The May update for Cross-Cutting / Intersectional Impact brings new calls that cluster around three distinct movements: capital infrastructure work moving upstream into a distinct funding category of its own, venture-style capital for impact founders consolidating across emerging markets with the DIV Fund’s reopening as the headline event, and bilateral funder frameworks becoming the structural spine of project design rather than a context to acknowledge.

In Capital Infrastructure for the Missing Middle, the dominant signal this month is that funders are investing in the infrastructure that deploys capital, not just deploying capital themselves. Convergence Blended Finance’s new A4FM accelerator (CAD $10M envelope) provides catalytic grants and capacity building specifically for fund managers structuring blended finance vehicles, with staged support from scoping through scale-up. Sorenson Impact Institute’s Collaboration Fund explicitly funds nonprofit consolidation and field-level integration in impact investing, treating mergers and shared services as field-building strategy rather than organizational decline. Small Foundation has launched two pilot facilities to provide working capital for African fund managers reaching first close. SECO’s Startup Fund deploys CHF 5M in debt financing to post-revenue companies across emerging economies. CAF Venturesome’s £50K-£1M repayable finance facility offers blended options for UK charities and social enterprises. The pattern: funders are increasingly betting that capacity-building for the financial intermediaries who deploy capital multiplies impact across entire vehicle ecosystems more efficiently than direct grantmaking alone.

In Venture-Style Capital for Impact Founders, Geographically Distributed, the headline event is the DIV Fund’s reopening as USAID DIV’s philanthropy-backed successor, preserving the tiered evidence-driven architecture (Stage 1 pilots up to $200K, Stage 2 testing up to $750K, Stage 3 scale up to $1.5M) that made DIV one of the most influential innovation grant mechanisms in development. Around it, an unusually crowded competitive set of founder-stage capital programs converges: Y Combinator’s Summer 2026 batch with its $500K standard deal, Cascador’s ScaleUp Program with downstream access to its $2-5M annual Catalytic Fund deployed through Sterling Bank, 500 Global Eurasia (post-Soviet markets), Baobab Network ($100K seed for African startups), Ganas Ventures (LATAM community-driven), Beta Boom (US software explicitly outside the Bay Area), Blue Ridge Labs Founder Fellowship (NYC tech-for-good), MIT Solve’s 10x10 Anniversary Challenge ($100K x 10 winners), and UNICEF Venture Fund’s new Climate Tech for Children’s Health call. The pattern: equity-free and equity-light deal flow is consolidating around founders building for emerging markets, and non-Silicon Valley geography is increasingly an explicit feature of the thesis rather than a barrier to overcome.

In Bilateral Frameworks Shaping Development Investment, several calls this month explicitly anchor in funder frameworks rather than treating the funder’s identity as incidental. GDN’s GDAC 2026, backed by Japan’s Ministry of Finance through the World Bank-managed PHRD Trust Fund, requires applicants to explicitly frame proposals around the Japanese “Human Security” principle. The Toyota Foundation’s International Grant Program is structurally Japan-anchored, requiring the team representative to be Japan-based even as projects span East, Southeast, and South Asia. Japan’s GGP grassroots human security mechanism is running parallel calls in Zambia and Uganda. Sweden’s Vinnova has launched its SustainGov public-sector reform call, requiring multi-level public sector ownership across organizational boundaries. Germany’s KfW IFE deploys €800K-€10M per project across Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, and Morocco with optional German labor market pathway components. Luxembourg’s LuxAid BPF requires partnerships led by a Luxembourg or EU enterprise. Canada’s CFLI runs ten parallel mission-led calls across Morocco, Kosovo, Ecuador, Venezuela, Belize, Guatemala, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Armenia. The pattern: funder framework is becoming the spine of project design, not a context to acknowledge. Applicants who can articulate work natively in the funder’s home framework have a structural advantage over those who translate an existing program into the funder’s language at the application stage.

For practitioners building or running an impact venture, this month’s lineup is unusually deep. The DIV Fund’s reopening alone is a major signal: the same evaluation rubric and cost-per-outcome standards that USAID DIV used are now back in play through philanthropic capital, and prior DIV grantees have a structural advantage given the inherited model. Pair DIV applications with the founder-stage opportunities most aligned to your geography (Cascador for Sub-Saharan Africa, Baobab for Africa, Ganas for LATAM, 500 Global for Eurasia, Beta Boom for US-outside-the-Bay), and consider MIT Solve 10x10 if your venture is past pilot and approaching scaling capital. For organizations sitting in the impact investing infrastructure layer (fund managers, intermediaries, ecosystem-building nonprofits), Convergence A4FM, Sorenson Collaboration Fund, and Small Foundation are the three most directly relevant calls, and the alignment requires showing how your work strengthens the field’s capacity to deploy capital, not just your own organization’s effectiveness. For applicants pursuing larger institutional grants, the bilateral framework calls (GDAC, KfW IFE, Vinnova SustainGov, LuxAid BPF) reward applicants who can write natively in the funder’s home framework. For US-headquartered nonprofits implementing in LMICs, The International Foundation Grant 2026 is the cleanest small-grant program of the month at $50K-$100K, with full proposals due June 1 from invited LOI applicants.

Snapshot of New Opportunities

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 35 open opportunities- 16 new opportunities added!

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 43 rolling opportunities!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 8 long term opportunities!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer pay what you can rates. You can find more details here.

Open Calls:

Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) - Open calls, Global Affairs Canada. *New!* *Multiple opportunities closing soon*

Canada’s CFLI is a small-grants mechanism run through Canadian embassies and high commissions to fund locally led, implementation-ready projects that can demonstrate measurable results under Canada’s international assistance priorities. The fund’s logic is catalytic: it favors tightly scoped initiatives that translate a clear problem statement into a practical activity plan, credible local delivery capacity, and outcomes that can be communicated cleanly to mission decision-makers. While each country program sets its own thematic emphasis and grant-size norms, most calls prioritize combinations of inclusive governance, peace and security, gender equality, human dignity, growth that works for everyone, and environment and climate action, with selection typically made by an embassy-led committee. The most reliable workflow is: pick the mission page for your country, confirm thematic fit, and submit using the mission’s required template and channel (often email), by the mission’s time-zone deadline.

• Geographies: Morocco, Kosovo, Ecuador, Venezuela, Belize, Guatemala, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Togo, Armenia.

• Who can apply: Local nonprofits/NGOs and academic institutions; eligible local government institutions or agencies implementing locally focused projects.

• Funding amount: Grants range CAD $15,000-49,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: inclusive governance, peace and security, gender equality, human dignity, environment and climate action.

• Deadline: Morocco (May 1), Kosovo (May 6), Ecuador (May 6), Venezuela (May 8), Belize (May 8), Guatemala (May 8), Ghana (May 10), Sierra Leone (May 10), Togo (May 10), Armenia (May 15).

• Learn more and apply here.

CFLI selection is “mission logic” funding: the strongest proposals read like a practical memo to the embassy committee, showing tight alignment to that mission’s priorities, realistic deliverables within the grant period, and clear, verifiable results.

Blue Ridge Labs Founder Fellowship (2026 Cohort), Robin Hood. *Closing soon!*

Blue Ridge Labs, Robin Hood’s venture studio, seeks to convert high-conviction ideas into fundable, tech-enabled ventures that expand economic mobility. The Founder Fellowship is structured to reduce the classic early-stage failure points (unclear problem-solution fit, weak user insight, and limited build capacity) by pairing weekly operator-led programming with hands-on support from engineers, designers, and product experts, plus direct user feedback via Blue Ridge Labs’ community research access. The $20,000 stipend is positioned as execution capital: it helps founders go heads-down on validation and MVP-building while leveraging Robin Hood’s network for visibility and early credibility. The selection logic favors founders who can articulate a problem tied to Robin Hood’s poverty-fighting priorities and demonstrate lived or learned proximity to the communities they aim to serve.

• Geographies: United States (program includes co-working at the BRL Lab in Brooklyn).

• Who can apply: Early-stage founders aligned to Robin Hood issue areas; no prototype or co-founder required.

• Funding amount: USD $20,000 stipend.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Innovation & Technology; Focus areas: economic mobility, tech for good, idea-to-MVP venture building, user research, fundraising readiness.

