Call for proposals – July 2026
Calls for proposal.
1.
| Name of the call | Innovations in Decentralized Pan-Orthoebolavirus Diagnostics |
| Funding agency | Gates Foundation |
| Amount | US $350-750K |
| Deadline | Jul 31, 2026 |
| Grant summary | On May 15, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared its 17th Ebola outbreak, confirmed in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC and caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), an Orthoebolavirus species for which no licensed vaccine or approved therapeutic currently exists. Two days later, WHO declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing the high case fatality ratio, rapid geographic spread, and absence of licensed countermeasures for BDBV. As of July 5, 2026, more than 1,500 confirmed cases have been reported across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces, with over 490 confirmed deaths. Uganda has confirmed 20 cases, and one imported case was identified in France. This is the fastest-spreading and third-largest recorded Ebola outbreak in history, and the largest ever caused by Bundibugyo virus. |
| Link | https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/challenge/innovations-decentralized-pan-orthoebolavirus-diagnostics |
| Name of call | Quarterly Research Grant Funding Programme |
| Funding agency | The Quarterly Research Grant |
| Amount | £75,000 to £300,000 |
| Deadline | 12-Oct-2026 |
| Grant summary | The Quarterly Research Grant Funding Programme supports preclinical, translational, and clinical research aimed at developing disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s disease. Offered internationally by Cure Parkinson’s, the programme funds research that has a clear pathway to clinical application and focuses on slowing, stopping, or reversing Parkinson’s disease rather than simply treating its symptoms. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/construction/open-call-quarterly-research-grant-funding-programme/ |
3.
| Name of call | GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program 2026 |
| Funding agency | The GDPC Spotlight |
| Amount | US$10,000 |
| Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
| Grant summary | The GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program 2026 aims to support innovative, policy-relevant research that advances the principled, accountable, and context-sensitive use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technologies (ICTs), in humanitarian action. The call seeks to generate evidence that informs humanitarian policy and practice, strengthens ethical and responsible technology adoption, and addresses the opportunities and challenges of digital technologies in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) humanitarian contexts. It particularly encourages research that amplifies local perspectives and contributes to more effective, inclusive, and accountable humanitarian responses. |
| Link | https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/07/03/gdpc-spotlight-research-grants-program-2026/ |
4.
| Name of the call | Opportunity 2: Specimen Innovations |
| Funding agency | Gates Foundation |
| Amount | US $300-600K |
| Deadline | Jul 31, 2026 |
| Grant summary | Venipuncture-free specimen type validation: Prospective clinical characterization of alternative specimen types for EVD diagnosis, including gingival-margin swabs, oral mucosal transudate, tongue dorsum swabs, urine, anal/rectal swab, and capillary blood, to determine at what viral load threshold each specimen type is diagnostic for EVD. Studies must use the most analytically sensitive back-end molecular assay (e.g., optimized RT-qPCR with quantitative output) to validate specimen performance and must systematically optimize and report every step in the collection-to-result workflow. For example, for swab-based specimens, this includes swab type and matrix, collection pressure, number of strokes, contact time, elution volume, stabilization and inactivation buffer, extraction approach (if any), and PCR primer-probe set. Equivalent workflow parameters should be defined and optimized for other specimen types. Results must report quantitative viral load per sample unit (e.g., target copies/swab), allowing the analytical detection limit (LOD) of the alternative specimen to be compared to viral load in paired venous blood. This goal is rigorous characterization of specimen performance to establish whether a given matrix is suitable for diagnostic use and under what conditions. |
| Link | https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/challenge/innovations-decentralized-pan-orthoebolavirus-diagnostics#_op2 |
5.
| Name of the call | Open Call for Emerging Sustainability Leader Award |
| Funding agency | The MDPI Sustainability Foundation |
| Amount | USD 20,000 |
| Deadline | 30-Nov-2026 |
| Grant summary | The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) honors exceptional early-career researchers whose work advances sustainable development through high-quality research, innovative solutions, and leadership. The award celebrates individuals whose research contributes to environmental, social, and economic sustainability while addressing global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/innovation/open-call-for-emerging-sustainability-leader-award/ |
6.
| Name of the call | Opportunity 3: Diagnostic Products |
| Funding agency | Gates Foundation |
| Amount | US $300-800K |
| Deadline | Jul 31, 2026 |
| Grant summary | No antigen RDT currently meets WHO TPP for BDBV, the causative agent of the 2026 outbreak. Molecular confirmation requires cold-chain reagents, laboratory infrastructure, and trained operators that are unavailable in some of the most affected health zones. This Opportunity funds development of the next generation of field-ready tests. |
| Link | https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/challenge/innovations-decentralized-pan-orthoebolavirus-diagnostics#_op3 |
7.
