This list provides an overview of relevant research grants for development researchers. You can download the list as a PDF to your computer. In addition to the list below, you can always find the latest opportunities here.
If you have any suggestions on grants that are missing or have any new information about these grants, please let us know. Also, any further questions about the grants are kindly asked to be directed to the financier of interest.
Note! Click on the name of the financier to go directly to their homepage.
Download the 2022 list as a PDF here.
Latest update: April 25, 2022
| Financier | Funding Opportunity | Deadline/Limits |
|---|---|---|
| ADDAX AND ORYX FOUNDATION | The Addax and Oryx Foundation is an independent Swiss non-profit foundation, registered in Geneva, Switzerland. They have been supporting projects run by non-profit organisations since 1996, with the aim of helping poor communities in Africa and the Middle East to sustainably rise out of poverty. The Addax and Oryx Foundation funds projects of non-profit, non-governmental organisations that demonstrate experience and expertise to help poor communities in Africa and the Middle East become the masters of their own destiny, with tangible and sustainable results. They give preference to projects run by highly committed and professional individuals who are directly involved in the projects they propose, and to smaller organisations that do not have access to major governmental or agency funding. | Projects can be submitted all year, the foundation board discusses new funding 3 to 4 times per year. |
| AFRICAN ECONOMIC RESEARCH CONSORTIUM | The African Economic Research Consortium invites applicants for its thematic research grants for the African region. The areas of focus are ○ Poverty, labor markets and income distribution ○ Macroeconomic policy and growth ○ Finance and resource mobilization ○ Production, trade and economic integration ○ Agriculture, climate change and natural resource management | Call for proposals |
| AFRICAN STUDIES CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEIDEN | The African Studies Centre of the University of Leiden invites applications for its visiting fellowship programme. Visiting research fellows use their time in Leiden for data analysis and/or writing, often on a joint project with one or more ASCL staff members. A visiting research fellowship is for a maximum of 90 days. The applications are open for PhD researchers that have conducted research with a focus on Africa. See more requirements on the homepage. | On occasion, the ASCL also hosts self-financed visitors (PhD students or visiting academics). Besides, ASCL offers research programmes and projects |
| ALPRO FOUNDATION | The Alpro Foundation invites applications for its research grants in the field of plant-based diet and its impact on human health or the planet. Projects in the area of health should be based on human studies and should focus on food. Applicants should be affiliated with a European university or a European research institute and be residents in a European country. They should also hold a master’s or equivalent degree in a science-based subject. | There is currently no deadline set for 2022. |
AMAURY TALBOT PRIZE FOR AFRICAN ANTHROPOLOGY | The Amaury Talbot Prize of £750 will be awarded to the author or authors of the work which, in the opinion of the judges, is the most valuable work of African anthropology submitted. Only works published during the calendar year previous to the submission date of 31 March are eligible. Works relating to any region of Africa are eligible, but preference will be given in the first place to Nigeria, and in the second place to any other part of West Africa or to West Africa in general. Besides, research grant administered by the Royal Anthropological Institute are advertised regularly in Anthropology Today the Institute’s bi-monthly journal. | |
| BBVA FOUNDATION | The BBVA Foundation invites nominations for its “Frontiers of Knowledge” Awards. The awards recognize and reward world-class research and artistic creation, prizing contributions of singular impact for their originality and significance. The disciplines of relevance are ○ Humanities and Social Sciences ○ Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) ○ Biology and Biomedicine ○ Information and Communication Technologies ○ Ecology and Conservation Biology ○ Climate Change ○ Economics, Finance and Management ○ Music and Opera | Annual call |
BEN GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV’S – JACOB BLAUSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR DESERT RESEARCH | Invites applications of the Blaustein postdoctoral fellowship, in the fastest growing research university in Israel. Postdoctoral positions are available for scholars performing research in topics related to drylands, including desert ecology, solar energy, environmental physics, rainfed and irrigated agriculture, hydrology, aquaculture, environmental microbiology, desalination and water treatment, and biotechnology. | Deadline for fellowships for 2022-2023 is March 3, 2022. |
| BERGMAN ESTATE ON FÅRÖ | The Bergman Estate on Fårö Foundation aims to administrate Ingmar Bergman’s houses and properties on Fårö as a non-commercial place of work and retreat for performing and creative artists and scholars from around the world. The residence is open to candidates to conduct research in any discipline. Applicants need to document professional accomplishments and output, provide a description of the project they intend to work on, and the intended length of their stay. Applicants must also specify how they will reimburse the community in the form of a cultural event. Applicants are invited to stay for a minimum of 3 weeks and at the most 3 months. | The application form was available from October 1 to November 28 in 2021, with Grants are announced and communicated in February 2022. Similar dates are expected in the following years. |
