy, or (c) Water and Sanitation. It is highly envisaged that the deployment and the improvement of science and technology research in these challenging areas will effectively contribute to Africa’s poverty reduction strategies, economic growth and social development efforts.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
There are three sets of eligibility criteria, relating to:
* applicant(s) which may request a grant (2.1.1), and their partners (2.1.2);
* actions for which a grant may be awarded (2.1.3);
* types of cost which may be taken into account in setting the amount of the grant (2.1.4).
Who can apply:
* be legal persons and
* be nationals of African Union , ACP, EU Member States, Least Developed Country as defined by the United Nations (LDCs), European Economic Area (EEA) Member States, one of the official EU candidate countries or, for proposed actions taking place in at least one LDC, reciprocal access shall be granted to the members of the OECD/Development Assistance Committee and
* be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with their partners, not acting as an intermediary and
* be registered locally in ( or have a memorandum of understanding in relevant research areas, with) an eligible African country prior to the publication of this call for proposals and
* have at least a three-year record in the formulation and/or implementation of research activities in Africa for which they will have to provide the relevant legal documents and
* be able to demonstrate their experience and capacity to manage activities corresponding in scale and complexity to those for which a grant has been requested and
* have stable and sufficient sources of finance to ensure the continuity of their organisation throughout the implementation of the proposed action and
* belong to consortia of scientists as explained under 2.1.2 (2)- composition of partnerships. and
* belong to at least one of the following categories:
1. National or regional science and technology organizations, research institutions, universities, government ministries or public institutions dealing with scientific research including regional science and technology institutions, with separate legal status, not belonging to any national system but formally recognized by one of the eligible countries; or
2. Established science and technology networks provided that: all network members and the network headquarters are located in eligible countries; the network has a legal status; the network is applying in its own right; and the network has been registered for a minimum of two years.
For more information visit this link.
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International Foundation for Science seeks Applications for Research Grants
Founded in 1972, the International Foundation for Science (IFS) is a research council that aims to build the scientific capacity of developing countries in sciences related to the sustainable management of biological and water resources. This non-governmental organisation works to promote the research efforts of promising young science graduates, who have the potential to become leading scientists in their countries. In the past 37 years, IFS has offered over 7,000 research grants to young scientists from different parts of the world.
IFS is currently inviting applications from eligible projects in select developing countries for the research grants. The timeframe of a research project should normally be 1-3 years. After having completed an IFS supported research project, and submitted a project report, grantees may apply for renewal grants.
Grant Provisions
An IFS Research Grant has a maximum value of USD 12,000. It is awarded to an individual researcher, for a specific research project, presented by the Applicant in the Application form. The IFS Research Grant is intended for the purchase of the basic tools needed to conduct the proposed research project – equipment, expendable supplies, and literature – and to arrange fieldwork activities related to the proposed project. The grant cannot be used to pay for the aspiring Grantee’s own salary or for honoraria, or to cover tuition fees or living expenses. It is expected that the IFS Grantees already receive a salary and are employed by or otherwise attached to a developing country research institution.
Funding for Research Teams
Although the IFS Research Grant is individual, IFS strongly supports the creation of research teams. To jointly fund a team project, researchers who qualify for IFS support may apply for individual IFS Research grants. Each team member should describe his/her own individual research objectives as well as his/her contribution to meeting the objectives of the team. Each individual application will be evaluated based on individual merit as well as contribution to the team objectives.
Eligibility Conditions
An eligible candidate for an IFS Research grant is:
* a citizen of a developing country
* a scientist with at least a Master’s or equivalent degree/research experience
* under 40 years of age and at the beginning of research career
* attached to a university, national research institution or a research-oriented NGO in a developing country
Exceptions:
* China: Chinese applicants must be under 30 years of age.
* Researchers from Hong Kong SAR are not eligible for support from IFS.
* Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa are eligible for IFS support up to the age of 45, provided they have completed their highest academic degree (MSc, MA, PhD or equivalent) in the previous 5 years.
* Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay: Applications are no longer accepted from these countries.
Eligible Countries
IFS Research grants are reserved for developing country scientists for research projects carried out in a developing country. Country eligibility is based on the GNI per capita (GNI = Gross National Income) of the country, as published annually by World Bank. The upper limit is drawn at the average GNI/capita for so-called Upper Middle Income Countries (UMIC). If a country’s GNI/capita increases and exceeds this upper limit for some consecutive years, the country will be phased out of the IFS granting programme.
Due to the improved economic situation in Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay, these countries are no longer eligible for IFS grants.
Project Selection Criteria
To qualify for IFS funding, research projects must be:
* related to the sustainable utilisation, conservation or management of the biological or water resource base
* conducted in a developing country
* of a high scientific standard
* feasible
* relevant for the country/region
Last date for submitting the applications for second session is January 29, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
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Applications invited from Citizens of Select Countries for EXPERTS II Grants Program
Applications are currently being invited from the citizens of select countries for EXPERTS II grants. Being run with the support of European Commission, EXPERTS II is the scholarship project targeted at citizens of Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The main objective of the project is to facilitate collaborations between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from South and Southeast Asia (SSEA) and EU by exchanging information in science and policy issues while sharing key issues of sustainable development in academic cooperation.