• Deadline: May 3, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

This fellowship rewards “validated empathy”: the strongest applicants pair proximity to the problem with a clear plan to test, learn fast, and ship an MVP that low-income communities actually want to use.

Y Combinator Summer 2026 Batch Application, Y Combinator. *Closing soon!*

Y Combinator is seeking early-stage companies for its Summer 2026 batch, structured as an intensive, in-person program in San Francisco that pairs partner-level coaching with a tightly networked peer cohort and a culminating investor-facing Demo Day. The funder’s model is built around speed and execution: YC invests at acceptance, then helps founders sharpen product, iterate fast, and make fundraising and scaling decisions with experienced guidance and high-signal introductions. The program’s value proposition is less about curriculum and more about concentrated feedback loops, founder accountability, and access to a durable alumni community that continues well beyond the batch. Strong applications typically communicate a clear problem, a compelling user or customer wedge, and evidence the team can build and learn quickly under pressure.

• Geographies: Global (program in San Francisco, USA).

• Who can apply: Startups worldwide (eligibility details vary; refer to the application portal and FAQs).

• Funding amount: USD $500,000 investment (standard deal).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Innovation & Technology; Focus areas: startup accelerator, seed investment, founder mentorship, SAFE financing, investor access.

• Deadline: May 4, 2026 (8:00 PM PT).

• Learn more and apply here.

This opportunity is optimized for founders who want to compress years of network-building and iteration into a single, high-intensity quarter.

Business Partnership Facility (BPF) Call for Proposals, 1st Edition 2026, LuxAid Business4Impact (LuxDev). *Closing soon!*

The BPF is designed to crowd in private-sector execution and local partnership capacity by co-financing commercially viable, SDG-aligned projects implemented in ODA-eligible developing countries. Its investment logic centers on additionality: the facility aims to unlock market validation and partnership-driven implementation work that companies are unlikely to finance alone, while requiring a credible pathway to financial sustainability beyond the co-funding period. BPF prioritizes partnerships that transfer know-how or technology, demonstrate shared value for all partners, and can move from pilot evidence to scalable delivery in a new market context. The structured process signals a preference for disciplined partnerships that can translate an initial concept into a robust business case and implementation plan backed by due diligence and selection review.

• Geographies: ODA-eligible developing countries (OECD DAC list) with a Luxembourg or EU enterprise lead partner.

• Who can apply: Partnerships with a Luxembourg or EU private enterprise (lead) plus a local partner established in an eligible developing country (public or private entity, university, research institute, or civil society).

• Funding amount: Co-financing up to EUR €300,000 (max 50% of total project costs).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Economic Development & Livelihoods; Focus areas: feasibility studies, pilot implementation, market validation, technology and know-how transfer, commercial viability.

• Deadline: May 8, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

BPF is a “prove it and position it” facility, so the strongest submissions will show both why co-funding is necessary now and how pilot evidence converts into commercially sustainable scale.

Read more

The April update for Cross-Cutting & Intersectional Impact is the broadest edition in this cycle — a catch-all section that this month tells a surprisingly coherent story about where flexible, systems-oriented funding is moving.

The largest single cluster of new calls is Startup and Social innovation ecosystems. Y Combinator’s Summer 2026 batch, Blue Ridge Labs’ Founder Fellowship, the GIB Startup Challenge, the Caribbean Climate Pre-Accelerator, Cambridge Social Innovation Prize, Startup World Cup Luxembourg, and SBI Foundation’s SBIF LEAP incubator support all land in the same month. These aren’t the same kind of call — they span idea-stage validation, mid-career leader acceleration, pre-seed venture investment, and incubator infrastructure. But taken together they signal that funders across geographies are simultaneously investing in the enabling layer of innovation: the founders, incubators, and programs that determine whether good ideas become organizations. The Cambridge Social Innovation Prize is worth particular attention as an outlier in this cluster, it explicitly funds mid-career social innovators who have already delivered results, treating leadership development as the intervention rather than the project. That framing is rare and reflects a growing recognition that individual leader constraints are often what caps organizational scale.

Private sector-led development is unusually active this month. ADA’s Business Partnership Challenge, the Luxembourg BPF, Invest for Jobs’ Investing for Employment call (up to EUR €10M per project), and the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator all use co-financing structures to leverage private enterprise toward jobs, market systems, and technology transfer in ODA-eligible countries. The Invest for Jobs call is the most specific: it measures success by cost-per-job, applies a ceiling on that metric at concept note stage, and in five of its six countries offers an optional labor migration-to-Germany pathway. That’s a development finance instrument being explicitly shaped by European workforce needs — a signal about where blended finance logic is heading.

Bilateral small grants mechanisms are also unusually clustered this month. Canada’s CFLI deploys simultaneously across 18 countries with embassy-led selection. Poland’s development cooperation call (28M PLN) activates across six countries. SlovakAid opens in East Africa. The Australia-Korea Foundation round focuses on emerging sectors and people-to-people ties. Mekong-ROK targets regional digital cooperation. These aren’t thematically unified — they reflect individual countries’ foreign policy calendars. But for practitioners working across multiple geographies, this is a month where embassy-level relationships translate directly into fundable opportunities, and the window for most of them is short.

Organizational and leadership resilience is a quieter signal but one that appears across several new entries. The Durfee Sabbatical Award funds LA County nonprofit executives to fully disconnect for three months while building organizational resilience in their absence. Kauffman’s upcoming capacity building round targets internal infrastructure that constrains delivery. The Cambridge Social Innovation Prize and AARP’s Purpose Prize both center the leader rather than the program. These calls collectively suggest a growing funder recognition that the people and systems behind organizations are fundable in their own right — not just the outputs they produce.

For practitioners in the startup and social innovation space, this month’s density means increased competition but also multiple entry points for the same venture — different funders, different stages, different geographies. The most efficient strategy is clarity on which stage you’re actually at and which funder’s selection logic matches. For organizations working across ODA-eligible geographies, the private sector co-financing calls (ADA, BPF, Invest for Jobs) reward partnerships with real commercial logic — proposals that lead with impact but can’t show commercial viability will struggle. For bilateral grant practitioners, speed is the primary competitive variable this month: embassy-led selection moves fast, often to known actors, and deadline clusters mean multiple mission deadlines fall within days of each other. For executive leaders of nonprofits, the Durfee call is genuinely unusual — it’s worth reading carefully if you’re running an LA County organization and have been considering what leadership succession actually requires.

Snapshot of New Opportunities

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 43 open opportunities- 26 new opportunities added!

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 40 rolling opportunities- 2 new!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 8 long term opportunities- 2 new!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer pay what you can rates. You can find more details here.

Open Calls:

Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) - Open calls, Global Affairs Canada. *New!* *Multiple opportunities closing soon*

Canada’s CFLI is a small-grants mechanism run through Canadian embassies and high commissions to fund locally led, implementation-ready projects that can demonstrate measurable results under Canada’s international assistance priorities. The fund’s logic is catalytic: it favors tightly scoped initiatives that translate a clear problem statement into a practical activity plan, credible local delivery capacity, and outcomes that can be communicated cleanly to mission decision-makers. While each country program sets its own thematic emphasis and grant-size norms, most calls prioritize combinations of inclusive governance, peace and security, gender equality, human dignity, growth that works for everyone, and environment and climate action, with selection typically made by an embassy-led committee. The most reliable workflow is: pick the mission page for your country, confirm thematic fit, and submit using the mission’s required template and channel (often email), by the mission’s time-zone deadline.

• Geographies: ASEAN; Burundi; Cambodia; Dominican Republic; El Salvador; Equatorial Guinea; Guyana; Malaysia; Mauritania; Morocco; Myanmar; Panama; Republic of Moldova; Rwanda; São Tomé and Príncipe; Suriname; Thailand; Vietnam.

• Who can apply: Local nonprofits/NGOs and academic institutions; eligible local government institutions or agencies implementing locally focused projects.

• Funding amount: Grants range CAD $15,000-49,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: inclusive governance, peace and security, gender equality, human dignity, environment and climate action.