| BOSTON SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATION EUROPE | Boston Scientific Foundation Europe invites applicants for its research grant. The foundation supports issues of public interest, in disease prevention or management, using digital or innovative solutions. This can be subjects such as health systems in developing countries. This grant is for institution and research groups operating in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. | Grants are offered on an annual basis, research groups can apply all year around. |
| CONSERVATION, FOOD AND HEALTH FOUNDATION | The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation from the US offers project grants for institutions, research groups etc. Projects should take place in the developing world in the fields of conservation, food and health. Funding is available for projects that “demonstrate strong local leadership and promote professional development in the conservation, agricultural and health sciences”, “develop the capacity of local organisations” or “address a particular problem in the field”. | Grants are offered on an annual basis, 2 rounds per year. Deadlines for the concept applications are January 1 and July 1. |
| CORNELL UNIVERSITY -SC JOHNSON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS | The Structural Transformation of African Agriculture and Rural Spaces (STAARS) fellowship program, a multi-institution collaboration managed by Cornell University in collaboration with the University of Sussex and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), announces its annual call for research proposals. Early-career African researchers selected as STAARS Fellows in 2022 advance rigorous, policy-oriented research on the causal determinants of productivity and income growth, asset accumulation, rural employment and risk management in African agriculture and rural spaces. | The deadline to submit a research proposal is March 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM New York time |
| EBA (Expert Group for Aid Studies) | The Expert Group for Aid Studies (EBA) is a government committee with a mandate to independently evaluate and analyse Sweden’s international development assistance. EBA has decided to allocate funds for studies within any of its prioritised areas (poverty and its drivers; environment and climate; steering and organisation of Swedish aid). Funds are available for researchers active at institutions based in Sweden in order to conduct studies of direct relevance for the MFA, Sida and/or other Swedish development cooperation actors. | The last day for the application to make a proposal is 22 May 2022. Special invitations to present applications will then be given to selected applicants. The last day to leave a full proposal is 14 August 2022. |
| ELLEN KAY | A females only scholarship for a 2 week stays at “Ellen Keys Strand”. Focused on subjects such as women’s rights, freedom of the press, social issues etc. | Application period: 1 December to 31 January 2022. |
| EU FUNDING PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEARS 2021-2027 – HORIZON EUROPE | Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth. The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. It supports the creation and better diffusion of excellent knowledge and technologies. There is a range of different funding programs within the Horizon Europe. New calls are continuously posted on the webpage. | |
| FARRELL FAMILY FOUNDATION | The Farrell Family Foundation (FFF) based in the US, have grants for non-profit organisations. The primary focus of FFF is education, with an emphasis on technology, health and human welfare and the arts. | Application window throughout the year Deadline date 1: 12/01/2021 Deadline date 2: 04/01/2022 Deadline date 3: 06/15/2022 Deadline date 4: 09/01/2022 |
| FORSKRAFT FOUNDATION FOR THE MEMORY OF THEODOR ADELSWÄRD | The Forskraft Foundation for the memory of Theodor Adelswärd distributes travel stipends to support postgraduates at master or PhD level at Swedish universities to find material abroad. Subject areas are international bodies, international cooperation and international relations. With a particular focus on peace and conflict, human rights and sustainable development. Grants reach up to 100.000 SEK for PhD level and 50.000 SEK for master level. | The application period for 2021 was September 1 – October 15. |
| FORTE – ANNUAL CALLS FOR PROJECT GRANTS | Forte is a government agency under the Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, distributing grants in the areas of health, working life and welfare. A substantial part of Forte’s research funding is administered through an annual call for two- or three-year project grants. | You can apply for conference grants at any time of the year. |
| FORTE – CONFERENCE GRANTS | Forte is a government agency under the Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, distributing grants in the areas of health, working life and welfare. Conference grants are financial support for conferences hosted by a Swedish institution of higher education or scientific/scholarly organisation. | You can apply for conference grants at any time of the year. Applications are assessed on an ongoing basis as received. For example, the call opened on October 1, 2021, for funding in 2022, and closes on 30 September 2022. |
| FORTE – ANNUAL CALL FOR VISITING RESEARCHER GRANTS | Forte is a government agency under the Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, distributing grants in the areas of health, working life and welfare. Forte’s annual call for visiting researcher grants is firstly intended to fund shorter stays to allow for research collaboration, an exchange of experience, as well as consultations. | |