Objectives
* To build on the experience and existing cooperation of the EXPERTS consortium establishing sustainable cooperation among the partners from both SSEA and EU in high quality research and education
* To enhance the international cooperation capacity of the participating institutions from SSEA by transferring and sharing know-how and best practices, administrative capacities, and training the next generation of researchers and academic staff,
* To exchange ideas, views and knowledge among the partners from both SSEA and EU
Fields of Study
* Agricultural sciences; Architecture, urban and regional planning; Business studies and management sciences; Education and teacher training; Engineering, technology; Geography, Geology; Law;
* Medical Sciences; Natural Sciences; Social Sciences; Physical education and Sport Science; Leisure Studies; Home Economics and Nutrition; and Nautical Science and Navigation
Scholarship Provisions
* Travel cost- one return ticket to the host University- provided by the Coordinator
* A monthly subsistence allowance
* Full insurance coverage – health, travel and accident
* Tuition fees, if applied at the host university- when the study duration is longer than 10 months
Target Groups
Target Group 1: Undergraduate, master and doctorate students, post-doctorates, and academic and administrative staff that contribute to the overall topics of the EXPERTS project in research and cooperation from the partner universities that are participating from SSEA region. The candidate must be registered at the home university at the time of application and in case of undergraduate students – they must have successfully completed at least one year of studies in their home institution.
Target Group 2: Master, doctorate students, and post-doctorates of non-partner universities from SSEA region (concerned by lot 11) and graduates from the partner universities, oriented to the topic of the EXPERTS project in research and cooperation.
Target Group 3: Master and doctoral students belonging to minority groups that provide proposals that increase cooperation and research through innovation in their regions will be sought in this category.
General Conditions
Only Candidates of the following nationalities are eligible to apply: Bangladesh – Bhutan – China – India – Indonesia – Nepal – Pakistan – Sri Lanka – the Philippines – Thailand
In order to be an eligible candidate, you must have not resided nor have carried out your main activity (studies, work, etc.) for more than a total of 12 months over the last five years in one of the European countries.
No student, and no academic staff member can benefit from more than one mobility activity within the same project.
Last date for submitting the applications is February 10, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
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European Commission’s Erasmus Mundus ACP II Program Grants
Applications are currently being invited from interested individuals for Erasmus Mundus ACP II Program grants. Erasmus Mundus ACP Program is an initiative of European Commission. The Mundus ACP II is the renewal project of Erasmus Mundus ACP, and a joint program of 20 Higher Education Institutions from the European Union and the African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) Countries.
More About MUNDUS ACP II Project
The MUNDUS ACP II Project is the MUNDUS ACP Project renewal whose implementation began in the 2010/2011 academic year. The Project comprises European and several ACP Countries’ Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and HEIs Associations, and was implemented within the framework of the Erasmus Mundus, Action 2 – STRAND 1, Lot 15, ACP Countries.
Goals of MUNDUS ACP II Program
* The mutual enrichment and a better understanding between Europe and the ACP Countries, through the exchange of people, knowledge and skills at Higher Education level;
* The increase of international cooperation between European and ACP Countries’ HEIs, thus contributing to foster the socio-economical development of this region;
* The promotion of transparency and recognition of studies and qualifications at an international level.
Grant Provisions
* According to the Guidelines of the Erasmus Mundus Programme, the mobility flows within the scope of this Project are possible in the 16 study fields.
* The selected applicants of this Project will receive a monthly scholarship, according to the type of mobility they will carry out.
Eligibility Conditions
The MUNDUS ACP II Project foresees individual mobility flows to:
* Students (Master and Doctorate) and Academic and Administrative Staff of the ACP Countries willing to develop their activity in one of the European Partner Universities:
o Full Master students will carry out their studies in Europe, in a partner institution of the Project, with the duration of 24 months with the purpose of undertaking their full training at the host institution and the issue of the corresponding Diploma).
o Doctorate students will undertake a mobility period in Europe, in one of the partner institutions of the project, under the doctoral program in which they are enrolled in their home countries (ACP), with the duration of 10 months (this mobility period must be fully recognized by the partner ACP Institution).
o The Academic and Administrative Staff will develop, in Europe, in a partner institution of the Project, activities for the exchange of knowledge, skills and experiences with the duration of 1 month of effective work.
* Academic and Administrative Staff mobility from Europe who wish to develop their activity in one of the ACP Countries’ Partner Universities. The Academic and Administrative Staff will develop, in the ACP Countries, in a partner institution of the Project, activities for the exchange of knowledge, skills and experiences with the duration of 1 month of effective work.
Note: The Project’s mobility scheme determines that the ACP Countries’ candidates may only apply to European partner institutions and that the European candidates can only apply to ACP Countries’ partner institutions. The main objective of this mobility flow scheme is to reinforce regional cooperation between the Higher Education Institutions of the ACP region and the EU.
Last date for submission of applications is January 31, 2012
For more information, visit this link.
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King Baudouin Foundation Funding Opportunity for Projects to improve the Quality of Life for Coffee and/or Cocoa Producers in Developing Countries
The Efico Fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, was setup with the purpose of improving the living conditions of poor communities producing coffee and/or cocoa in developing countries.
The Fund is responsible for selecting and monitoring projects and for distributing financial support. Projects contribute directly or indirectly to the structural and sustainable improvement of poor populations that produce coffee and/or cocoa in developing countries. The projects may also involve humanitarian aid and rehabilitation activities for the poor in these countries.
In this context, applications are now permanently invited from eligible projects till October 1, 2012 for the Efico fund.
Funding Size
Projects can be supported one or more years with a maximum amount of 20.000 € per year. The jury can grant an exception if this is well-founded in the project application.
Eligibility
The project must aim to provide sustainable development for poor populations that produce coffee and/or cocoa in developing countries. This assumes that the project will satisfy three dimensions of sustainability: social, environmental and economic. The central idea is that projects will improve the living conditions of coffee producers and their communities.
Social criteria
* provide sustainable improvement of the living and working conditions of coffee and/or cocoa farmers, plantation workers and their families and ensure that their basic needs are met regarding food, housing, health and education;
* respect local labour laws, allow consultation, participation and adequate working conditions (see UN Global Compact);
* respect human rights and non-discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, political or philosophical convictions;
* improve education and training for all concerned, paying special attention to women and children.