| Name of the call | Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund 2026. |
| Funding agency | Cambridge-Africa |
| Amount | £1,000–£25,000 per project. |
| Deadline | 3 September 2026. |
| Grant summary | The objective of the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund 2026 is to initiate and strengthen equitable research collaborations between researchers at the University of Cambridge (or affiliated institutes) and researchers at African universities or research institutions. The fund also supports high-quality research training activities that build research capacity in Africa. |
| Link | https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/06/06/cambridge-africa-alborada-research-fund-2026/ |
8.
| Name of the call | IOC Olympic Studies Centre (OSC) PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme 2027. |
| Funding agency | The IOC Olympic Studies Centre (OSC) |
| Amount | USD 6,000 |
| Deadline | 22 September 2026 |
| Grant summary | The programme aims to support and promote high-quality research on the Olympic Movement from a humanities and/or social sciences perspective. Its specific objectives are to: Support PhD students and early career academics and foster excellence in Olympic-related research. Facilitate research and study visits to the IOC Olympic Studies Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland, enabling researchers to consult its collections, including primary sources and the IOC historical archives. Support the next generation of scholars in the field of Olympic studies and encourage innovative research on Olympism, the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Games, athletes, and their impact on society and culture. |
| Link | https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/05/12/ioc-osc-research-grant-programme-2027/ |
9.
| Name of the call | Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026 |
| Funding agency | Interledger Foundation |
| Amount | $5,000 |
| Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
| Grant summary | The Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026 is a small grants initiative that supports student-led organizations at accredited universities worldwide to design and implement projects that promote open payments, interoperable financial systems, and digital financial inclusion. The program aims to empower students to build campus communities that understand and experiment with open financial infrastructure, including the Interledger Protocol. |
| Link | https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/04/17/ioc-mini-grant-program-2026 |
10.
| Name of the call | Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program. |
| Funding agency | Small Business Administration |
| Amount | $ 9,000,000 |
| Deadline | Aug 07, 2026 |
| Grant summary | The Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program supports organizations that help small businesses overcome operational, technical, workforce, and market access barriers that limit their ability to participate and grow as suppliers within strategically important industries. Through technical assistance, industry engagement, and other implementation focused activities, SCALE helps small businesses address identified supply chain constraints, strengthen supplier readiness, improve production capability, and expand participation in strategically important supply chains. |
| Link | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/363089 |
11.
| Name of call | Wellcome Discovery Awards |
| Funding agency | Nonprofit organization |
| Amount | Unspecified |
| Deadline | Sep 22, 2026 |
| Grant summary | Wellcome Discovery Awards This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. |
| Link | https://www.developmentaid.org/grants/view/1648748/wellcome-discovery-awards |
12.
| Name of the call | Nominations open for World Sustainability Award |
| Funding agency | The MDPI Sustainability Foundation |
| Amount | USD 100,000 |
| Deadline | 30-Nov-2026 |
| Grant summary | The World Sustainability Award (WSA) honors internationally recognized senior researchers whose work has made transformative contributions to sustainability science and practice. Presented by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, the award celebrates sustained academic excellence, leadership, and innovative research that addresses global sustainability challenges. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/innovation/nominations-open-for-world-sustainability-award/ |
13.
| Name of the call | Wellcome Discovery Awards |
| Funding agency | The Wellcome |
| Amount | £3.5 million. |
| Deadline | 22 September 2026 |
| Grant summary | This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. |
| Link | https://wellcome.org/research-funding/schemes/wellcome-discovery-awards |
14.
| Name of the call | Wellcome Early-Career Awards 2026 for Low‑ or Middle‑Income Countries Worldwide. |
| Funding agency | The Wellcome |
| Amount | £250,000 (excluding salary) |
| Deadline | 28 July 2026 |
| Grant summary | The Wellcome Career Development Award is a prestigious funding scheme for mid‑career researchers across disciplines who are ready to lead substantial and innovative programmes of work. The award supports researchers in developing leadership skills, training the next generation, and delivering breakthroughs in understanding human life, health, and well-being. |
| Link | https://www.afterschoolafrica.com/74886/ireland-wellcome-early-career-awards/ |
15.