FORTE – ANNUAL CALLS FOR POSTDOC GRANTS | Forte is a government agency under the Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, distributing grants in the areas of health, working life and welfare. Forte’s annual call for two-year postdoc grants is targeted at researchers in the beginning of their careers. The purpose of the grant is support skills and career development and promote researcher mobility. The grant can be applied for up to two years after completing a doctoral degree and corresponds to a full-time salary. | The call opens in December and closes in February each year. |
| FORTE – OTHER RECURRING CALLS FOR PROPOSALS | Forte is a government agency under the Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, distributing grants in the areas of health, working life and welfare. Network grants: The purpose of the network grant is to make it easier for researchers from different disciplines and different parts of the country to collaborate within Forte’s fields of research or coordination areas. Grants are awarded for three years. Journal grants: Swedish-language journals within Forte’s areas of responsibility can apply for grants for editorial work and publishing. | |
| FOUNDATION FOR KIDS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (SWEDISH ORG) | Scholarships for scientific education, research within the environmental area and distribution of knowledge in environmental questions, with a focus on kids and young people. | Applications must be received no later than March 15 to be considered by the foundation’s board around mid-April of the same year. |
| GAIRDNER FOUNDATION | Annually, seven awards are given: five Canada Gairdner International Awards for biomedical research, the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award, specifically for impact on global health issues, and the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award, reserved for a Canadian scientist showcasing scientific excellence and leadership. Laureates each receive $100,000 CDN that can be put towards anything the laureate wishes. Past laureates have used their winnings to support their labs, and their research or even paid for their niece to attend medical school. | The nomination portal is open each year from mid-April to October 1. |
| GAY AND LESBIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION | The association invites applications for the Lesbian Health Fund research grants. The grants support research that improves the health of lesbians, other sexual minority women and their families. Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty interested in pursuing a research career focused on sexual and/or gender minority women or gender diverse people AFAB are invited to apply. Senior scholars, faculty, and non-profit organizations interested in expanding their program of research into this population are also welcome to apply. | The deadline for receipt of the 2022 application cycle is February 28th, 2022, at 11:59 pm ET. Funding decisions will be announced approximately two months from the application deadline. |
| GERDA HENKEL FOUNDATION | The most important criteria when deciding if a grant should be awarded are the academic significance and the quality of the research project. Also, precise planning of costs and the schedule of the proposed project are absolutely essential. Research projects in the following fields are supported in particular – Archaeology – History of Art – Historical Islamic Studies – History – History of Science – History of Law – Prehistory and Early History Since 2008 the Foundation has also increasingly addressed issues of great relevance to contemporary life and the future, above all as part of its special “Islam, the Modern Nation-State and Transnational Movements” and “Security, Society and the State” programmes. | |
| HAKON SWENSON FOUNDATION | The purpose of the foundation of Hakan Swenson is to support research, education and entrepreneurship with a focus on consumers and trade, as well as contribute to the distribution of knowledge within this area. | The foundation has 4 calls throughout the year: 17 March (deadline 17 February) 11 May (deadline 25 April) 30 August (deadline 12 August) 15 November (deadline 1 November) |
| HARRY FRANK GUGGENHEIM FOUNDATION | The Foundation examines enduring and urgent problems of violence, such as war, crime, and human aggression. They award research grants to support distinguished and emerging scholars studying urgent matters of violence in the United States and around the world. | Several calls: The disciplines of relevance are ○ The Harry Frank Guggenheim Distinguished Scholar Awards: 1 August ○ The Harry Frank Guggenheim Emerging Scholars: 1 February; ○ The Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellows: 1 March; |
| HOROWITZ FOUNDATION FOR SOCIAL POLICY | The Horowitz Foundation supports emerging scholars through small grants. To promote scholarship with a social policy application, and to encourage projects that address contemporary issues in social science. | The deadline for 2022 is set for December 1. |
| IDRC -CRDI (International Development Research Centre) | IDRC offers grants, funding, and awards to researchers and institutions to find solutions for global development challenges. There are two basic types of grants: competitive grants and institutional grants. Successful research proposals must: align strategically with the objectives of the call; present appropriate technical designs; complement existing programs; and respond to operational requirements and other considerations specific to each call. Successful research proposals must: align strategically with the objectives of the call; present appropriate technical designs; complement existing programs; and respond to operational requirements and other considerations specific to each call. | Visit the website and check the current list of open calls |