Environmental criteria
* maintain and promote local biodiversity (fauna, flora);
* limit the use of pesticides as much as possible; apply, wherever possible, the principles of sustainable agriculture, giving priority to natural methods of pest control and, if pesticides must be used, use the least toxic and limit their application as much as possible over time and area;
* use, wherever possible, integrated soil fertility management, with judicious use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and natural methods (mulch, soil cover, papilionaceae, etc.) to retain soil fertility and prevent soil erosion;
* manage water resources judiciously through the recycling and purification of waste water, storage of rain water where land is irrigated, and drainage to prevent stagnation;
* give priority to renewable energy sources and limit energy consumption;
* limit the production of waste and recycle as much as possible and, where nothing else is feasible, ensure safe removal for treatment/processing.
Economic criteria
* strive for better (coffee) quality in production and processing through training, financial stimuli and transparent product quality guarantees, value for money;
* encourage market access, make input/output market information available and stimulate collective and participatory activities (cooperatives, producer groups);
* ensure the traceability of each batch through product documentation and good supply chain management;
* ensure food safety in all circumstances; avoid contamination;
* support labels, quality and origin certifications to create commercial added value for coffee;
* capitalize on ecological added value in financial terms wherever possible.
Last date for submission of applications is October 1, 2012
For more information and details, you can visit this link.
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The Road Safety Fund seeks Grant Applications for Improving Road Safety Condition in Middle-Income and Low-Income Countries
The Road Safety Fund is the organization dedicated to support and encourage preventative measures that are proven to reduce the risk or severity of road injury. The Fund was established as a global fund to support the implementation of the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. The Fund gets donations from different companies, governments, philanthropies and the public and supports road injury prevention programmes in countries and communities working to defeat this growing epidemic of road death and injury. The Road Safety Fund believes in investing in the people and the skills that can provide sustainable paths to safety.
The Road Safety Fund is currently inviting applications under small grant program for projects with potential to improve road safety condition in middle-income and low-income countries. The Small Grants Programme is enabled with the generous support of Allianz, Bosch, Guinea Alumina, Innovate Solutions and Vinci Autoroutes Foundation. The fund is looking for projects that will make a demonstrable and sustainable contribution towards the achievement of the Goal of the Decade of Action: to save five million lives by 2020. The small grant funding is intended to enable and catalyse practical activity.
Grant Size
Up to a maximum of US$30,000 per project
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for funding, applicants must:
1. Be governmental or non-profit organisations with a track record in road injury prevention activities or related fields;
2. Ensure project proposals:
* are aligned with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action;
* contribute to road injury reduction in middle-income and/or low income countries;
* demonstrate a catalysing effect, for example by:
o encouraging and enabling institutional capacity development including, where applicable, legislation and enforcement of road injury risk factors;
o building sustainable national or local partnerships and campaigns to practically address specific road injury risk factors, e.g. seat belt, helmet or drink driving coalitions;
o developing strategies to sustain activities over the medium and long term, for example by using the project to leverage additional public/private sector funding;
o demonstrating potential transferability of your activity to other regions/countries;
* include measurable outputs and objectives;
3. Accept, understand and meet their obligations under the UK Bribery Act 2010;
Payment & Reporting
Grants will be paid in instalments. The first instalment will be paid on signing of the grant agreement. Any subsequent instalments will be paid upon receipt of satisfactory activity and expenditure reports, as required in the grant agreement.
Communication
Organisations and projects funded through the small grants programme will be communicated via the Road Safety Fund website and annual report, and any relevant ad hoc publications. Organisations in receipt of funding will be required to acknowledge the support of the Road Safety Fund in any communications relating to their project.
Last date for submitting the applications is January 31, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
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North-South Centre of the Council of Europe seeks Grant Applications for Africa Europe Youth Cooperation Program
The Africa Europe Youth Cooperation Program is an initiative of North-South Centre of the Council of Europe that aims to raise awareness about issues of global interdependence and solidarity in Europe. This program also aims to promote cooperation and human contacts between Europe, the southern Mediterranean and Africa. One of the main objectives of the program is to provide training and capacity building for young people and youth organisations as well as to facilitate policy action on youth in development policies.
North-South Centre of the Council of Europe is currently inviting grant applications for Africa Europe Youth Cooperation Program. This grant allocation, or seed funding, is intended to promote Africa Europe youth exchanges, networking and political participation of nonstate actors. It aims at funding initiatives which provides the possibility for youth leaders, youth workers, experts and trainers to participate in Euro African Youth activities and youth exchanges projects.
Grant Provisions
The grants are of a maximum 2000 € per project/organisation.
Program Activities
* five sub-regional seminars on youth policies and African youth charter;
* Africa-Europe training courses for youth organisations, and training opportunities for African Diaspora in Europe;
* mapping exercise of Africa-Europe youth cooperation/work, leading to the creation of an Africa Europe Youth Cooperation on-line resource centre.
* providing seed funding for pilot youth NGO exchanges;
* the establishment of the Africa Europe Youth Platform and institutional follow up, monitoring and implementation with key youth actors from Africa and Europe, and representatives of implementing agencies and institutions of the Africa-Europe youth strategy;
* African University on Youth and Development.
General Conditions
* The application should be submitted by a youth organisation, network or nonstate actor at local, national, (sub)regional or international level that is active in promoting Africa Europe youth cooperation.
* Priority is given to projects presented by organisations coming from Africa and/or from the African Diaspora Living in Europe, and organisations/networks that submit projects which will allocate the grant support for African youth participants in the project and/or participation of African Diaspora in the project.
* The participants in the project benefiting from the grant should be under 35 years of age.
* Innovative projects with an experimental approach are encouraged to apply.
* Projects that respond to the thematic priorities, such as: youth rights; youth participation; climate change, food security and youth entrepreneurship would be priorities in this call.
