Other European funding programmes that could be also targeted to finance research and innovation activities.
Jephcott Charitable Trust - Program in Natural Environment
The Jephcott Charitable Trust in the UK makes grants for charitable purposes in the subject areas of population control, natural environment, education, and health.
Projects in the theme of Natural Environment include examples in small-scale agriculture, livestock production, horticulture, agricultural training, community water supply, environmental education, tree planting, renewable energy, and others.
Eligibility for grants extends to registered charities and properly constituted organizations in all parts of the world.
There is no application deadline. + info
NEW! The European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) or the “Juncker Plan”
The EFSI is an initiative launched jointly by the EIB Group - European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund - and the European Commission to help overcome the current investment gap in the EU by mobilising private financing for strategic investments.
EFSI is one of the three pillars of the Investment Plan for Europe that aims to revive investment in strategic projects around Europe to ensure that money reaches the real economy.
Projects supported by EFSI are subject to the normal EIB project cycle and governance. It has its own dedicated governance structure which has been set in place to ensure that investments made under EFSI remain focused on the specific objective of addressing the market failure in risk-taking which hinders investment in Europe. In doing so, EFSI will also increase the volume of higher risk projects supported by the EIB Group.
With EFSI support, the EIB Group will provide funding for economically viable projects where it adds value, including projects with a higher risk profile than ordinary EIB activities.
It will focus on sectors of key importance where the EIB Group has proven expertise and the capacity to deliver a positive impact on the European economy, including:
- Strategic infrastructure including digital, transport and energy
- Education, research, development and innovation
- Expansion of renewable energy and resource efficiency
- Support for smaller businesses and midcap companies
Where will EFSI support operations?
EFSI is demand driven and will provide support for projects everywhere in the EU, including cross-border projects.
There are no geographic or sector quotas.
Projects will be considered based on their individual merits.
Who can apply for EFSI financing?
- Entities of all sizes, including utilities, special purpose vehicles or project companies, small and medium-sized enterprises (with up to 250 employees) and midcaps (with up to 3 000 employees) -
- Public sector entities
- National promotional banks or other banks to deliver intermediated lending
- Funds and any other form of collective investment vehicles
- Bespoke investment platforms
To benefit from EFSI support need to go through the standard EIB due diligence as well as an assessment by the EFSI Investment Committee to decide whether they are eligible for backing under the EU guarantee.
In particular, projects need to be:
- Economically and technically sound
- Match the eligible sectors
- Contributing to EU objectives and to sustainable growth and employment
- Mature enough to be bankable
- Priced in a manner commensurate with the risk taken. + info
NEW! Avina Stiftung - Grants for Environment
Avina Stiftung is active mainly in Switzerland, but it also supports Swiss development work in Latin America, as well as selected initiatives with a global focus.
The Foundation supports innovations to promote eco-efficiency, biodiversity, and ecological sustainability.
It also seeks to enhance awareness of environmental issues.
Applications are accepted continuously. + info
NEW! Erbacher Foundation - Support for Rural Development
The Erbacher Foundation supports rural development in subject areas that include livestock husbandry, crop production, drinking water, and environmental protection.
For new partners, the priority countries are India, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The Foundation will also accept project applications submitted by established partners even if they do not concern the focal countries.
Application deadlines are 01 February and 01 August of each year. + info