| IMISCOE – TRAINING AND AWARDS | The International Migration Research Network, IMISCOE, is Europe’s largest interdisciplinary research network in the field of migration, integration and diversity studies. The network provides annual winter- or summers schools for PhDs, as well as specific training modules at other IMISCOE events. Also, IMISCOUE provides the annual “Maria Inoannis Baganha Award” to the best PhD Thesis in the field of migration and ethnic studies, and the Rinus Penninx Award for the best paper presented at the IMISCOE annual conference. | Note: no updates from the website |
| INSTITUTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (IOSH) | IOSH funds research in the particular areas of ○ Human Capital & Sustainability ○ Non-health related fatalities ○ Occupational Cancer ○ Return to work & Rehabilitation ○ Wellbeing ○ Work-related musculoskeletal disorders More so, research that goes in line with their work 2022 strategy. Researchers who have a proven track record in high-quality research are eligible to apply for funding. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate that they have the research and project management skills to lead a successful proposal to completion. | IOSH usually issue a “call for bids” statement for the annual competition in mid-January. If you would like to receive an alert, please email and ask to be notified about the next annual competition. |
| INTERNATIONAL GROWTH CENTRE | The International Growth Centre, under Oxford University and the London School of Economics and Political Sciences, invites proposals for research funding. The applicants’ institution can be from any country. The projects should be focused on promoting structural change and inclusive growth in developing countries. The call has four research themes ○ Firms, trade and productivity ○ State effectiveness ○ Cities ○ Energy and environment | The call is repeated each year. November 2021 submission, successful applicants will be announced in February 2022 |
| INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR ASIAN STUDIES (IIAS) | IIAS invites excellent scholars to apply for a fellowship to work on an individual research project in the Humanities or Social Sciences. In addition, IIAS supports Professorial Fellowships as part of agreements with Dutch universities, foreign ministries and funding organisations. The IIAS & IIAS/CEM-FMSH fellowship is generally for researchers focusing on the three IIAS clusters ○ Asian Cities ○ Asian Heritages ○ Global Asia However, some positions are reserved for outstanding projects in any area outside of those listed. | Next application deadline: 1 October 2022 |
| INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (ISA) | ISA invites applications for the Deborah Gerner grant for professional development. The aim of the grant is to support professional development projects in the field of international studies. There are no restrictions on the subject of a candidate’s research or teaching area, preference will be given to applicants whose proposals reflect Misty Gerner’s concerns with ○ Conflict resolution ○ Achieving peace in the Middle East ○ The role of women in international relations The $2,000 grant is intended to support activities during the early stages of an academic career. | Application deadline for 2022 was October 1, 2021. |
| INTERNATIONAL UNION OF GEODESY AND GEOPHYSICS | The international Unit of Geodesy and Geophysics, IUGG, offers grant programs. Key priority areas are defined for in line with IUGG overall scientific strategies ○ Creation of new knowledge in Earth and space sciences ○ Dissemination of knowledge, data and information on geophysics and geodesy ○ Geoscience for sustainable development ○ Geoscience and policy interface ○ Geoscience education and outreach in developing countries A ceiling of USD 20,000 is imposed on all applications. | The deadline for the second call for project proposal submissions is April 1, 2022. |
| INTERREG NORD | Interreg V A Nord is an EU-program supporting cross-border cooperation in order to strengthen the economic and social development in the areas of north Norway, north Finland, north Sweden and Sápmi. | There are some opportunities for researchers with a focus on some parts of Northern Sweden, and the Interreg Aurora programme will open the first call in June The very first call for project proposals of the Interreg Aurora Programme 2021-2027 will be open from 21 June until 23 August 2022. |
| JACOBS FOUNDATION | The foundation invites nominations for the Klaus J Jacobs research prize. A very good opportunity for early and mid-career researchers worldwide. Fellowships are awarded to highly talented and innovative early and mid-career researchers who have received their PhD within the past 10 years. Funding from Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowships is awarded directly to the fellow’s institution and may be used by the fellow over a three-year period to cover a portion of the fellow’s salary and for any purpose in support of the fellow’s research, such as assistants’ salaries, equipment, technical assistance, professional travel, or trainee support. In addition to providing fellows with independent and competitive funding, the program offers a wide range of non-financial benefits. | The deadline for nominations is usually in spring. |