Eligibility of Expenses
The following costs are eligible for the grant:
* International travel
* Local transport
* Board and lodging
* Visa expenses
* Fees for experts (i.e. trainers, facilitators, speakers, etc)
The organisation which receives a seed funding grant will be notified at the latest 4 weeks after submission of project description and will thereafter sign an Administrative Arrangement with the North-South Centre for the execution of the financial support. Two (2) months after the implementation of the project (end of eligible period) the beneficiary must submit a narrative (of the results and main outcomes of the project) and financial report of the project to the NSC.
Last date for submitting the applications is January 29, 2012.
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Gates Foundation’s Request for Proposal: Preventing Preterm Birth
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s new grant program for Grand Challenges in Global Health in partnership with the Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (GAPPS), is seeking letters of inquiry for the new grant program Preventing Preterm Birth.
The grant program seeks to address the problem of the increasing number of newborans dying from preterm birth than from any other cause. Those newborns that survive often suffer disproportionately from other diseases and in this way, preventing preterm birth is part of a comprehensive approach to ensuring a healthy start to life.
By filling the void of scientific knowledge on the causes and mechanisms important to preterm birth in the developing world, this initiative could:
* Lead to low-cost novel technologies to reduce the global burden of prematurity
* Attract scientists to engage in this underserved global health field
* Increase investments from other global health research and development funders
The deadline to submit proposals is 31 January 2011. For more information and to apply to this opportunity, visit this link.
Small Enterprise Assistance Funds (SEAF) is currently inviting applications for the Second African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) grants. The second ADM has been launched as an initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Western Union Company. The main aim of ADM is to encourage sustainable economic growth and employment by offering support to U.S.-based African Diaspora entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for start-up and established businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa.
It is expected that ADM will award 15-30 winning businesses with matching partnership grants approximately $50,000. The exact number of businesses supported will be determined by the availability of total funds. In addition, the ADM will facilitate access to technical assistance, capacity building and information on a range of follow-on financing options for all finalists. These opportunities will be afforded through linkages with existing USAID and other United States Government (USG) programs in Africa as well as ADM partnerships with the private and public sector.
Eligibility Criteria
The ADM seeks the most promising proposals for sustainable commercially-oriented business that meet the following eligibility criteria:
* Business Location: Proposals must be implemented in one of the following countries: Benin, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia. Representing four trading regions: ECOWAS, SADC, EAC, COMESA
* Sub-Saharan African Diaspora Participation: Proposals must be submitted by a member (or members) of the Sub-Saharan African Diaspora living in the United States as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Who is considered a “diaspora member?” The ADM uses the African Union’s definition of diaspora: “people of African origin living outside the continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality and who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and the building of the African Union.”
* Proposals may be submitted by an individual diaspora member, a group of diaspora members, or a diaspora-owned business based in the U.S.
* African Partnership: Proposals must be submitted in partnership with a local African entity located in the participating Sub-Saharan African country where the business is or will be established. The African based partner may be an individual, a group of individuals or a business.
* Award Size: Requests for ADM funding should be approximately US$50,000.
Business Criteria:
* Must be a start-up or established business seeking to expand or introduce new goods or services.
* Must be legally registered in the Sub-Saharan African country of implementation. Businesses that are not yet legally registered may also participate in the competition provided they are able to become legally incorporated before advancing to the final round of the competition.
* Must include a minimum of 25% ownership by the proposing U.S.-based diaspora member. Proposals that advance to the final round will be required to submit evidence of diaspora ownership.
* Eligible sectors: All commercially viable proposals in information & Communication Technology ICT, Agribusiness, and Renewable Energy will be considered.
Evaluation Criteria
* Business Idea
* Management Capacity
* Sustainability
* Financial
* Results
* Leverage
Last date for submitting the applications is February 3, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
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AusAid seeks Proposals for Community-based Climate Change Action Grants
AusAid is currently inviting proposals from Australian and international NGOs for the community-based climate change action grants, a funding scheme for NGOs to develop and implement community-based climate change responses in one or more Pacific Island countries or in a single country in South East Asia. Grant proposals can be submitted under any one of the two categories: Community-based adaptation grants and Community-based mitigation grants. While the adaptation grants are meant to focus on building the resilience of communities to the impacts of climate change, the mitigation grants will help communities reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions, while also addressing key development priorities.
Objectives
* increase the resilience of communities in developing countries to the unavoidable impacts of climate change;
* reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions while also contributing to development priorities in the target communities;
Funding Available
Up to AUD$30 million in funding is available to non-government organizations though the Community-based Climate Change Action Grants.
Organization Eligibility Criteria
* To be eligible for funding, organizations must comply with the following criteria:
* The lead organization is an Australian or International NGO with knowledge and technical skills of relevance to community-based climate change adaptation and/or mitigation. Applications from organizations that have established working relationships with local partners are encouraged.
* The organization(s) is accredited by AusAID and/or agrees to the Statement of International Development Practice Principles.
* The organization(s) manages activities and relationships with other organizations in a way that reflects good practice in developing countries.
* Applicant organizations must declare all other proposals or sources of funding (including Australian Government funding) that is related, or may impact, on the activity.
* Consortia applications must be accompanied by a separate letter from each partner providing information about the organization, noting the relationship between the lead and partner organizations and intent to collaborate on the proposed activity.
Activity Eligibility
* Proposed activities must be consistent with the Australian aid program’s strategic goals and development objectives, as outlined in An Effective Aid Program for Australia: Making a real difference – Delivering real results.
* The proposed activities must comply with AusAID’s safeguards.
* The proposed activity is to be implemented in one or more Pacific Island countries or in a single country in South East Asia.
* Organizations proposing to run activities in Vietnam are eligible for mitigation funding for this grants program. However, adaptation proposals for other eligible countries can include a mitigation component.
* Proposals for integrated adaptation and mitigation activities may be accepted for Vietnam. The proposals should clearly indicate the relative proportions of adaptation and mitigation components.
Last date for submitting the concept paper is February 10, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
This grant is only for Australian or international organizations.
