Deadline: 1 September 2025
The Aubrey Barker Fund is pleased to seek applications for its ABF Urban Kickstart scheme which aims to improve secure access to land and housing by supporting research and other activity which advances and disseminates knowledge and skills in land management and related disciplines.
They will do this by providing opportunities for young graduates from the urbanising countries of Africa and Asia to undertake research or other assignments that can help meet the needs of vulnerable urban communities for access to land and adequate housing on affordable terms. Successful applicants will also receive mentoring from international experts with expertise relevant to the product scope and location.
Funding Information
- They expect to offer one grant of up to a maximum of £15,000.
- The funding will be available for a maximum period of 12 months.
Costs Covered
- The grant will include all time, travel, subsistence, insurance, materials and other expenses related to the project.
- This includes any costs incurred in Open Access publications in a peer-reviewed journal; such costs will be paid once the publisher has confirmed that the report or paper is accepted for publication.
- Applications for smaller grant values will also be considered if they meet the funding criteria.
Eligible Projects
- Research projects on innovative approaches for improving access to land for vulnerable communities
- Projects which improve the climate resilience of existing settlements
- Projects which develop innovative options for improving land tenure and property
- The preparation of documentaries (such as videos or podcasts) about urban land management and housing settlements
- Undertaking voluntary work focusing on improving the living conditions of vulnerable communities in the Global South
Eligibility Criteria
- They invite applications from applicants from, or living and working in, developing countries (defined as those classified by the World Bank as being low-income, lower-middle income or upper-middle income).
- Preference will be given to applications from low-income and lower-middle income countries within Africa and Asia; and priority may be given to projects that promote sustainable urban development principles, including environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic viability in urban contexts.
Evaluation Criteria
- How the grant will benefit the community, particularly the vulnerable groups it intends to serve. Priority will be given to projects that have a tangible, long-term impact on the quality of life for low-income and marginalised urban populations.
- How the grant will benefit the applicant’s professional development and career trajectory. Successful applicants should demonstrate how the experience will help them expand their skills in ways which enable them to build a career in urban development and contribute to future sustainable urban solutions.
- How the project supports research and activities that address urgent urban challenges, such as access to land, affordable housing, and resilient urban infrastructure.
- How the project incorporates principles of sustainability, social equity and good practice in urban development. This includes environmental sustainability, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring economic viability in urban planning.
- How innovative the approach is in addressing the outlined problem and whether the proposal is feasible within the specified timeframe and budget.
- Evidence of collaborations or partnerships with institutions, universities or NGOs that may add credibility and depth to the project, enhancing its potential for success.
For more information, visit ABF.