| Name of the call | AAN Research Program 2027 Research Funding |
| Funding agency | The AAN |
| Amount | $150,000 (two-year awards) or $450,000 (three-year awards) |
| Deadline | September 10, 2026 |
| Grant summary | The AAN Research Program is open for 2027 applications, and the deadline is September 10, 2026. The program supports early-career neurologists and neuroscience researchers through competitive research grants. According to the official program page. |
| Link | https://www.afterschoolafrica.com/118470/aan-research-program-2027-up-to-450000-in-research-funding/ |
16.
| Name of the call | Applications Open for Dementia, Mental Health and Brain Ageing (Africa) |
| Funding agency | The International Brain Research Organization |
| Amount | Not specified |
| Deadline | 30-Sep-2026 |
| Grant summary | The Dementia, Mental Health and Brain Ageing School is an in-person professional development programme in Nairobi, Kenya, designed for graduate students, early career researchers, fellows, and medical professionals across Africa. The programme provides advanced training in neurodegenerative disorders, dementia, mental health, and brain ageing, with accommodation, meals, local transportation, and school fees fully covered for selected participants. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/individuals/applications-open-for-dementia-mental-health-and-brain-ageing-school-africa/ |
17.
| Name of call | Women in AI Fellowship |
| Funding agency | The Women in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) |
| Amount | USD 5,000 |
| Deadline | July 31st, 2026 |
| Grant summary | Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming every sector — from health, climate, and economics to governance, education, and public policy. Yet women remain significantly underrepresented in these influential domains. This fellowship provides financial resources, mentorship, and technical training to empower women PhD candidates to excel in AI/ML research and shape the future of ethical and inclusive innovation. |
| Link | https://www.globalsouthopportunities.com/2026/06/23/women-53/ |
18.
| Name of call | Request for Proposals: Observational Technologies Grant Program |
| Funding agency | The Observational Technologies |
| Amount | $250,000 |
| Deadline | 31-Aug-2026 |
| Grant summary | The Observational Technologies Grant Program is accepting applications to support early-stage technologies that improve the measurement and monitoring of glaciers and ice sheets linked to sea-level rise. Grants of up to $250,000 are available for projects lasting 1 to 2 years. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/science/request-for-proposals-observational-technologies-grant-program/ |
19.
| Name of call | RFPs: Field-Based Research Grant Program |
| Funding agency | The Field-Based |
| Amount | $200,000 |
| Deadline | 31-Aug-2026 |
| Grant summary | The Field-Based Research Grant Program supports field research to identify and develop glacier sites that can serve as analogues for Antarctic systems. Two funding tiers are available: up to $200,000 for full field projects and up to $25,000 for supplemental data collection during an existing field season. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/individuals/rfps-field-based-research-grant-program/ |
20.
| Name of the call | Encephalitis International Seed Funding for Research Projects 2026 |
| Funding agency | The Encephalitis International |
| Amount | £10,000 |
| Deadline | 30-Sep-26 |
| Grant summary | The Encephalitis International Seed Funding Programme provides essential support for early-stage encephalitis research in Africa by funding innovative pilot studies and strengthening research capacity. With grants of up to £10,000, the programme enables researchers to generate evidence, improve patient-focused solutions, and build pathways toward larger research initiatives that can improve encephalitis prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/individuals/encephalitis-international-seed-funding-for-research-projects-2026/ |
21.
| Name of call | RFPs: Field-Based Research Grant Program |
| Funding agency | The Field-Based |
| Amount | $200,000 |
| Deadline | 31-Aug-2026 |
| Grant summary | The Field-Based Research Grant Program supports field research to identify and develop glacier sites that can serve as analogues for Antarctic systems. Two funding tiers are available: up to $200,000 for full field projects and up to $25,000 for supplemental data collection during an existing field season. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/individuals/rfps-field-based-research-grant-program/ |
22.
| Name of call | Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Presidential Fellows Program 2026 |
| Funding agency | The HHMI |
| Amount | US$150,000–US$200,000 |
| Deadline | Unspecified |
| Grant summary | The HHMI Presidential Fellows Program is a prestigious early-career leadership program that places 2–3 fellows annually in the Office of the President at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Fellows work directly with the President, Chief Operating Officer, and senior leadership on high-priority strategic initiatives spanning science, artificial intelligence, finance, communications, education, technology, human resources, and institutional strategy. The fellowship emphasizes leading cross-functional projects, driving executive-level decisions, managing AI-enabled workflows, and contributing to organizational innovation. |
| Link | https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/06/02/hhmi-presidential-fellows-program-2026/ |
23.