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FAO Call for Papers and Grant Opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Cornell International Institute for Food Agriculture and Development (CIIFAD) in collaboration with the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) is hosting an international symposium on “Inclusive Agro-Enterprise Development”, as part of the technical program of IAAE’s Triennial Conference of 2012.
The symposium aims to bring together leading scholars, government officials, private sector representatives and development practitioners to discuss innovative approaches to promote inclusive agro-enterprise development. The goal is to offer a platform whereby novel international experiences in agro-enterprise development policies and support institutions can be discussed, lessons can be learned and recommendations can be made to improve the effectiveness of agro-enterprise investment promotion initiatives by governments and development organizations.
* Areas of special interest for discussion include:
* Business models linking producers and buyers
* Agro-industry clusters, agribusiness incubators and agro-food parks
* Agro-based growth corridors and special economic zones
* Technical and financial support for small and medium enterprises
* Collective action and producer associations/ cooperatives
* Risk management approaches and tools for small-holders
* Pro-poor investment promotion policies and mechanisms
* Incentives for micro and missing-middle investors
* Infrastructure investments to enhance market integration
Potential contributors to the symposium can send a proposal consisting of an extended abstract (250 – 400 words) and a brief resume.
Professionals from developing countries who have their contributions accepted for presentation at the symposium are eligible to a grant of a maximum of US$2,500 (two thousand and five hundred dollars), to help defray their costs of participation in the IAAE event. The grants will be provided to a number of selected participants, upon submission of a technical paper to be prepared in accordance with FAO guidelines, to be later communicated to authors. The selected papers and a synthesis of the symposium discussions and deliberations will be published as a joint FAO – Cornell University book.
Deadline for Submission of an extended abstract (max 400 words): February 28th 2012
For more information, visit this link.
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University of Groningen, Netherlands seeks Applications for the Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarship
University of Groningen, Netherlands seeks applications for the Eric Bleumink Fund scholarship from eligible students in developing countries to pursue Maters degree program at the university. The grant is usually awarded for a maximum of 2 years for a Master’s degree program.
The primary objective of the Eric Bleumink Fund, established on 23 May 2000, is to provide financial support to Master’s students and PhD students from developing countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree or a doctorate. This initiative will not only improve the cooperation between the University of Groningen and universities in developing countries, but will also raise the level of academic expertise in these countries.
University of Groningen offers a number of scholarships for international students and researchers. Several scholarships are available for international students who are motivated to study Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs, as well as for exchanges, short courses and research stays at the university. More than 70 Master’s degree programs have English as the language of instruction.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates for the Eric Bleumink Fund should:
* be nationals of and have their permanent residence in a developing country
* have a good command of the English language
* be in good health, so that health insurance in the Netherlands can be arranged
* be available for the whole period of the fellowship and be able to take part in the entire study program
* have no other means of financing the study in question
Eligible Countries
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Replublic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, China, Colombia, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kiribati, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Moldova, Mongolia, Macedonia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Namibia, Niue, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Autonomous Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, East Timor, South Korea
Allowances
* A living allowance of € 970 per month for food and accommodation for Master’s students. In the case of a short stay in the Netherlands, the University of Groningen will make lodging arrangements for this period. The costs of rent, amounting up to a maximum of € 450 for master’s students will be deducted from the living allowance. In that case € 520 remains of the monthly allowance.
* A settling allowance of € 275 for extra expenses incurred when arriving in the Netherlands. This lump sum is paid along with the first monthly allowance.
* Travel costs for the journey from Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol) to Groningen and back.
* A study allowance of € 310 per year for books and other study material.
* The expenses for the visa at the Netherlands Embassy and the Foreign Police Department in the Netherlands will be reimbursed.
* All tuition fees for the Master’s program will be covered by the Eric Bleumink Fund.
Deadline
Deadline for submitting the application for scholarship is February 22, 2012
For more information, visit this link.
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African Union Research Grants-Open Call for Proposals -2012
Deadline: 20 April 2012
Countries/Region: AFRICA
The African Union Commission (AUC) is committed to ensure that science and technology in Africa contributes to its sustainable development efforts. The Act establishing the Union recognizes the need for Africa to embark on an ambitious strategic science and technology development programme, aimed at contributing to the wellbeing and improved quality of life for the African citizens. To this end the establishment of the AU in 2002 was accompanied by the setting up the AUC with a special Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology to drive this strategic programme.
The Specific objective of this Call for Proposals is to award grants to finance research projects in the fields of (a) Post-harvest and Agriculture, (b) Renewable and Sustainable Energy, or (c) Water and Sanitation. It is highly envisaged that the deployment and the improvement of science and technology research in these challenging areas will effectively contribute to Africa’s poverty reduction strategies, economic growth and social development efforts.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
There are three sets of eligibility criteria, relating to:
* applicant(s) which may request a grant (2.1.1), and their partners (2.1.2);
* actions for which a grant may be awarded (2.1.3);
* types of cost which may be taken into account in setting the amount of the grant (2.1.4).
Who can apply:
* be legal persons and
* be nationals of African Union , ACP, EU Member States, Least Developed Country as defined by the United Nations (LDCs), European Economic Area (EEA) Member States, one of the official EU candidate countries or, for proposed actions taking place in at least one LDC, reciprocal access shall be granted to the members of the OECD/Development Assistance Committee and
* be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with their partners, not acting as an intermediary and
* be registered locally in ( or have a memorandum of understanding in relevant research areas, with) an eligible African country prior to the publication of this call for proposals and
* have at least a three-year record in the formulation and/or implementation of research activities in Africa for which they will have to provide the relevant legal documents and
* be able to demonstrate their experience and capacity to manage activities corresponding in scale and complexity to those for which a grant has been requested and
* have stable and sufficient sources of finance to ensure the continuity of their organisation throughout the implementation of the proposed action and
* belong to consortia of scientists as explained under 2.1.2 (2)- composition of partnerships. and
* belong to at least one of the following categories:
1. National or regional science and technology organizations, research institutions, universities, government ministries or public institutions dealing with scientific research including regional science and technology institutions, with separate legal status, not belonging to any national system but formally recognized by one of the eligible countries; or
2. Established science and technology networks provided that: all network members and the network headquarters are located in eligible countries; the network has a legal status; the network is applying in its own right; and the network has been registered for a minimum of two years.
