About Aubrey Barker Fund (ABF)
Access to secure and affordable land for housing remains a growing challenge for large segments of the population in rapidly urbanising regions, particularly across the Global South. In many urban contexts, vulnerable communities are increasingly forced into insecure and substandard living environments due to limited access to land and housing. The scale and urgency of this issue highlight a significant gap in professional capacity, both in quantity and preparedness, to tackle such complex urban development challenges.
Ironically, despite the pressing need for qualified professionals, many well-educated young graduates from Africa and Asia are unable to secure opportunities that allow them to apply their skills and gain relevant experience. This disconnect between demand and opportunity underscores the need for targeted support and investment in emerging professionals committed to addressing issues of urban land access and sustainable development.
In response, the Aubrey Barker Fund, in collaboration with urban land and housing expert Geoffrey Payne and a panel of international advisors—including Banashree Bannerjee, Eugene Chigbu, Forbes Davidson, Tony Lloyd-Jones, Jean du Plessis, and Michael Slingsby—announces the ABF Urban Kickstart Programme 2025–2026.
This initiative aims to improve secure access to land and housing by supporting projects that advance knowledge, research, and skills in land management and related fields. The programme offers a platform for emerging professionals from urbanising countries in Africa and Asia to conduct research or practical projects that support the needs of vulnerable urban communities. Each selected applicant will receive not only financial support but also expert mentoring tailored to the project’s focus and location.
The Fund anticipates awarding one grant of up to £15,000, which will cover all costs including time, travel, accommodation, insurance, materials, and open-access publishing fees in peer-reviewed journals. Applications for smaller grants will also be considered, provided they align with programme objectives.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be from, or currently living and working in, countries classified as low-income, lower-middle-income, or upper-middle-income by the World Bank. Preference will be given to individuals from low- and lower-middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. Projects promoting sustainability, social equity, and economic viability in urban contexts will be prioritised.
Project Duration and Deliverables:
The funded project must be completed within 12 months. Grantees will be expected to achieve key milestones and deliver specified outputs within this timeframe.
Types of Projects Eligible for Funding:
- Research on innovative strategies to enhance land access for vulnerable groups
- Projects focused on improving the climate resilience of informal settlements
- Initiatives that develop novel land tenure and property rights solutions
- Documentaries or podcasts on urban land and housing issues
- Voluntary service projects that directly improve urban living conditions in the Global South
Evaluation Criteria:
Projects will be assessed against several criteria:
- Community Impact: Proposals must show tangible benefits for vulnerable urban populations and have the potential for long-term impact.
- Professional Development: Applicants should articulate how the experience will enhance their career and skillset within urban development sectors.
- Relevance to Urban Challenges: The project should clearly address pressing urban issues such as access to land, affordable housing, or resilient infrastructure.
- Sustainability and Equity: Proposals must demonstrate integration of environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic feasibility.
- Innovation and Feasibility: The proposed solution should be innovative and realistically achievable within the timeframe and budget.
- Partnerships: Evidence of collaboration with universities, NGOs, or institutions will strengthen applications by increasing credibility and impact potential.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected], using the designated Application Form, with the subject line: Application for ABF Urban Kickstart 2025. The deadline for submission is 01 September 2025, at 11:59 PM GMT. For further information please visit the official ABF website.
Questions about the programme must be submitted by 15 August 2025, also via email. Responses will be shared with all interested applicants to ensure transparency and equal access to information.
The Aubrey Barker Fund looks forward to supporting the next generation of urban development professionals working to create inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban futures.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