• Deadline: Rwanda (April 6, 2026); Burundi (April 6, 2026); Vietnam (April 7, 2026); Thailand (April 8); El Salvador (April 10); São Tomé and Príncipe (April 12, 2026); Equatorial Guinea (April 12, 2026); Panama (April 12, 2026); Malaysia (April 13, 2026); Dominican Republic (April 13, 2026); Republic of Moldova (April 17, 2026); Myanmar (April 19, 2026); Cambodia (April 21, 2026); Guyana (April 30, 2026); Suriname (April 30, 2026); ASEAN (April 30, 2026), Mauritania (May 1, 2026), Morocco (May 1, 2025)

• Learn more and apply here.

CFLI selection is “mission logic” funding: the strongest proposals read like a practical memo to the embassy committee, showing tight alignment to that mission’s priorities, realistic deliverables within the grant period, and clear, verifiable results.

Stephen Lloyd Awards 2026, Bates Wells Foundation. *New!* *Closing soon!*

The Foundation seeks to unlock early-stage, system-level solutions to social and environmental challenges by backing ideas that are novel, practical, and built for durable change. The Awards are designed as more than a cash prize: they combine funding with a structured pathway of expert engagement, using interviews, a finalist development phase, and a partner network to help applicants pressure-test feasibility, strengthen delivery plans, and build credibility. The funder’s priorities favor start-up and early-stage initiatives that can shift underlying drivers of harm, including through policy change, new models, or targeted campaigns, rather than incremental extensions inside large organizations. Projects may be delivered in the UK or abroad, but the applicant must be UK-based and able to demonstrate exclusively charitable purposes under England and Wales law.

• Geographies: United Kingdom (applicant-based); projects may be in the UK or abroad.

• Who can apply: UK-resident individuals and UK-established charities, nonprofits, and social enterprises with systemic social or environmental ideas.

• Funding amount: £25,000 (winner award); up to ten awards of up to £2,500 (finalist development phase).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Social Inclusion & Equity; Focus areas: systemic change, early-stage social innovation, policy change, campaigning, environmental innovation.

• Deadline: April 8, 2026 (23:59 UK Time).

• Learn more and apply here.

This is a structured bet on execution readiness: the Awards use pro bono expertise and staged selection to convert promising ideas into implementable, trustee-approved charitable action.

Climate Impacts Awards: Unlocking urgent climate action by making the health effects of climate change visible (2026), Wellcome. *Closing soon!*

Wellcome seeks to accelerate near-term climate policy action by funding large, transdisciplinary projects that make the health impacts of climate change visible and politically actionable. The scheme is designed around an evidence-to-policy logic: teams must identify a specific, decision-relevant gap on climate-related physical or mental health outcomes, quantify or interpret associated economic implications, and pair this with a targeted influencing and engagement strategy aimed at a real policy opportunity within the award timeframe. Wellcome emphasizes engaged research, expecting meaningful involvement of decision-makers and communities affected by climate change throughout project design and delivery.

• Geographies: Global (excluding mainland China).

• Who can apply: Mid-career and established researchers leading transdisciplinary teams hosted by an eligible not-for-profit administering organization; coapplicants required.

• Funding amount: Up to GBP £2.5 million per award, they expect to make 10-15 awards.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Health; Focus areas: climate change and health, policy influence, engaged research, economic impacts of health, evidence synthesis.

• Deadline: April 8, 2026 (15:00 BST).

• Learn more and apply here.

The strongest proposals will treat policy uptake as a core deliverable, with evidence, economics, and engagement tightly integrated around a specific decision window.

Polska pomoc rozwojowa 2026 (Open Call for Development Cooperation Projects), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks implementable, results-driven development cooperation projects that advance country-specific priority outcomes across six partner countries, using a grant structure calibrated by national envelopes and clear results frameworks. The call is designed to fund proposals that translate policy priorities into measurable, within-year delivery, with an option for two-year modular programming where the second-year module builds on verified first-year results and remains budget-contingent. Across geographies, the funder emphasizes institutional and service delivery improvements that can be sustained through local partnership, with cross-cutting expectations on gender equality and climate considerations embedded in project design. With a high minimum grant threshold and formal compliance requirements, the program favors organizations that can demonstrate operational readiness, credible local collaboration, and a tight results chain from activities to verifiable outcomes.

• Geographies: Ukraine, Moldova, Palestine (excluding Gaza), Lebanon, Kenya, Tanzania (territorial exclusions apply in several countries).

• Who can apply: Polish NGOs and other eligible public benefit entities; public universities; research institutes; Polish Academy of Sciences units.

• Funding amount: Minimum grant: 750,000 zł (per project or per module). Total pool: 28M PLN; Country envelopes: Ukraine 14M PLN, Moldova 4.3M PLN, Palestine 2M PLN, Lebanon 2M PLN, Kenya 3M PLN, Tanzania 3M PLN.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Economic Inclusion & Livelihoods; Focus areas: entrepreneurship and decent work, job creation, vocational education and training, crisis management capacity, health systems strengthening.

• Deadline: April 9, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

This competition rewards implementers that can treat country envelopes and result areas as a disciplined delivery contract, not a broad thematic menu.

Mekong-ROK Cooperation Fund (MKCF) 10th Call for Regional Project Proposals (EOI stage), Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF). *New!* *Closing soon!*

MKCF seeks to catalyze practical Mekong–ROK cooperation through regional projects that tackle shared development challenges with measurable results and a credible pathway to scale or replication. The fund’s investment logic prioritizes proposals that generate cross-border value, strengthen partnerships among Mekong institutions and ROK counterparts, and remain sustainable beyond the grant period. While implementation can be country-based, proposals must demonstrate clear benefits for the wider Mekong subregion and cooperation outcomes that extend beyond a single national context. Cross-sector and integrated approaches are encouraged where they increase regional value addition, and the call explicitly favors innovation, demonstrable impact, and designs that translate into longer-term regional integration and resilience.

• Geographies: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam, Thailand, Republic of Korea (regional relevance required).

• Who can apply: Government agencies, NGOs, academic and training institutions, and international organizations (including UN agencies) from eligible countries.

• Funding amount: USD $300,000–1,000,000 per project.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Innovation & Technology; Focus areas: ICT, digital transformation, AI, fintech, e-commerce, early warning systems.

• Deadline: EOI: April 10, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

This call rewards proposals that treat “regional relevance” as an outcome design choice, not a geographic label, by building cooperation pathways that can be taken up across borders after the grant ends.

Business Partnership Challenge 2026, Austrian Development Agency. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Austrian Development Agency seeks to accelerate sustainable business practices in ODA-recipient countries by co-financing commercially viable partnerships between Austria/EEA+ enterprises and local private-sector actors. The program’s investment logic is explicitly market-systems oriented: proposals are expected to diagnose context and market failures (including gender dimensions), define the applicant’s role in the system, and show how interventions will drive systemic change through inclusive access to services, training, technology, or information. ADA prioritizes projects that are multi-stakeholder, scalable, and grounded in “do no harm,” with credible monitoring frameworks and safeguards for environmental, social, and gender risks. Eligible projects must contribute to SDG 8 and SDG 9, embedding decent work and SME development as core outcomes, while demonstrating long-term commitment beyond the grant period.

• Geographies: Global (all ODA-recipient countries).

• Who can apply: Enterprises registered in Austria/EEA+ or Switzerland, with local registered partners in target countries and at least 3 years of existence.

• Funding amount: EUR 500,000–1,000,000 per project (total pool EUR 5,000,000; ADA up to 50% co-financing).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Economic Inclusion & Livelihoods; Focus areas: inclusive market systems development, SME development, decent work, sustainable business practices.

• Deadline: April 12, 2026 (11:59 PM CET).

• Learn more and apply here.

This call rewards partnerships that can convert private investment into durable local market improvements, not isolated pilots.

AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Impact Fellowship 2026, One Young World. *Closing soon!*

AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme, delivered through One Young World, seeks to scale youth-led solutions that improve health outcomes by investing in leaders who can turn community insight into measurable action. The fellowship is structured as a combined leadership platform and implementation catalyst: it funds a defined project window while embedding Fellows in a global convening and learning network intended to accelerate execution, visibility, and partnerships. The funder framing centers on earlier intervention and systems leverage, prioritizing work that advances health equity (including prevention of non-communicable diseases among young people), strengthens health systems resilience, or addresses the intersection of climate, nature, and youth health. Selection implicitly rewards organizations that are funding-ready and able to translate a clear theory of change into credible delivery and reporting.