For more information visit this link.
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International Foundation for Science seeks Applications for Research Grants
Founded in 1972, the International Foundation for Science (IFS) is a research council that aims to build the scientific capacity of developing countries in sciences related to the sustainable management of biological and water resources. This non-governmental organisation works to promote the research efforts of promising young science graduates, who have the potential to become leading scientists in their countries. In the past 37 years, IFS has offered over 7,000 research grants to young scientists from different parts of the world.
IFS is currently inviting applications from eligible projects in select developing countries for the research grants. The timeframe of a research project should normally be 1-3 years. After having completed an IFS supported research project, and submitted a project report, grantees may apply for renewal grants.
Grant Provisions
An IFS Research Grant has a maximum value of USD 12,000. It is awarded to an individual researcher, for a specific research project, presented by the Applicant in the Application form. The IFS Research Grant is intended for the purchase of the basic tools needed to conduct the proposed research project – equipment, expendable supplies, and literature – and to arrange fieldwork activities related to the proposed project. The grant cannot be used to pay for the aspiring Grantee’s own salary or for honoraria, or to cover tuition fees or living expenses. It is expected that the IFS Grantees already receive a salary and are employed by or otherwise attached to a developing country research institution.
Funding for Research Teams
Although the IFS Research Grant is individual, IFS strongly supports the creation of research teams. To jointly fund a team project, researchers who qualify for IFS support may apply for individual IFS Research grants. Each team member should describe his/her own individual research objectives as well as his/her contribution to meeting the objectives of the team. Each individual application will be evaluated based on individual merit as well as contribution to the team objectives.
Eligibility Conditions
An eligible candidate for an IFS Research grant is:
* a citizen of a developing country
* a scientist with at least a Master’s or equivalent degree/research experience
* under 40 years of age and at the beginning of research career
* attached to a university, national research institution or a research-oriented NGO in a developing country
Exceptions:
* China: Chinese applicants must be under 30 years of age.
* Researchers from Hong Kong SAR are not eligible for support from IFS.
* Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa are eligible for IFS support up to the age of 45, provided they have completed their highest academic degree (MSc, MA, PhD or equivalent) in the previous 5 years.
* Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay: Applications are no longer accepted from these countries.
Eligible Countries
IFS Research grants are reserved for developing country scientists for research projects carried out in a developing country. Country eligibility is based on the GNI per capita (GNI = Gross National Income) of the country, as published annually by World Bank. The upper limit is drawn at the average GNI/capita for so-called Upper Middle Income Countries (UMIC). If a country’s GNI/capita increases and exceeds this upper limit for some consecutive years, the country will be phased out of the IFS granting programme.
Due to the improved economic situation in Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay, these countries are no longer eligible for IFS grants.
Project Selection Criteria
To qualify for IFS funding, research projects must be:
* related to the sustainable utilisation, conservation or management of the biological or water resource base
* conducted in a developing country
* of a high scientific standard
* feasible
* relevant for the country/region
Last date for submitting the applications for second session is January 29, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
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Applications invited from Citizens of Select Countries for EXPERTS II Grants Program
Applications are currently being invited from the citizens of select countries for EXPERTS II grants. Being run with the support of European Commission, EXPERTS II is the scholarship project targeted at citizens of Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The main objective of the project is to facilitate collaborations between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from South and Southeast Asia (SSEA) and EU by exchanging information in science and policy issues while sharing key issues of sustainable development in academic cooperation.
Objectives
* To build on the experience and existing cooperation of the EXPERTS consortium establishing sustainable cooperation among the partners from both SSEA and EU in high quality research and education
* To enhance the international cooperation capacity of the participating institutions from SSEA by transferring and sharing know-how and best practices, administrative capacities, and training the next generation of researchers and academic staff,
* To exchange ideas, views and knowledge among the partners from both SSEA and EU
Fields of Study
* Agricultural sciences; Architecture, urban and regional planning; Business studies and management sciences; Education and teacher training; Engineering, technology; Geography, Geology; Law;
* Medical Sciences; Natural Sciences; Social Sciences; Physical education and Sport Science; Leisure Studies; Home Economics and Nutrition; and Nautical Science and Navigation
Scholarship Provisions
* Travel cost- one return ticket to the host University- provided by the Coordinator
* A monthly subsistence allowance
* Full insurance coverage – health, travel and accident
* Tuition fees, if applied at the host university- when the study duration is longer than 10 months
Target Groups
Target Group 1: Undergraduate, master and doctorate students, post-doctorates, and academic and administrative staff that contribute to the overall topics of the EXPERTS project in research and cooperation from the partner universities that are participating from SSEA region. The candidate must be registered at the home university at the time of application and in case of undergraduate students – they must have successfully completed at least one year of studies in their home institution.
Target Group 2: Master, doctorate students, and post-doctorates of non-partner universities from SSEA region (concerned by lot 11) and graduates from the partner universities, oriented to the topic of the EXPERTS project in research and cooperation.
Target Group 3: Master and doctoral students belonging to minority groups that provide proposals that increase cooperation and research through innovation in their regions will be sought in this category.
General Conditions
Only Candidates of the following nationalities are eligible to apply: Bangladesh – Bhutan – China – India – Indonesia – Nepal – Pakistan – Sri Lanka – the Philippines – Thailand
In order to be an eligible candidate, you must have not resided nor have carried out your main activity (studies, work, etc.) for more than a total of 12 months over the last five years in one of the European countries.