| JANE AND DAN OLSSON FOUNDATION / SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES | The Jane and Dan Olsson Foundation promotes medical scientific research in Sweden and abroad, e.g. considering infertility and children’s health. More so, the foundation promotes areas such as equality and integration in society, young people’s opportunities for education, future and quality of life as well as violence against women, racism, poverty and discrimination in Sweden and abroad. | All applications should be submitted by March 1 each year. |
| LOUISVILLE UNIVERSITY | The University of Louisville invites for nominations to the “Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order” – given to those who have taken on issues of world importance and presented viewpoints that could lead to a more just and peaceful world. Each idea supports one noble cause: to inspire us all to work together for the common good. The Award is presented annually to the winner of a competition designed to stimulate the recognition, dissemination and critical analysis of outstanding proposals for improving world order. The Grawemeyer Award in World Order is accompanied by a prize of $100,000, which is presented in full during the awards ceremony. | The nomination form for the Award is due January 31, 2022. Supporting materials are due February 28, 2022. |
| MIDDLE EAST ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION | The Middle East Economic Association invites nominations for the Ibu Khaldin prize. The prize recognises outstanding individual and co-authored papers by scientists in Middle East economics, who are no more than six years beyond their PhD. A good opportunity for Economists working in and on the MENA region. | The deadline for nominations in 2021 is December 10. |
| MISTRA | The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research, Mistra, is an independent research foundation that supports research of strategic importance for a good living environment. The grant calls are announced on the Mistra website. The principal applicant must usually be a Swedish institution. For example, Mistra har called for proposals on a research programme on “biodiversity and the financial system”, addressing research groups in all academic disciplines working at higher education institutions and research institutes as well as different stakeholders. | Several calls in different sectors. No ongoing calls at the moment. Regularly check the MISTRA website for specific deadlines. |
NATO / SCIENCE FOR PEACE AND SECURITY PROGRAMME (SPS) | Nato’s SPS Programme develops and implements practical cooperation and enhances dialogue between NATO nations and partner countries. The SPS Programme supports collaboration through three established grant mechanisms. Interested applicants must jointly develop a collaborative activity within one of these mechanisms led by project directors from at least one Nato country (NDP) and one Partner country (PPD). The grants are for ○ Research & development projects (multi-year project, MYP) ○ Research workshops (advanced research workshop, ARW) ○ Training Courses (advanced study institute, ASI, and advanced training course, ATC). | The homepage continuously invites applicants for its open calls for grants. Please refer to the SPS calls for proposals and related documents for more detailed information on eligibility and deadlines. For inquiries contact: Please refer to the SPS calls for proposals and related documents for more detailed information on eligibility and deadlines. For inquiries contact: . |
| NETHERLANDS ORGANISATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (NWO) | Each year, NWO invests almost 1 billion euros in curiosity-driven research, research related to societal challenges and research infrastructure. Researchers and research institutions can submit an application for funding for research projects, large equipment and databases as soon as NWO publishes a call for project proposals. The NOW has the so-called “talent programme” with three funding instruments (veni, vidi, vici) that offer personal grants to talented, creative researchers in themes like social sciences and humanities and health research and development. | Regularly check the website for open calls |
| NIPPON FOUNDATION | The Nippon Foundation gives grants to non-profits including educational and research institutions. The funding areas are ○ Improvement of basic human needs ○ Human resource development ○ Promotion of international collaborative undertakings For further inquiries on the Nippon grants email: | Interested researchers should explore through the email contact for more details about potential opportunities. |
| NORDFORSK | NordForsk funds and facilitates Nordic research cooperation and research infrastructure. The organisation has previously had programmes on e.g. international research cooperation. An opportunity for senior researchers with strong multi/transdisciplinary research and/or network. The calls are published on the website, on their application portal and in their newsletter. | NordForsk opens calls continuously. On average, they have six calls per year. The applicant must be an established senior researcher based at a research institution in one of the Nordic countries. |
| NORDIC AFRICA INSTITUTE (NAI) | NAI has two kinds of scholarships: ○ African Guest Researchers Scholarship Programme – Post-doctoral researchers based in Africa can apply for a three-month stay. ○ Nordic Scholarship Programme – Students and researchers based in Finland, Iceland and Sweden can apply for scholarships that last for one month. The thematic research areas of NAI from the strategy of 2017-2021 are ○ Inclusive growth, poverty and inequality in urban and rural Africa ○ Climate change and sustainable development ○ Gender equality ○ Conflict, security and democratic transformation Mobility and migration | African Guest Researchers’ Scholarship Programme 2023 has a deadline set on 1 May 2022. |