• Geographies: Global; Summit in Cape Town, South Africa.

• Who can apply: Individuals aged 18-30 who lead a registered nonprofit organization (registered and operational for at least 3 full years).

• Funding amount: USD $10,000 (Fellow grant); USD $50,000 (if selected as Lead2030 SDG 3 winner).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Health; Focus areas: health equity, NCD prevention, youth health, climate and health, health systems resilience, rare diseases.

• Deadline: April 12, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

This is designed to convert youth leadership into implementable, reportable outcomes, so feasibility and evidence of adoption pathways matter as much as ambition.

Read more

The March 2026 roundup for Intersectional Impact marks a definitive shift from “General Development” to Market-Enabled Statecraft. We are observing a trend where major donors are moving away from funding standalone social services in favor of resourcing “Market Mechanics.” The goal is to deliver systemic autonomy by funding the templates, IP strategies, and deployment platforms that reduce transaction friction and shorten the time-to-impact for catalytic capital.

This month, the data highlights a powerful momentum behind “Field-Building Infrastructure” and “Regulatory De-risking.” Through high-stakes challenges like Wellcome’s Climate Impacts Awards and WIPO’s Global Awards, the focus is shifting toward solving the “policy-uptake gap” and the professionalization of intellectual property for social startups. This month’s landscape reflects a shift toward “Integratable Innovation,” where success is measured by how seamlessly an intervention can be plugged into national industrial strategies and institutional investment pipelines.

Snapshot of New Opportunities

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 29 open opportunities- 11 new opportunities added!

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 37 rolling opportunities- 5 new!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 6 long term opportunities- 1 new!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to pay what you can rates. You can find more details here.

Open Calls:

MassChallenge Switzerland Accelerator, MassChallenge.

MassChallenge Switzerland Accelerator is a leading early-stage startup acceleration program designed to help ambitious founders refine their business models, expand their networks, and prepare for scale without giving up equity. Over a structured four-month period, participating startups gain access to world-class mentorship, expert-led workshops, curated introductions to corporate partners and investors, and a rich ecosystem of support tailored to high-impact innovation. While the program is industry-agnostic, it features sustainability and impact-focused tracks such as Agtech & Foodtech, Materials & Industry, and Healthtech, allowing founders to deepen domain expertise with specialized resources. The accelerator culminates in opportunities to compete for a share of up to CHF 1 million in non-dilutive cash prizes and in-kind awards, reinforcing MassChallenge’s commitment to fostering startup growth and ecosystem connectivity.

• Geographies: Switzerland (open to startups globally).

• Who can apply: Early-stage startups from any country and industry with viable, scalable concepts.

• Funding amount: Non-dilutive cash prizes up to CHF 1 million plus in-kind benefits.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Entrepreneurship & Innovation; Focus areas: product-market fit, scaling readiness, startup growth support.

• Deadline: March 4, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

The program’s equity-free model and global network access reflect MassChallenge’s strategy of lowering barriers for early innovators and accelerating their path to measurable growth and impact.

2026 Grant Call: Accelerating Supply & Deployment, Catalytic Capital Consortium (C3). *New!*

C3 is funding field-building solutions that make catalytic capital easier to raise, structure, and deploy at scale. The funder’s objective is to shift the market mechanics that slow catalytic transactions, either by strengthening deployment pathways that connect catalytic capital to investable opportunities, by expanding the supply of catalytic providers, or by building mechanisms that do both at once. C3 is explicitly prioritizing field-ready infrastructure such as templates, platforms, pooled advisory or diligence services, and other replicable tools that reduce transaction friction and shorten time-to-deploy. Proposals that are primarily convenings, workshops, or research without a clear capital pathway are unlikely to be competitive. C3 also signals a strong preference for emerging-markets work led by teams based in the relevant geographies, and for outputs that can be widely disseminated and reused.

• Geographies: Global (preference for emerging-markets work led by teams based in relevant geographies).

• Who can apply: Any organization or organizational collaboration with the expertise and capability to advance catalytic capital supply and or deployment.

• Funding amount: Up to $150,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Impact Investing and Finance; Focus areas: catalytic capital deployment pathways, transaction friction reduction, scalable tools and platforms, new catalytic capital providers, policy and mandate integration.

• Deadline: Expression of Interest due March 4, 2026 (Midnight Central); full proposals due May 1, 2026 (Midnight Central, by invitation).

• Learn more and apply here.

This call rewards proposals that can credibly change how capital moves, not just describe why it should move.

Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) 2026, Embassy of Japan in the Republic of South Africa.

Japan’s GGP program is designed to deliver fast, visible improvements in “basic human needs” by funding practical, community-level projects with direct and immediate benefit for disadvantaged groups in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. The funder’s logic is infrastructure-and-equipment first: it prioritizes tangible outputs such as constructing or upgrading schools and clinics, furnishing facilities, and installing defined water supply systems while treating capacity building and awareness activities as eligible only when clearly contingent on a tangible investment. The guidelines also signal a strong accountability culture: applicants must demonstrate organizational maturity (including audited financials and multi-year experience), submit market-based costing supported by multiple quotations, and complete an external audit after delivery. This is a one-year, project-tied mechanism, so the best fits are implementation-ready projects that can execute cleanly within a fixed scope and compliance framework.

• Geographies: South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini.

• Who can apply: Registered NPOs (including NGOs/CBOs, primary/secondary schools, hospitals/clinics, and local governments) with at least 3 years’ sector experience.

• Funding amount: Approximate maximum ZAR 2,000,000.00 (VAT not covered).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Social Inclusion & Equity; Focus areas: basic human needs, grassroots human security, school/clinic construction and equipment, water supply systems.

• Deadline: March 6, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

GGP is structured to reward “deliverable human security”: proposals that convert clear community needs into tangible assets (with strong costing and compliance discipline) tend to align best with the program’s selection logic.

U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) – Tanzania, U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.

The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) supports projects that safeguard Tanzania’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage through targeted investment in preservation and conservation. Administered by the U.S. Embassy, the program prioritizes culturally significant sites, collections, and forms of traditional cultural expression that face risk from environmental, social, or institutional pressures. AFCP’s funding logic emphasizes technical rigor, long-term preservation value, and local stewardship, backing projects that strengthen national and community capacity to protect heritage assets for future generations. The fund reflects a broader diplomatic strategy that recognizes cultural heritage as a foundation for identity, social cohesion, and international understanding.

• Geographies: Tanzania.

• Who can apply: Non-commercial organizations, museums, cultural institutions, and educational entities with preservation capacity.

• Funding amount: USD $25,000–$500,000 per project.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Cultural Heritage; Focus areas: conservation, documentation, traditional cultural expression.

• Deadline: March 8, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

AFCP reinforces cultural preservation as a public good, investing in heritage protection that strengthens communities and cross-cultural understanding.

Australia–Solomon Islands Community Partnerships Program (CPP) – 2026 Round, Australian High Commission Solomon Islands.

The Australia–Solomon Islands Community Partnerships Program supports locally led initiatives that strengthen inclusion, leadership, and service delivery at the community level across Solomon Islands. Administered by the Australian High Commission, the program prioritizes projects designed and implemented by local organizations that respond directly to community-identified needs. The funder’s approach emphasizes community ownership, inclusive participation, and practical outcomes, with a strong focus on gender equality, disability inclusion, youth engagement, and grassroots leadership. Applications may be submitted in English or Solomon Islands Pijin, reinforcing accessibility and local control over development priorities.

• Geographies: Solomon Islands.

• Who can apply: Solomon Islands–based community groups, NGOs, churches, local organizations, and provincial authorities.

• Funding amount: Up to SBD 300,000 per project.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: community-led services, inclusion, local leadership.

• Deadline: March 8, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

CPP reflects a localization-first funding model, directing resources to community actors best positioned to deliver inclusive and sustainable change.