No student, and no academic staff member can benefit from more than one mobility activity within the same project.
Last date for submitting the applications is February 10, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
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European Commission’s Erasmus Mundus ACP II Program Grants
Applications are currently being invited from interested individuals for Erasmus Mundus ACP II Program grants. Erasmus Mundus ACP Program is an initiative of European Commission. The Mundus ACP II is the renewal project of Erasmus Mundus ACP, and a joint program of 20 Higher Education Institutions from the European Union and the African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) Countries.
More About MUNDUS ACP II Project
The MUNDUS ACP II Project is the MUNDUS ACP Project renewal whose implementation began in the 2010/2011 academic year. The Project comprises European and several ACP Countries’ Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and HEIs Associations, and was implemented within the framework of the Erasmus Mundus, Action 2 – STRAND 1, Lot 15, ACP Countries.
Goals of MUNDUS ACP II Program
* The mutual enrichment and a better understanding between Europe and the ACP Countries, through the exchange of people, knowledge and skills at Higher Education level;
* The increase of international cooperation between European and ACP Countries’ HEIs, thus contributing to foster the socio-economical development of this region;
* The promotion of transparency and recognition of studies and qualifications at an international level.
Grant Provisions
* According to the Guidelines of the Erasmus Mundus Programme, the mobility flows within the scope of this Project are possible in the 16 study fields.
* The selected applicants of this Project will receive a monthly scholarship, according to the type of mobility they will carry out.
Eligibility Conditions
The MUNDUS ACP II Project foresees individual mobility flows to:
* Students (Master and Doctorate) and Academic and Administrative Staff of the ACP Countries willing to develop their activity in one of the European Partner Universities:
o Full Master students will carry out their studies in Europe, in a partner institution of the Project, with the duration of 24 months with the purpose of undertaking their full training at the host institution and the issue of the corresponding Diploma).
o Doctorate students will undertake a mobility period in Europe, in one of the partner institutions of the project, under the doctoral program in which they are enrolled in their home countries (ACP), with the duration of 10 months (this mobility period must be fully recognized by the partner ACP Institution).
o The Academic and Administrative Staff will develop, in Europe, in a partner institution of the Project, activities for the exchange of knowledge, skills and experiences with the duration of 1 month of effective work.
* Academic and Administrative Staff mobility from Europe who wish to develop their activity in one of the ACP Countries’ Partner Universities. The Academic and Administrative Staff will develop, in the ACP Countries, in a partner institution of the Project, activities for the exchange of knowledge, skills and experiences with the duration of 1 month of effective work.
Note: The Project’s mobility scheme determines that the ACP Countries’ candidates may only apply to European partner institutions and that the European candidates can only apply to ACP Countries’ partner institutions. The main objective of this mobility flow scheme is to reinforce regional cooperation between the Higher Education Institutions of the ACP region and the EU.
Last date for submission of applications is January 31, 2012
For more information, visit this link.
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King Baudouin Foundation Funding Opportunity for Projects to improve the Quality of Life for Coffee and/or Cocoa Producers in Developing Countries
The Efico Fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, was setup with the purpose of improving the living conditions of poor communities producing coffee and/or cocoa in developing countries.
The Fund is responsible for selecting and monitoring projects and for distributing financial support. Projects contribute directly or indirectly to the structural and sustainable improvement of poor populations that produce coffee and/or cocoa in developing countries. The projects may also involve humanitarian aid and rehabilitation activities for the poor in these countries.
In this context, applications are now permanently invited from eligible projects till October 1, 2012 for the Efico fund.
Funding Size
Projects can be supported one or more years with a maximum amount of 20.000 € per year. The jury can grant an exception if this is well-founded in the project application.
Eligibility
The project must aim to provide sustainable development for poor populations that produce coffee and/or cocoa in developing countries. This assumes that the project will satisfy three dimensions of sustainability: social, environmental and economic. The central idea is that projects will improve the living conditions of coffee producers and their communities.
Social criteria
* provide sustainable improvement of the living and working conditions of coffee and/or cocoa farmers, plantation workers and their families and ensure that their basic needs are met regarding food, housing, health and education;
* respect local labour laws, allow consultation, participation and adequate working conditions (see UN Global Compact);
* respect human rights and non-discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, political or philosophical convictions;
* improve education and training for all concerned, paying special attention to women and children.
Environmental criteria
* maintain and promote local biodiversity (fauna, flora);
* limit the use of pesticides as much as possible; apply, wherever possible, the principles of sustainable agriculture, giving priority to natural methods of pest control and, if pesticides must be used, use the least toxic and limit their application as much as possible over time and area;
* use, wherever possible, integrated soil fertility management, with judicious use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and natural methods (mulch, soil cover, papilionaceae, etc.) to retain soil fertility and prevent soil erosion;
* manage water resources judiciously through the recycling and purification of waste water, storage of rain water where land is irrigated, and drainage to prevent stagnation;
* give priority to renewable energy sources and limit energy consumption;
* limit the production of waste and recycle as much as possible and, where nothing else is feasible, ensure safe removal for treatment/processing.
Economic criteria
* strive for better (coffee) quality in production and processing through training, financial stimuli and transparent product quality guarantees, value for money;
* encourage market access, make input/output market information available and stimulate collective and participatory activities (cooperatives, producer groups);
* ensure the traceability of each batch through product documentation and good supply chain management;
* ensure food safety in all circumstances; avoid contamination;
* support labels, quality and origin certifications to create commercial added value for coffee;
* capitalize on ecological added value in financial terms wherever possible.
Last date for submission of applications is October 1, 2012
For more information and details, you can visit this link.