| NORDIC INSTITUTE OF ASIAN STUDIES | NIAS invites applications for its Virtual SUPRA Programme, replacing the Supra Nordic scholarships due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Within the research field of Asian studies. The Virtual SUPRA Programme has been expanded and improved and now includes: ○ Four-week programme of virtual sessions ○ Individual academic mentoring ○ Presentation of thesis work with feedback ○ Thorough introduction to the AsiaPortal resources ○ Sessions on publishing and career development ○ How to create an academic presence online ○ Academic podcasts – what to do and what to say | The application deadlines for the scholarship are each year: 1 June (Autumn spot) and 1 October (Spring spot). |
| NORTHERN PERIPHERY AND ARCTIC PROGRAMME | Funds project that first of all address the main challenges and potentials of the programme area. An opportunity for students, early career and mid-level researchers as well as seniors. The Programme area is characterised by shared and common development resources, including the area’s abundant natural resources, high-quality biophysical environment, and versatile business sector. | Calls are announced around 2 times per year. |
| NORWEGIAN CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS | The Network, under the University of Oslo, offers mobility scholarships for researchers who wish to participate in courses, workshops and seminars relevant to human rights research within the framework of the partner institutions. They also encourage researchers to make use of the scholarships for shorter research visits to the partner institutions. If appropriate, they may also grant mobility scholarships for highly relevant research activities outside of the Network partners. | Applications are considered on a continuous basis depending on available funds. |
| OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS | The Open Society Foundations are the world’s private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights. They award grants, scholarships, and fellowships throughout the year to organizations and individuals who share Open Society values. They look for grantees who have a vision and whose efforts will lead to lasting social change. The vast majority of their grants are awarded to organizations that they approach directly, but they do list some open opportunities on their website. Other funding opportunities are available through Open Society’s network of national and regional foundations. | An open opportunity for interested researchers and institutions on the subjects of: Democratic Practice Early Childhood and Education Economic Equity and Justice Equality and Antidiscrimination Health and Rights Higher Education Human Rights Movements and Institutions Information and Digital Rights Journalism Justice Reform and the Rule of Law |
| PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF SWEDEN | The Public Health Agency of Sweden distribute state grants to non-profit organizations, regions, municipalities and authorities on various government assignments with the aim to achieve political goals. New grants are announced on their website. | |
| REAGAN-FASCELL DEMOCRACY FELLOWS PROGRAM | The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program hosts democracy activists, scholars, and journalists for five-month fellowships, bringing fresh insights and perspectives to Washington, DC. The fellowship offers an important opportunity to explore new ideas in a comparative context, undertake individual research, and share best practices with one another. | The application deadline for the 2022-2023 Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program has passed. The application for fellowships in 2023-2024 will open in Summer 2022. |
| ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION | Through grantmaking, the Rockefeller Foundation works to promote the well-being of humanity throughout the world. New grant opportunities are announced in their press releases. | |
| ROYAL NORWEGIAN SOCIETY OF SCIENCE AND LETTERS | The Royal Norwegian Society of Science and Letters invite nominations to the Gunnerus sustainability award. It is given together with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The award is presented to a scholar who has made outstanding contributions to sustainable science within the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, human sciences, or technological sciences, either through interdisciplinary work or through work within one of the fields. Self-nominations are not accepted. An open opportunity for interested researchers and institutions on relevant subjects for the Foundation. | |
| SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (SIFP) | The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program offers opportunities for independent research or study related to Smithsonian collections, facilities, and/or research interests of the Institution and its staff. Fellowships are offered to graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior researchers to conduct independent research and to utilize the resources of the Institution with members of the Smithsonian professional research staff serving as advisors and hosts. | The deadline for 2021 was November 1. |
| STANFORD – CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND COOPERATION | CISAC supports excellence in research in international security and cooperation through a robust and prestigious portfolio of in-residence fellowships. CISAC Fellows spend the academic year engaged in research and writing and are expected to participate in seminars and interact and collaborate with leading faculty and researchers. Natural scientists have the opportunity to conduct research on the scientific and technical aspects of security topics, as well as to work in collaboration with faculty members. | The deadline in 2021 is December 3. Check back in Fall 2022 for the 2023-24 application. |