New Solutions Social Innovation Fund Pilot Grants 2026, Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. *New!*

Ireland’s Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, supported by EU ESF+ co-funding and implementation partners, seeks to expand the pipeline of practical social innovations that improve outcomes for disadvantaged groups. This pilot grant round is designed to fund real-world testing, not mature scaling, prioritizing initiatives that can trial new approaches and generate learning that strengthens what works across inclusion priorities. The program frames eligibility broadly across civil society, social enterprises, local authorities, and education bodies to encourage cross-sector solutions, and it pairs funding with access to the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub for networks and support. Selection includes interviews and emphasizes fit with the four social inclusion themes, signaling a preference for initiatives that can define a clear problem, test a credible innovation, and produce actionable evidence for wider adoption in Ireland.

• Geographies: Ireland.

• Who can apply: Not-for-profit organizations, NGOs, local authorities, community and voluntary or charitable organizations, social enterprises or profit for purpose organizations, designated activity companies, co-operatives, higher education providers, and education and training boards in Ireland.

• Funding amount: €70,000–100,000 per project (24 months); Total pool: €4m.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Social Inclusion & Equity; Focus areas: access to employment, access to education, youth development, sport for social inclusion, social innovation pilots.

• Deadline: March 13, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

This call is structured to strengthen Ireland’s social innovation ecosystem by funding early-stage testing alongside support that helps promising approaches become evidence-ready for uptake.

Endowment Growth Strategy Competition, Vladimir Potanin Foundation.

This competition reflects the Vladimir Potanin Foundation’s long-term strategy to strengthen the financial independence and institutional resilience of the nonprofit sector through endowment development. Rather than supporting short-term programming, the fund focuses on enabling organizations to build durable financial architecture by investing in endowment growth strategies grounded in strong governance and professional management. Winning organizations receive substantial capital contributions alongside structured institutional support, reinforcing leadership capacity, organizational maturity, and staff competencies required to steward long-term assets responsibly. The competition’s design positions endowments not merely as financial instruments, but as catalysts for organizational transformation, supporting nonprofits to operate with greater stability, autonomy, and strategic foresight in volatile funding environments.

• Geographies: Russian Federation.

• Who can apply: Nonprofit legal entities with an existing endowment or a formal process underway to establish one.

• Funding amount: Up to RUB 25,000,000 per winning organisation.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Civil Society Strengthening; Focus areas: endowment development, financial sustainability, institutional governance.

• Deadline: March 16, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

This call underscores a funder logic that treats endowment growth and organizational capability as inseparable pillars of long-term nonprofit impact.

QBE Foundation Local Grants Australia (2026), QBE Foundation (Australia Pacific). *New!*

QBE Foundation seeks to fund defined, high-impact community initiatives that strengthen climate resilience and advance inclusion, with an additional pathway for employee-nominated projects. The funder’s selection logic is outcomes-first: applicants must show clear community need, a credible delivery plan, and a practical approach to measuring results. This program is not positioned as general operating support. It favors initiatives that can point to specific changes, such as improved disaster preparedness and recovery capacity, environmental regeneration, or increased access to resources and opportunities for communities facing exclusion. The introduction of an Expressions of Interest stage signals a fit-for-purpose screening approach, with shortlisted organizations invited to complete a fuller application and potentially undergo due diligence. Strong submissions will clearly align to one category, articulate why the initiative is timely, and demonstrate how the grant will be used and reported within a measurable impact framework.

• Geographies: Australia; initiatives in New Zealand, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands will be considered.

• Who can apply: Australian registered not-for-profits with ACNC registration and ATO DGR 1 or 2 status; must not be affiliated with political parties or unions; faith-based organizations eligible if the funded initiative does not include religious teaching.

• Funding amount: $50,000 per grant; multiple grants awarded per category.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: climate resilience and preparedness, environmental regeneration, disaster recovery, reconciliation, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, gender equality, employee-supported community initiatives.

• Deadline: EOI closes March 16, 2026 (5:00 PM AEDT).

• Learn more and apply here.

This fund rewards initiatives that can show measurable community outcomes and a disciplined plan for how the grant will be tracked, delivered, and reported.

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) 2026: Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Global Affairs Canada (CFLI). *New!*

CFLI supports small, high-impact projects that are conceived and led by local partners, with a clear emphasis on practical delivery and measurable results. The funder’s objective is to strengthen community outcomes while deepening civil society engagement across priority themes that reflect Canada’s international assistance focus, including inclusive governance, gender equality, human dignity, peace and security, growth that works for everyone, and environment and climate action. This is intentionally designed as a locally driven mechanism: most funding is expected to go to local organizations and institutions, with eligibility also extending to other entities when they are working with local partners on local projects. Strong proposals typically show a tight theory of change, realistic activities and budgets at small-grant scale, and clear indicators of what will change within the project timeframe, including how results will be evidenced before the completion deadline in early 2027.

• Geographies: Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu.

• Who can apply: Local NGOs and not-for-profits, community organizations, local academic institutions, recipient-country government institutions for essentially local projects, and other organizations working with local partners on local projects.

• Funding amount: CAD $30,000–$60,000 (typical); up to CAD $50,000 per project.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: locally led implementation, civil society strengthening, gender equality outcomes, inclusive governance, environment and climate action, human dignity.

• Deadline: March 20, 2026 (23:59 GMT+10).

• Learn more and apply here.

This fund favors proposals that are locally grounded, tightly scoped, and built around specific results that can be credibly delivered within the contribution agreement window.

Read more

The February 2026 cycle for Intersectional Impact marks a significant move toward “Hyper-Local Depth” and Integrated Transitioning. We are seeing a trend where major donors—from the SBI Foundation in India to the EU in Uruguay—are moving away from broad, shallow geographic spread in favor of concentrating resources within specific villages or “territorial communities.” The goal is to deliver visible, system-level improvements by layering education, health, and climate resilience interventions within a single, tightly defined space.

This month, the data highlights a powerful momentum behind “Liveability” and Financial Autonomy. Through high-stakes challenges like Temasek’s Liveability Challenge and the Vladimir Potanin Foundation’s focus on endowments, the focus is shifting toward solving the “double-transition” of urban greening and long-term financial independence for the non-profit sector. This month’s landscape reflects a shift toward “Place-Based Success,” where success is measured by how deeply an intervention takes root in a community’s legal and physical infrastructure.

Snapshot of New Opportunities

This section tracks funding that bridges multiple sectors to drive deep-rooted community transformation.

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 32 open opportunities- 16 new opportunities added!

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 32 rolling opportunities- 2 new!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 5 long term opportunities- 1 new!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

AFJ Discretionary Grant Program 2026, American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ). *Closing soon!*

The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) is now accepting applications to support impactful, community‑focused initiatives across Jamaica. This grant targets Jamaican nonprofit organizations, schools, and universities that are legally registered and operating under the Charities Act, or submitting through the appropriate institutional offices. The AFJ Grants Committee awards discretionary grants to projects in four key development areas: Education, Healthcare, Economic Development, and Youth Nutrition. The program prioritizes measurable social impact and aligns funding with efforts that strengthen learning outcomes, improve health services, boost economic opportunity, and enhance youth food security. Successful organizations are required to submit narrative and financial reports every six months, reflecting AFJ’s commitment to accountability and sustained impact.

• Geographies: Jamaica.

• Who can apply: Registered Jamaican nonprofits, schools (via Principal/Superintendent), and universities (via Sponsored Projects/Foundation offices).

• Funding amount: Up to USD 20,000 per grant.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Education; Focus areas: healthcare access, job readiness, economic inclusion, youth nutrition interventions.

• Deadline: February 6, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

AFJ prioritizes initiatives that strengthen core services and open up pathways to equity through local leadership.

SBI Sammaan – CSR Rural Development RFP (2026), SBI Foundation. *New!*

SBI Foundation’s SBI Sammaan initiative is a place-based CSR funding program designed to deliver integrated rural development outcomes in selected villages across India. Through this RFP, the Foundation seeks experienced nonprofit partners capable of implementing comprehensive, need-driven interventions that strengthen local infrastructure, essential services, and community resilience. The funder’s strategy emphasizes holistic village development, combining education, healthcare, water and sanitation, youth development, and basic infrastructure improvements within a single, tightly scoped geography. Selection logic prioritizes organizations with deep grassroots presence, demonstrated implementation capacity, and the ability to deliver measurable outcomes within a one-year timeframe. By limiting applicants to one village per proposal, SBI Foundation reinforces depth of impact and confirmable delivery over geographic spread, aligning CSR resources with clearly defined community needs and sustainability objectives.