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The Road Safety Fund seeks Grant Applications for Improving Road Safety Condition in Middle-Income and Low-Income Countries
The Road Safety Fund is the organization dedicated to support and encourage preventative measures that are proven to reduce the risk or severity of road injury. The Fund was established as a global fund to support the implementation of the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. The Fund gets donations from different companies, governments, philanthropies and the public and supports road injury prevention programmes in countries and communities working to defeat this growing epidemic of road death and injury. The Road Safety Fund believes in investing in the people and the skills that can provide sustainable paths to safety.
The Road Safety Fund is currently inviting applications under small grant program for projects with potential to improve road safety condition in middle-income and low-income countries. The Small Grants Programme is enabled with the generous support of Allianz, Bosch, Guinea Alumina, Innovate Solutions and Vinci Autoroutes Foundation. The fund is looking for projects that will make a demonstrable and sustainable contribution towards the achievement of the Goal of the Decade of Action: to save five million lives by 2020. The small grant funding is intended to enable and catalyse practical activity.
Grant Size
Up to a maximum of US$30,000 per project
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for funding, applicants must:
1. Be governmental or non-profit organisations with a track record in road injury prevention activities or related fields;
2. Ensure project proposals:
* are aligned with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action;
* contribute to road injury reduction in middle-income and/or low income countries;
* demonstrate a catalysing effect, for example by:
o encouraging and enabling institutional capacity development including, where applicable, legislation and enforcement of road injury risk factors;
o building sustainable national or local partnerships and campaigns to practically address specific road injury risk factors, e.g. seat belt, helmet or drink driving coalitions;
o developing strategies to sustain activities over the medium and long term, for example by using the project to leverage additional public/private sector funding;
o demonstrating potential transferability of your activity to other regions/countries;
* include measurable outputs and objectives;
3. Accept, understand and meet their obligations under the UK Bribery Act 2010;
Payment & Reporting
Grants will be paid in instalments. The first instalment will be paid on signing of the grant agreement. Any subsequent instalments will be paid upon receipt of satisfactory activity and expenditure reports, as required in the grant agreement.
Communication
Organisations and projects funded through the small grants programme will be communicated via the Road Safety Fund website and annual report, and any relevant ad hoc publications. Organisations in receipt of funding will be required to acknowledge the support of the Road Safety Fund in any communications relating to their project.
Last date for submitting the applications is January 31, 2012.
For more information, visit this link.
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North-South Centre of the Council of Europe seeks Grant Applications for Africa Europe Youth Cooperation Program
The Africa Europe Youth Cooperation Program is an initiative of North-South Centre of the Council of Europe that aims to raise awareness about issues of global interdependence and solidarity in Europe. This program also aims to promote cooperation and human contacts between Europe, the southern Mediterranean and Africa. One of the main objectives of the program is to provide training and capacity building for young people and youth organisations as well as to facilitate policy action on youth in development policies.
North-South Centre of the Council of Europe is currently inviting grant applications for Africa Europe Youth Cooperation Program. This grant allocation, or seed funding, is intended to promote Africa Europe youth exchanges, networking and political participation of nonstate actors. It aims at funding initiatives which provides the possibility for youth leaders, youth workers, experts and trainers to participate in Euro African Youth activities and youth exchanges projects.
Grant Provisions
The grants are of a maximum 2000 € per project/organisation.
Program Activities
* five sub-regional seminars on youth policies and African youth charter;
* Africa-Europe training courses for youth organisations, and training opportunities for African Diaspora in Europe;
* mapping exercise of Africa-Europe youth cooperation/work, leading to the creation of an Africa Europe Youth Cooperation on-line resource centre.
* providing seed funding for pilot youth NGO exchanges;
* the establishment of the Africa Europe Youth Platform and institutional follow up, monitoring and implementation with key youth actors from Africa and Europe, and representatives of implementing agencies and institutions of the Africa-Europe youth strategy;
* African University on Youth and Development.
General Conditions
* The application should be submitted by a youth organisation, network or nonstate actor at local, national, (sub)regional or international level that is active in promoting Africa Europe youth cooperation.
* Priority is given to projects presented by organisations coming from Africa and/or from the African Diaspora Living in Europe, and organisations/networks that submit projects which will allocate the grant support for African youth participants in the project and/or participation of African Diaspora in the project.
* The participants in the project benefiting from the grant should be under 35 years of age.
* Innovative projects with an experimental approach are encouraged to apply.
* Projects that respond to the thematic priorities, such as: youth rights; youth participation; climate change, food security and youth entrepreneurship would be priorities in this call.
Eligibility of Expenses
The following costs are eligible for the grant:
* International travel
* Local transport
* Board and lodging
* Visa expenses
* Fees for experts (i.e. trainers, facilitators, speakers, etc)
The organisation which receives a seed funding grant will be notified at the latest 4 weeks after submission of project description and will thereafter sign an Administrative Arrangement with the North-South Centre for the execution of the financial support. Two (2) months after the implementation of the project (end of eligible period) the beneficiary must submit a narrative (of the results and main outcomes of the project) and financial report of the project to the NSC.
Last date for submitting the applications is January 29, 2012.
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Gates Foundation’s Request for Proposal: Preventing Preterm Birth
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s new grant program for Grand Challenges in Global Health in partnership with the Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (GAPPS), is seeking letters of inquiry for the new grant program Preventing Preterm Birth.
The grant program seeks to address the problem of the increasing number of newborans dying from preterm birth than from any other cause. Those newborns that survive often suffer disproportionately from other diseases and in this way, preventing preterm birth is part of a comprehensive approach to ensuring a healthy start to life.
By filling the void of scientific knowledge on the causes and mechanisms important to preterm birth in the developing world, this initiative could:
* Lead to low-cost novel technologies to reduce the global burden of prematurity
* Attract scientists to engage in this underserved global health field
* Increase investments from other global health research and development funders
The deadline to submit proposals is 31 January 2011. For more information and to apply to this opportunity, visit this link.
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