Introduction The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is an executive agency of the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). The agency is responsible for administering agricultural payments, environmental land management schemes, rural grants, livestock traceability systems, and trade-related services across England. As the only accredited paying agency in England, the RPA plays… [Read More]
Agriculture Food & Nutrition
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS): History, Mission, Governance, and Global Scientific Impact
Introduction The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is an international scientific organization dedicated to advancing science, technology, and innovation in developing countries. Founded in 1983, TWAS supports researchers through fellowships, grants, awards, and global collaboration networks aimed at strengthening scientific capacity in the Global South. Headquartered in Trieste, Italy, TWAS operates as a programme unit… [Read More]
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA): Advancing Agricultural Education and Rural Development
The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is a regional institution established in 1966 under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). Based in the Philippines, SEARCA focuses on strengthening agricultural education, research, innovation, and rural development across Southeast Asia. Mission and Purpose SEARCA aims to improve the… [Read More]
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ): Supporting and Empowering Rural Communities Across Aotearoa
Rural Women New Zealand is one of New Zealand’s longest-standing rural advocacy and community organizations. Founded in 1925, the organization has spent over a century supporting rural women, strengthening farming communities, advocating for policy change, and delivering education, grants, and wellbeing initiatives across Aotearoa New Zealand. Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) plays a significant role… [Read More]
Town of Caledon: Governance, Services, Budget, Programs & Community Development
Introduction The Town of Caledon is a growing municipal government in Ontario, Canada, located in the Regional Municipality of Peel within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It is known for its unique mix of rural landscapes, small towns, agricultural land, and rapidly expanding suburban communities. Caledon provides a full range of municipal services including local… [Read More]
Global Landscapes Forum (GLF): Advancing Sustainable Landscapes Through Global Collaboration
Introduction The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform focused on sustainable landscapes, integrated land use, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and inclusive environmental governance. Established in 2013, the GLF brings together governments, scientists, Indigenous communities, youth leaders, NGOs, businesses, policymakers, and environmental organizations to address some of the world’s most pressing sustainability… [Read More]
Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia (RCFNS) – Mission, Grants, Community Development, and Rural Impact
Introduction The Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia (RCFNS) is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to supporting sustainable development, community resilience, and grassroots innovation in rural Nova Scotia. Through grantmaking, community convening, fund development, and leadership initiatives, the foundation helps rural communities address social, environmental, and economic challenges. RCFNS focuses on empowering local residents and… [Read More]
Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture: Supporting Agriculture and Rural Development
The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture is a government department responsible for supporting agriculture, agri-food development, and rural economic growth in Nova Scotia, Canada. The department works with farmers, industry partners, and communities to strengthen the province’s agricultural sector. Mission and Purpose The department aims to build a competitive, sustainable, and innovative agriculture sector while… [Read More]
Luena Foundation – Community-Led Child Welfare, Education, and Humanitarian Grantmaking
Introduction The Luena Foundation is a U.S.-registered nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and communities worldwide through locally led, grassroots development programs. The Foundation focuses on supporting community-based organizations that address the root causes of poverty and social inequality, especially among children and families in underserved regions. Rather than implementing top-down… [Read More]
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – Rural Development, Food Security, and Global Agricultural Financing
Introduction The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) and an international financial institution dedicated to reducing rural poverty and hunger in developing countries. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, IFAD provides loans, grants, technical assistance, and development financing to support rural communities, smallholder farmers, and agricultural systems worldwide…. [Read More]