| STINT – THE SWEDISH FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN RESEARCH AND HIGHER EDUCATION | Stint was set up by the Swedish Government in 1994 with the mission to internationalise Swedish higher education and research. STINT promotes knowledge and competence development within internationalisation and invests in internationalisation projects proposed by researchers, educators and leaderships at Swedish universities. STINT invests in young researchers’ and teachers’ international collaborations. Moreover, STINT’s ambition is to be a pioneer in establishing strategic cooperation with emerging countries in research and higher education. They offer ○ Initiation grants – for short-term projects targeting the building of new and strategically interesting international relationships ○ Mobility Grants for Internationalisation – supports projects of high scientific quality which are clearly contributing to the activities of participating institutions | Applications for the “Initiation Grants” can be submitted throughout the year. More region-specific opportunities are announced in an open call on their website. For current calls: Grants for Internationalisation Research – Last day to apply: 2022-05-12 Initiation Grants – Last day to apply: 2022-05-17 |
| STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH (STEG) | Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) is a new research initiative that aims to provide a better understanding of structural change, productivity and growth in low- and middle-income countries. STEG’s research will help developing country governments, NGOs and the private sector to design and implement strategies, policies and programmes that better facilitate productivity gains, structural change, and both sustained and sustainable growth. STEG is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and is a five-year programme of academic research budgeted at £12 million, with the potential for a follow-on programme that would cover an additional four years with a budget of £10 million. | Deadline for proposals for STEG Small Research Grants: 23 May 2022 Third Call for Proposals for STEG PhD Research Grants: 23 May 2022 |
| SWEDISH ENERGY AGENCY | The Swedish Energy Agency is Sweden’s largest research funder for energy research. Most of the grants are distributed via open calls on their website. The focus areas surround the vision of a long-term sustainable energy system in Sweden, e.g. resource efficient society & innovation for work and climate. | |
| SWEDISH INSTITUTE | The Swedish Institute offers different grants and scholarships on occasion. For example, the “Global Professional Scholarship” that enables foreigners to study in Sweden on a masters level. The purpose of the scholarship is to develop the leaders of the future in line with the Agenda 2030, by supporting full time master studies in Sweden. | The deadline for the “Global Professional Scholarship” is February 10. |
| SWEDISH INSURANCE AGENCY | The “Hans Dahlberg’s foundation for the environment and health” supports research and studies of the environment and health, with a particular interest in studies focused on insurance for environmental- and health risks. The board particularly welcomes applications of studies that investigate new green technology. | |
| SWEDISH PRISON AND PROBATION SERVICE | The Swedish Prison and Probation Service accept research proposals by researchers at universities, colleges or other authorities. The focus is on the knowledge needed to contribute to the governmental task of preventing crime. | The Swedish Prison and Probation Service accepts applications throughout the entire year. |
| SWEDISH RESEARCH COUNCIL | The Swedish Research Council is Sweden’s largest governmental research funding body and supports research of the highest quality within all scientific fields. Every year, they pay out almost 7 billion SEK to support Swedish research. The development grants in 2021 were: 1. Research project grant within development research 2. Network grant Swedish Research Links 3. Doctoral programme grant within development research 4. International postdoc grant within development research (see more information on this grant below). An excellent opportunity for Swedish-based researchers with network across low-income countries to spearhead development research in the Global South. | The deadline for application is April 2022 (forecast). This call is repeated once a year. |
| SWEDISH RESEARCH COUNCIL – INTERNATIONAL POSTDOC GRANT WITHIN DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH | One of the repeated calls from the Swedish Research Council is the grant “International postdoc grant within development research” is to give newly qualified researchers with a doctoral degree from a Swedish university, or from the European Institute, the opportunity to expand their networks and their competencies by working abroad under secure employment conditions. The grant is also intended to promote the quality and renewal of Swedish research. International postdoc grants in development research are funded by the Government’s development aid funds, and the research shall be of particular relevance to the fight against poverty and for sustainable development in low income countries. | Deadline for application is April 2022 (forecast). This call is repeated once a year. |
| SWEDISH RESEARCH INSTITUTE IN ISTANBUL | The SRII awards two kinds of grants – for three-month stays and for one-month stays – usually twice every year. The fields of research should be centred on Istanbul, Turkey, the Eastern Mediterranean or culturally, historically or religiously affiliated areas, and the recipients should be Nordic or affiliated to Nordic universities. Themes are usually human science. Particular attention is devoted to the scientific quality of their work when the applications are reviewed, yet special regard are also given to junior applicants and people that have not previously received the grant. | The deadline for 2021 was March 31. |