• Geographies: India (Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha).

• Who can apply: Indian nonprofit organizations with at least 10 years of grassroots experience and operational presence in the project state.

• Funding amount: Up to INR ₹1.00 Crore per project location (1-year duration).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Rural Development; Focus areas: integrated village development, education infrastructure, WaSH, youth and community facilities.

• Deadline: February 6, 2026 (6:30 PM IST).

• Learn more and apply here.

This RFP reflects SBI Foundation’s CSR strategy of concentrating resources in defined rural geographies to deliver visible, system-level improvements in quality of life.

Community Grants Program 2025–2026, Digicel PNG Foundation. *Closing soon!*

Digicel PNG Foundation is inviting community-based organizations across Papua New Guinea to apply for its 2025–2026 Community Grants Program. The initiative funds small to medium-sized projects that address pressing local challenges in education, health, peacebuilding, and sustainable livelihoods. Two funding tiers are available: Tier 1 (up to PGK 50,000) for first-time applicants and Tier 2 (up to PGK 100,000) for past grantees who have successfully completed and reported on earlier projects. All applications must align with the Foundation’s strategic outcomes and demonstrate local ownership, sustainability, and measurable community impact.

• Geographies: Papua New Guinea.

• Who can apply: Registered PNG-based non-profits with full statutory documentation; Tier 2 applicants must be past grantees.

• Funding amount: PGK 50,000 (Tier 1); PGK 100,000 (Tier 2).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Education; Focus areas: peace through sport, financial inclusion, disability inclusion, maternal health, digital access.

• Deadline: February 6, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

The Foundation prioritizes locally grounded initiatives that align with its mission to build a connected, safe, and educated PNG.

Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) – Jordan 2026, Embassy of Japan in Jordan. *Closing soon!*

The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) is part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) framework, designed to support small-scale, community-focused initiatives that directly improve socio-economic conditions at the grassroots level in Jordan. Through this program, the Embassy of Japan seeks projects that deliver tangible benefits, from essential equipment procurement to community infrastructure renovations, supporting locally defined priorities and sustainable development outcomes. The funding logic emphasizes practical, operational impact and community ownership, prioritizing organizations with strong ties to their communities and demonstrated project delivery capacity. A comprehensive application, including financial audits, price quotations, feasibility planning, and legal registration proof, is required, with strict adherence to the submission deadline and format. By channeling ODA directly into grassroots interventions, the program enhances local capacities, fosters socio-economic stability, and complements broader development efforts in Jordan.

• Geographies: Jordan (national).

• Who can apply: NGOs, municipalities, educational institutions, or health institutions legally registered in Jordan with at least 2 years of operational experience.

• Funding amount: JPY 10,000,000–20,000,000 per project (approx USD $65,000–130,000 / JOD 45,000–90,000).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: grassroots human security, socio-economic development, small-scale infrastructure.

• Deadline: February 7, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

The GGP reflects Japan’s model of targeted, community-led development assistance that strengthens local resilience while advancing human security outcomes in developing contexts.

Challenge for Change, Misk Foundation. *Closing soon!*

Misk Foundation’s Challenge for Change is a 7‑week hybrid acceleration and mentoring program designed to catalyze Saudi nonprofit and social ventures that address pressing social and environmental challenges. Across three thematic tracks, Technology, Health & Well‑Being, and Environment, participants receive tailored bootcamps, one‑on‑one mentorship, and expert guidance to refine their impact strategies and scale meaningful solutions. The program culminates in a competitive pitch phase where winning teams in each track can secure SAR 1M in grant funding to implement their project ideas. This experiential learning journey equips changemakers with the practical skills, networks, and resources to turn innovative concepts into sustainable community impact.

• Geographies: Saudi Arabia.

• Who can apply: Saudi nonprofit organizations and social ventures focused on social or environmental innovation.

• Funding amount: SAR 1,000,000 per winning track.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: technology‑driven solutions, health & well‑being, environmental sustainability.

• Deadline: February 9, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

Designed to nurture the next generation of Saudi changemakers, Challenge for Change blends strategic mentorship with competitive grant awards to help community‑centered ventures translate bold ideas into measurable impact

Read more

The “Cross-Cutting” landscape for 2026 is where silos go to die. This month’s portfolio is a masterclass in intersectionality, moving away from single-issue fixes to fund the connective tissue of society: civic space, MSME resilience, and youth-led governance.

We’re seeing massive institutional weight from the European Commission in Sierra Leone and Uruguay, paired with high-impact grassroots funding from the Czech and Japanese Embassies across Africa and the Pacific.

The highlights include a staggering €129 million for European youth solidarity, a $100 million initiative in Guyana, and the prestigious €1 million Gulbenkian Prize. Whether it’s Bitcoin-powered human rights work in authoritarian regimes or climate-tech workforce training in Brazil, January is about funding the systemic overlaps that drive lasting justice and economic mobility.

Snapshot of New Opportunities

This section tracks funding that bridges multiple sectors to drive deep-rooted community transformation.

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 25 open opportunities- 15 new opportunities added!

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 31 rolling opportunities- 2 new!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 3 long term opportunities!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

Local Transformation Projects 2026, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic). *New!* *Closing soon!*

The Czech Embassy in Addis Ababa has opened its annual call for Local Transformation Projects to catalyze grassroots change in Ethiopia, the Comoros, and South Sudan. This funding opportunity supports legally registered local NGOs and civil society organizations to implement short-term, high-impact initiatives that advance human rights, equality, non-discrimination, and community inclusion in contexts of transition. Projects should align with the Czech Human Rights and Transition Policy, which prioritizes civil society strengthening, environmental justice, employment rights, and inclusive participation.

• Geographies: Ethiopia; South Sudan; Comoros.

• Who can apply: Local NGOs/CSOs with legal personality and ability to sign contract under Czech law.

• Funding amount: CZK 100,000–500,000 (approx. €4,100–€20,700).
  Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Civic Engagement; Focus areas: human rights promotion, equality, non-discrimination, transitional cooperation.

• Deadline: January 08, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

This program prioritizes local ownership of human rights and governance change - proposals should foreground community-led strategies and measurable justice outcomes.

Empower Innovation Challenge 2026, Tandem Global. *Closing soon!*

This challenge aims to supports 15 organizations across Central America with grants and capacity-building to strengthen the competitiveness, growth, and inclusion of MSMEs. Backed by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Tandem Global, EIC 2026 targets locally rooted, innovation-driven initiatives that help micro, small, and medium enterprises scale, enter new markets, and deepen integration in supply chains, particularly those linked to the United States. Priority sectors include agribusiness, food and beverage, technology, tourism, creative industries, and logistics. Selected grantees also gain membership in the Innovation and Impact Network, expanding visibility, collaboration, and regional influence.

• Geographies: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama.

• Who can apply: NGOs, universities, non-profits, and for-profits (no economic gain) with 3+ years of MSME support experience and a legal presence in eligible countries.

• Funding amount: USD $80,000 per project (15 awards).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Livelihoods & Economic Opportunity; Focus areas: MSME strengthening, workforce development, entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems.

• Deadline: January 11, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

Proposals that demonstrate strong market linkages, replicable delivery models, and embedded community partnerships are more likely to stand out.

ACT FY2026 Grant – Health, Education, and Youth Development (Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines), Asian Community Trust (ACT). *New!* *Closing soon!*

ACT is inviting proposals for its FY2026 grant cycle from civil society and educational organizations based in Cambodia, Indonesia, or the Philippines. Projects may focus on health, medicine, or youth education and development, including scholarships. Aligned with ACT’s commitment to sustainability and community-driven solutions, successful proposals will emphasize local participation, replicability, gender sensitivity, and self-reliance. Priority is given to organizations that promote regional cooperation and build durable partnerships across sectors.

• Geographies: Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines.

• Who can apply: Registered nonprofit or educational institutions operating in the three target countries.

• Funding amount: JPY ¥1,000,000–2,000,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Health; Focus areas: health equity, scholarships, rural outreach.

• Deadline: January 13, 2026 (23:59 Japan Time).

