Deadline: February 16, 2026 The Nature-First Innovation Lab (NFIL) Implementing Partner Call for Proposals is now open. FSD Africa is seeking a qualified organisation or consortium to deliver an ambitious new accelerator designed to unlock private investment into scalable, nature-positive business models across Africa. This Nature-First Innovation Lab (NFIL) Implementing Partner Call for Proposals represents a major opportunity for organisations with deep expertise in nature-positive finance, enterprise acceleration, and investor engagement to support the growth of investment-ready nature-first enterprises. Introduction FSD Africa is appointing an Implementing Partner to deliver the Nature-First Innovation Lab (NFIL), a market-building accelerator supporting nature-positive enterprises…
Author: Oluwole Omojofodun
Deadline: March 31, 2026 The 2026 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences recognises individuals, groups, and organisations that have made exceptional contributions to improving the quality of human life through scientific research in the life sciences. This global award celebrates transformative discoveries that address the most pressing challenges in medicine, agriculture, biology, environmental sciences, and technological innovation. About the Prize The UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences was established to honour outstanding scientific achievements that advance human well-being and sustainable development. It highlights UNESCO’s commitment to fostering scientific innovation and promoting collaboration…
Deadline: May 15, 2026 The Rotary Peace Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 offers an exceptional opportunity for professionals passionate about promoting peace, resolving conflicts, and advancing development worldwide. Each year, the Rotary Foundation awards up to 170 fully funded fellowships to outstanding leaders dedicated to making a lasting global impact through peacebuilding and conflict prevention. About the Rotary Peace Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a prestigious global initiative designed to equip experienced professionals with advanced academic and practical training in peace and development. Hosted by leading universities around the world, this fellowship provides both master’s degree and professional certificate…
Deadline: March 1, 2026 The Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards 2026 for African Journalists is a prestigious initiative recognising excellence in journalism across the African continent. Organised by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) in partnership with the Wikimedia Foundation, the awards honour journalists whose work contributes to expanding open, accurate, and inclusive knowledge, particularly content that supports Wikimedia projects such as Wikipedia. This award programme aims to celebrate African journalists producing outstanding, impactful stories that promote accessible information and foster public understanding through credible reporting. About the Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards 2026 The Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards…
Deadline: February 5, 2026 The LEAP-SE Call 2026 has officially been launched as part of the Long-Term Joint European Union (EU) – African Union (AU) Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy (LEAP-SE). This new call represents a continued effort to strengthen collaboration between Europe and Africa in developing sustainable, inclusive, and innovative energy solutions. The LEAP-SE Call 2026 invites project proposals that address sustainable energy challenges through collaborative research and innovation across the EU and AU. It aims to build on the achievements of previous LEAP-RE initiatives, advancing global efforts toward clean energy access and climate resilience. Objectives of…
Deadline: Ongoing The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2026 is a year-long leadership development initiative that brings together emerging civil society leaders from across the globe. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, the program aims to strengthen participants’ capacity for community engagement, collaboration, and civic participation. Through a rich combination of professional practicum, leadership training, and global networking, the CEE Program 2026 provides young leaders with the tools and experience needed to build sustainable, community-driven solutions to pressing local and global challenges. About the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2026 The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE)…
Deadline: May 4, 2026 The ISC3 Innovation Challenge 2026 is now open for applications! This global competition invites innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers from around the world to present breakthrough solutions in Sustainable Chemistry, with a special focus on electronics. Organised by the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3), the challenge seeks creative ideas that make the electronics sector more sustainable — from design and materials to manufacturing and recycling. About the ISC3 Innovation Challenge 2026 Each year, the ISC3 Innovation Challenge spotlights a key area where sustainable chemistry can accelerate global impact. The 2026 edition focuses on sustainability in electronics,…
The Era of the “Silent Rejection” For decades, the “black box” of grant-making was a literal room where program officers debated the merits of a proposal. Rejections were disappointing, but they were human. Today, that black box has become digital, and the gatekeeper is no longer a person—it is a line of code. As major global funders like the Gates Foundation, Gavi, and the Ford Foundation grapple with tens of thousands of applications annually, they have turned to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to streamline their intake. The promise is efficiency: finding the “best” projects faster. But…
Deadline: February 9, 2026 The Women’s Refugee Commission Fellowship 2026 presents a unique opportunity for researchers dedicated to advancing gender equality, justice, and inclusive humanitarian policy. This prestigious fellowship is designed for early to mid-career women researchers working at the intersection of gender, displacement, and humanitarian response. Applications for the Women’s Refugee Commission Fellowship 2026 close on 9 February 2026. About the Fellowship The Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) is a global leader in promoting the rights and protection of displaced women, youth, and children. The Humanitarian Futures: Gender, Displacement, and Justice Fellowship 2026 supports feminist, community-based research that challenges traditional…
Deadline: March 15, 2026 The ITU AI for Good Impact Awards 2026 are now open for applications! The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) invites innovators, organisations, and institutions around the world to submit transformative AI solutions that are driving positive change for people, the planet, and prosperity. This prestigious award recognises and celebrates AI solutions that demonstrate meaningful impact on social, environmental, and economic development, contributing directly to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Application Deadline March 15, 2026 Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure their submissions meet all eligibility requirements and align with ITU’s guidelines for ethical…