| Name of call | Jana Robeyst Trust Fund Small Conservation Grant Programme |
| Funding agency | The Jana Robeyst Trust Fund |
| Amount | €1,500 per project. |
| Deadline | 31-Aug-2026 |
| Grant summary | The Jana Robeyst Trust Fund is a conservation-focused grant program that supports early-career researchers working to protect endangered mammals in Sub-Saharan Africa. It prioritizes practical, field-based research that contributes directly to biodiversity conservation and scientific understanding. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/environment-2/jana-robeyst-trust-fund-small-conservation-grant-programme/ |
24.
| Name of the call | Apply for Epic MegaGrants to Support Innovative Unreal Engine Projects |
| Funding agency | Epic MegaGrants |
| Amount | $75,000 |
| Deadline | 04-Sep-2026 |
| Grant summary | Epic MegaGrants is a funding initiative designed to accelerate innovative projects that leverage Unreal Engine and contribute to the growth of the real-time 3D ecosystem. The program supports creators, developers, educators, researchers, and innovators developing games, immersive experiences, educational resources, open-source tools, and industry solutions. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/innovation/apply-for-epic-megagrants-to-support-innovative-unreal-engine-projects/ |
25.
| Name of the call | Conservation, Food and Health |
| Funding agency | The Conservation, Food & Health Foundation |
| Amount | $25,000-$50,000 |
| Deadline | 22 Dec, 2026 |
| Grant summary | The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation seeks to protect the environment, improve food production, and promote public health in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East. |
| Link | https://hubcymruafrica.wales/funding-opportunity/the-conservation-food-and-health-foundation-4/ |
26.
| Name of the call | Call for Research Synthesis on Agriculture, Food Systems and Nutrition |
| Funding agency | The Global Research and Technology Development |
| Amount | £85,000 |
| Deadline | 03-Aug-2026 |
| Grant summary | This FCDO initiative brings together evidence from a major research portfolio on agriculture and nutrition. The synthesis will generate actionable insights on food systems, policy impact, and nutrition outcomes, supporting better design of future development programmes and strengthening global food security knowledge. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/research-2/call-for-research-synthesis-on-agriculture-food-systems-and-nutrition/ |
27.
| Name of the call | Call for Addressing Neglected Areas of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights |
| Funding agency | The international Development Research Centre (IDRC), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) |
| Amount | CAD 1.2 million |
| Deadline | 23-Aug-2026 |
| Grant summary | The ANeSA programme is a major international funding initiative supporting implementation research in sexual and reproductive health and rights across sub-Saharan Africa. By funding multidisciplinary research teams with up to CAD 1.2 million, it promotes evidence-based, gender-transformative solutions that improve access to essential health services, strengthen systems, and advance equity for underserved populations. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/health-2/call-for-addressing-neglected-areas-of-sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-rights/ |
28.
| Name of the call | Open Call for Research Grant Program – Round 3 |
| Funding agency | The LEO Foundation |
| Amount | DKK 4 million |
| Deadline | 25-Aug-2026 |
| Grant summary | The LEO Foundation Research Grant Program supports innovative research that advances knowledge in dermatology and skin biology. The program welcomes applications from researchers across the world working on projects that improve the understanding of skin diseases, their biological mechanisms, clinical management, and their impact on patients and society. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/individuals/open-call-for-research-grant-program-round-3/ |
29.
| Name of the call | Open Call: Global Science Summit Programme 2026 |
| Funding agency | The Novo Nordisk Foundation. |
| Amount | DKK 50 |
| Deadline | 01-Sep-2026 |
| Grant summary | The Global Science Summit Programme 2026 supports interdisciplinary, collaborative research that addresses one of the world’s most pressing health challenges—cardiometabolic diseases. By funding scalable, technology-enabled solutions that improve early detection, integrated care, treatment adherence, and health system performance, the programme aims to generate practical innovations that enhance patient outcomes and strengthen healthcare systems globally. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/science/open-call-global-science-summit-programme-2026/ |
30.
| Name of the call | RFAs: Accelerating the Development of Combined CGM–Pump Devices |
| Funding agency | The Breakthrough T1D |
| Amount | USD 900,000 |
| Deadline | 02-Sep-2026 |
| Grant summary | The Breakthrough T1D funding opportunity provides significant support for researchers developing next-generation combined CGM–insulin pump devices that can transform type 1 diabetes management. By funding innovative preclinical, translational, and clinical research, the program aims to overcome technical and commercialization challenges, improve patient experience, and accelerate the availability of integrated diabetes technologies that deliver safer, simpler, and more effective care. |
| Link | https://www2.fundsforngos.org/individuals/rfas-accelerating-the-development-of-combined-cgm-pump-devices/ |