• Learn more and apply here.

ACT’s grant model rewards grounded, regionally-rooted strategies that build long-term self-reliance.

Impact Fund 2025, Rethink Ireland. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Rethink Ireland’s Impact Fund 2025 is a flagship, multi‑year funding opportunity designed to support bold, community‑led solutions to some of Ireland’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. With a total budget of approximately €1.1 million, the fund offers multi‑year grants to organizations that are delivering innovative, tested approaches addressing social exclusion, wellbeing, cultural cohesion, sustainable development and environmental resilience. Alongside cash awards, successful organizations also benefit from tailored non‑financial supports including access to Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Program and capacity building in strategy, impact management, communication, and fundraising, to strengthen their ability to scale impact and influence broader systems change. Projects should have demonstrated proof of concept or minimal operational history and clear pathways to replication or expansion across Ireland.

• Geographies: Ireland (Munster and Wexford).

• Who can apply: Not‑for‑profit organizations, social enterprises, and community groups with legal nonprofit status.

• Funding amount: Up to €96,000 per project (multi‑year).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: equity, wellbeing, cohesion, sustainable resilience.

• Deadline: January 16, 2026 (13:00 Ireland time).

• Learn more and apply here.

This fund blends catalytic cash with deep capacity building - proposals that articulate both community‑level impact and organizational scaling strategies will be strongest.

Call for Proposals 185333 – Civil Society and Human Rights (Peru), European Commission – EuropeAid. *Closing soon!*

This EU-funded call supports civil society organizations in Peru to advance democratic governance, human rights, and inclusive civic participation. Divided into two lots (one for civil society strengthening and the other for rights and democracy) the call focuses on empowering marginalized groups, promoting gender equity, and reinforcing public engagement in democratic life. The program seeks initiatives that expand access to justice, bolster indigenous and youth leadership, and protect civic space. Proposals must show a clear theory of change and alignment with EU strategic priorities in the region.

• Geographies: Peru.

• Who can apply: Non-profit organizations, civil society actors, and consortia with legal registration and operational presence in Peru.

• Funding amount: Grants range EUR €300,000–€900,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Civic Engagement & Human Rights; Focus areas: civil society strengthening, indigenous rights, democratic participation, access to justice.

• Deadline: January 19, 2026 (19:00 Brussels Time).

• Learn more and apply here.

Proposals that reflect participatory design, clear human rights framing, and alignment with EU values tend to receive stronger consideration.

Read more

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 22 open opportunities- 12 new opportunities added!

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 28 rolling opportunities!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 4 long term opportunities!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

Czech Challenge Fund – Innovations for SDGs 2025, UNDP. *Closing soon!*

Aims to respond to the development challenges by transferring innovative solutions for SDGs to partner countries. The fund targets diverse national challenges: circular business models, protected area management, and innovation ecosystems in Bosnia & Herzegovina; off-grid energy, smart cities, and climate-smart agriculture in Ethiopia; green and digital inclusion in Georgia; youth employment and clean energy in Cambodia; inclusive education, media literacy, and gender equity in Moldova; and climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable livelihoods in Zambia. All proposals must involve a local partner and emphasize sustainability and scalability.

• Geographies: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Georgia, Cambodia, Moldova, Zambia.

• Who can apply: Czech-based NGOs, private sector, universities, and research institutions with local partners.

• Funding amount: Grants range USD $20,000 - $40,000, applicants are required to provide co-funding of at least 20% of the total project cost.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Innovation & Technology; Focus areas: circular economy, energy, climate resilience, youth employment.

• Deadline: December 1, 2025 (05:00 New York Time).

• Learn more and apply here.

If you are interesting in applying its recommended to attend the webinar “How to submit Challenge Fund application” on Wednesday 19 November 2025.

F.M. Kirby Impact Prize 2026, Duke CASE. *Closing soon!*

This annual prize supports one high-impact enterprise poised to scale a proven social or environmental solution. Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of robust impact data, a clear scaling trajectory, and an organizational budget of at least USD $250,000. The prize welcomes nonprofits, for-profits, and hybrid ventures from around the globe, but requires a U.S. fiscal presence. Evaluation emphasizes readiness to scale, clarity of theory of change, and strength of evidence, not business model or issue area. The funds are fully unrestricted, intended to unlock strategic growth in line with the enterprise’s long-term vision.

• Geographies: Global (U.S. fiscal presence required for non-U.S. orgs).

• Who can apply: Impact enterprises with ≥$250K budget, ≥3 years of impact data, and U.S. fiscal registration or sponsorship.

• Funding amount: USD $150,000 unrestricted (1 award).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Social Entrepreneurship; Focus areas: scaling, unrestricted funding, impact optimization.

• Deadline: December 3, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

By focusing on readiness to scale and real-world outcomes, the Kirby Prize positions flexible capital on solutions with momentum.

Integrar y empoderar: Convocatoria Proyecto CONVIVE, LuxDev – Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. *Closing soon!*

This 36-month initiative aims to advance the social and economic integration of migrants, refugees, and stateless populations in Costa Rica. LuxDev invites consortia of local and international NGOs to propose innovative, results-driven approaches to support legal regularization, employment access, and inclusive service provision. The project’s first phase targets three outcomes: legal and administrative integration; strengthened employability and entrepreneurship (especially among women and youth); and social inclusion through protection services and rights-based frameworks.

• Geographies: Costa Rica (Greater Metropolitan Area, Northern Zone).

• Who can apply: Consortia of registered NGOs/CSOs with 5+ years experience; lead must manage avg. €450K/year (2022–2024).

• Funding amount: EUR €1,659,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Migration & Displacement; Focus areas: legal status, skills training, youth employability, protection services.

• Deadline: December 4, 2025 (17:00 Costa Rica Time).

• Learn more and apply here.

CONVIVE reflects a growing emphasis on migrant rights as a pillar of inclusive development and democratic resilience in Central America.

Strengthening Rural Communities – Small & Vital (Round 27), Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR). *Closing soon!*

Supports grassroots projects in small remote, rural, and regional communities across Australia. Designed to strengthen local people, places, and climate resilience, it offers two tiers of support: small grants for general community initiatives, and larger grants for digital inclusion efforts that enhance access, skills, and infrastructure. Priority goes to projects led by local groups that foster social wellbeing, equity, cultural connection, environmental adaptation, and volunteerism. The fund especially targets towns under 15,000 people and encourages inclusive, locally-led solutions across themes like First Nations leadership, digital connectivity, community health, and sustainability.

• Geographies: Remote, rural, and regional Australia.

• Who can apply: Community-based non-profits; no DGR required.

• Funding amount: AUD $10,000–$50,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: climate adaptation, digital equity, cultural inclusion, local volunteerism.

• Deadline: December 4, 2025 (Round 27); future round runs December 5, 2025- March 24, 2026.

• Learn more and apply here.

This program exemplifies how small-scale, community-led investments can power inclusive development across Australia’s most remote regions.

Impact Philanthropy Application Program 2026, Perpetual Philanthropic Services. *Closing soon!*

Perpetual’s flagship annual grant round invites registered charities and DGR1-endorsed organizations in Australia to apply for funding through its Impact Philanthropy Application Program. The initiative matches high-impact, strategically aligned proposals to philanthropic trusts and endowments under Perpetual’s management. Applications are assessed on strategic clarity, measurable outcomes, operational capacity, and external awareness, with strong emphasis on leadership and long-term sustainability. Proposals may target any cause area and can request up to AUD $120,000 for initiatives at any stage of development — from pilots to expansion or core operational support. Multi-year funding is rare and granted only at trustee discretion.

• Geographies: Australia.

• Who can apply: ACNC-registered charities and/or DGR1-endorsed organizations; universities and medical institutions may submit up to 3 applications.

• Funding amount: AUD $10,000–$100,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Multi-sectoral; Focus areas: Organizational strengthening, Strategic impact, Outcomes measurement.

• Deadline: December 5, 2025 (17:00 AEDT).

• Learn more and apply here.

Perpetual leverages its trustee role to channel purpose-aligned capital toward Australia’s most effective nonprofit actors.