| TAIWAN FOUNDATION FOR DEMOCRACY | Every year, a select number of International Visiting Fellows may stay in Taiwan to complete an independent research project for up to one year. The TFD aims to have International Visiting Fellows establish contact and network with Taiwan’s related non-governmental organizations, to encourage the development of cooperative international projects, and to support research and writing of those working in the field of democracy assistance. The International Visiting Fellowship is geared towards well-established scholars or experts devoted to the promotion and building of democracy and human rights. The TFD awards all International Visiting Fellows with a stipend of NT$45,000 – NT$ 55,000 per month to assist with living expenses in Taiwan, according to an evaluation of their reviewers. | |
| THE GOOD CITY (“RIKSBYGGENS” ANNIVERSARY FUND) | A Swedish organisation that gives scholarships to support research, development and education for more sustainable cities. | |
| TORSTEN SÖDERBERGS FOUNDATION | The Torsten Söderberg Foundation enables research initiatives and individual projects in medicine, economics, law and other fields (often with humanities connections). These initiatives are often interdisciplinary. Development researchers can apply under the category “other”. Over the past ten years, the foundation has allocated an average of almost SEK 85 million per year. The Foundation’s donations and research grants are described each year in its annual reports. | The foundation has an application period per year, in autumn. |
| US AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT – USAID | The US Agency for International Development invites applications for its sustainable landscapes grant, available to e.g. institutions and research groups. This seeks opportunities to co-create, co-design, co-invest and collaborate in the R&D, piloting and scaling of innovative interventions for reducing land-based greenhouse gas emissions and increasing long-term carbon sequestration at scale. Cross-sectoral and integrated approaches to addressing other development challenges together with reducing greenhouse gas emissions are also welcomed. | Deadline in 2022 is September 24. This is a reoccurring grant. |
| VINNOVA | Vinnova is Sweden’s agency for innovation. Their aim is to strengthen Sweden’s ability for innovation and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Vinnova offers different and new grants for projects on its homepage. At times, these grants align with development research. | In most cases, Vinnova requires the applicant(s) to look for co-funding to cover costs which cannot be funded by it. |
| WALLACE GLOBAL FUND | The Wallace Global Fund supports activities and movements that are global or national in scope. They consider significant local or regional initiatives with the potential to leverage broader national or global impact. Proposals can be for either core or project-specific support. | WGF does not fund the purchase of land, capital construction, profit-making businesses, debt reduction, endowment campaigns, fundraising drives/events, or scholarships, tuition assistance or other forms of personal financial aid. Applicants based in the United States must be registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Applicants based outside the United States must show 501(c)(3) equivalency under U.S. law and, if invited to submit a proposal, will be asked to sign an affidavit stating this equivalency. Potential grantees without 501(c)(3) status will be asked for further documentation regarding the charitable purpose of the activity. All applicants must submit a letter of inquiry of no more than two pages briefly describing the mission and history of the applying organization, goals of the initiative(s), specific objectives, and accompanying strategies. The letter must also state the organization’s current annual operating budget and primary sources of income. Applicants based in the United States must also include as appendices the IRS 501(c)(3) documentation letter and a copy of the most recent IRS Form 990. Please do not submit proposals or any other materials such as annual reports, press coverage materials, or DVDs with a letter of inquiry.” |
| WORLD INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS RESEARCH OF THE UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY | The World Institute for Development Economics Research of the UN University invites applications for Visiting Scholars Programme. The Visiting Scholars Programme gives qualified scholars an opportunity to research topics related to the development and/or global economic issues, and to participate in UNU-WIDER activities. Scholars typically spend a 2-3 months ‘sabbatical’ at UNU-WIDER. During this time they prepare one or more papers to be considered for publication in the WIDER working paper series, and present a seminar in their field of research. Applicants should have a PhD degree in economics or a development-related discipline. A good publication record is an added advantage. Applications from suitably qualified early-career, female, and developing country researchers are particularly encouraged. | The programme has resumed for the 2022 academic year with another cohort currently in Helsinki. UNU-WIDER also issues occasional calls for proposals on different topics for interested (academic) researchers and NGOs for “small-medium” grants (6000-10000 USD). Studies are often empirical with rigorous data/methodology and policy orientation. |