Yinson4Youth (Y4Y) Grant 2026, Yinson Holdings Berhad. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Seeks to supports youth‑led non‑profit and social enterprise teams to develop scalable solutions, across health, education, gender equality, clean energy, employment, innovation, climate action and biodiversity. Beyond grant funding the program pairs grantees with Yinson mentors to accelerate impact and embed organizational capacities. Through this dual funding‑and‑mentorship design, Yinson seeks to cultivate a pipeline of empowered young changemakers aligned with its broader corporate sustainability agenda.

• Geographies: Malaysia.

• Who can apply: Non‑profit organizations, NGOs, social enterprises or registered societies in Malaysia whose majority project team is aged 18‑30.

• Funding amount: Up to MYR 50,000 each for up to four recipients.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Social Innovation; Focus areas: youth leadership, community engagement, environmental sustainability, innovation.

• Deadline: December 10, 2025 (12:00 PM Malaysia Time).

• Learn more and apply here.

Centering youth‑led organizations and embedding mentorship, this grant fills a strategic gap between seed funding and long‑term capacity‑building for impact in the Global South.

Obama Foundation Leaders Program, Obama Foundation. *New!* *Closing soon!*

The Leaders Program is a six‑month cohort experience designed to inspire, empower and connect emerging changemakers worldwide who are driving inclusive, systems‑level change in their communities and regions. Participants engage in values‑based leadership curriculum, peer‑learning groups, individualized coaching and a global network through the Obama Leadership Network. The program is open to individuals aged approximately 24‑45 who work in public, civil society or private sectors and are committed to the common good.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: Individuals aged ~24‑45 working in public, civil society or private sector with demonstrated commitment to advancing the common good and ready to engage in a six‑month leadership journey.

• Funding amount: N/A.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Leadership Development; Focus areas: civic engagement, inclusive change, systemic impact.

• Deadline: December 12, 2025 (12 p.m. UTC‑6)

• Learn more and apply here.

Cultivating networks of values‑driven leaders across sectors and regions, this program positions leadership development as a strategic accelerator for equitable systems change

REACH Hub – Regional research funding on climate change & health, Monash University Malaysia. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Calling for research proposals that address urgent, systems-level challenges at the intersection of climate change and health in Asia. The hub seeks to fund interdisciplinary teams based in South or Southeast Asia working on one of three thematic priorities: (1) climate-driven disease risk and health systems resilience; (2) climate adaptation and just transitions; or (3) policy and systems responses to intersecting crises. Grants aim to generate locally grounded, regionally relevant insights that can drive equitable adaptation, health systems reform, and evidence-informed policymaking.

• Geographies: LMIC’s in South & Southeast Asia.

• Who can apply: Organizations or research entities working on climate‑health intersections in the region; specific eligibility criteria must be confirmed on the call page.

• Funding amount: Up to MYR 400,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Public Health; Focus areas: climate adaptation, environmental health systems, health resilience (SDGs 3, 13).

• Deadline: December 14, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

This funding call bridges climate and health research in the ASEAN region and underscores the growing imperative for regional hubs to mobilize locally embedded evidence for global health resilience.

D‑Prize Global Competition, D‑Prize. *Closing soon!* *Closing soon!*

D‑Prize funds early-stage entrepreneurs to scale the distribution of proven poverty solutions in low- and middle-income countries. Rather than supporting new inventions, it backs ventures that can bridge the last-mile gap for life-improving interventions. The competition includes over 20 challenge tracks across key sectors: in health (e.g., maternal misoprostol, self-injectable contraception, oxygen repair), agriculture (e.g., input distribution, post-harvest loans), livelihoods (e.g., poverty graduation, reading glasses), education (e.g., Teaching at the Right Level), and public services (e.g., road safety campaigns). Applicants can also propose custom distribution models for evidence-based solutions.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: New or first-time organizations (for-profit or non-profit), typically less than 18 months old or with <USD $30,000 outside funding; must distribute an existing proven intervention.

• Funding amount: Up to USD $20,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Poverty & Social Inclusion; Focus areas: distribution of evidence-based interventions, scale of access, high-impact products/services.

• Deadline: December 14, 2025 at midnight PT (pacific time).

• Learn more and apply here.

D-Prize’s model redefines innovation as distribution, helping close the access gap for solutions that already work.

Africa Impact Fundraising Grant (AIF), New Africa Fund. *New!* *Closing soon!*

The New Africa Fund’s AIF Grant Program is a capacity‑building and fundraising‑strengthening initiative for African NGOs, community organizations, and social enterprises. It offers a blended support package: selected organizations enter an online training program in small‑donor fundraising, then participate in a 30‑day fundraising challenge. The goal is to support civil society and social‑enterprise actors to build sustainable funding models, reduce dependence on large donors, and strengthen organizational resilience and autonomy across the continent.

• Geographies: Any African Union member state (all 55 countries).

• Who can apply: Legally registered NGOs, community‑based organizations, social enterprises or similar civil‑society structures operating in Africa.

• Funding amount: Up to USD $5,000 matching grant (plus non‑financial capacity building and sponsorship).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Civil Society Strengthening; Focus areas: fundraising capacity, organizational sustainability, local donor mobilization, civil society resilience.

• Deadline: December 16, 2025 (17:00 UTC).

• Learn more and apply here.

This challenge is as much about execution as planning - proposals that already have donor lists, campaign ideas, or basic infrastructure in place will read as more ready.

Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award, Global Citizen. *New!* *Closing soon!*

This award supports one exceptional young leader (aged 18 ‑ 30) and their affiliated organization by awarding an unrestricted grant, alongside a full year of visibility, network access and impact acceleration through the partnership between Global Citizen and Cisco. The program is designed to identify youth‑led change‑makers whose work demonstrably advances one or more of the United Nations’ Global Goals through innovation, technology and scalable solutions. Nominees must showcase a minimum of 3‑5 years of measurable impact, along with a strong vision for the next phase of their work and capability to inspire others.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: Individuals aged 18‑30 affiliated with a registered organization or initiative and demonstrating 3‑5 years of measurable impact.

• Funding amount: USD $250,000 (to the organization of the winner).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Youth Leadership; Focus areas: youth‑led innovation, tech‑enabled impact, global citizenship.

• Deadline: December 17, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

This prize underscores the importance of recognizing youth as organizational leaders and change‑accelerators within a global ecosystem of social impact and innovation.

Read more

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 23 open opportunities- 21 new opportunities added! 18 closing soon

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 28 rolling opportunities!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 4 long term opportunities- 1 new!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G.) 3.0 2025, Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC). *New!* *Closing soon!*

FFBC’s third round of the Black Ideas Grant seeks to inject CAD $8 million into strengthening Black-led, Black-mandated, and Black-serving (B3) organizations across Canada. B.I.G. 3.0 offers multi‑stream flexibility: the Core Stream supports operational resilience, Catapult fuels program growth, and Community Spaces backs capital projects and physical infrastructure. Applicants must choose just one stream and align with one of three thematic areas; combating anti-Black racism, improving social outcomes, or boosting economic opportunity. The fund is closely tied to Canada’s Black‑Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, which aims to build sustainable financial resources for Black community institutions.

• Geographies: Canada.

• Who can apply: Black-led, Black-mandated, or Black-serving non-profits / charities in Canada.

• Funding amount: Up to CAD $30,000 (Core Stream); up to CAD $80,000 (Catapult); up to CAD $200,000 (Community Spaces).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development / Social Justice; Focus areas: anti-Black racism, improving social outcomes, economic outcomes.

• Deadline: November 5, 2025 (12:00 PM PST).

• Learn more and apply here.

This grant underscores how national endowment initiatives can seed a new generation of Black-led institutions by offering flexible capital and infrastructure support alongside program funding.

Anzisha Venture‑Building Fellowship, Anzisha Prize / ALA & Mastercard Foundation. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Now accepting applications from African entrepreneurs aged 15 to 22 who already run a venture and are ready to amplify impact. Anzisha offers a multi‑year fellowship that includes cash stipends, mentorship, learning modules, shadow‑entrepreneur experiences, access to technical support, and performance-based prize funding. The program seeks to fund venture growth-especially in job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and systems integration. Selected fellows join a network of peers, receive longitudinal support, and pitch for grand prizes in years two and three.

• Geographies: Africa.

• Who can apply: Entrepreneurs aged 15–22 with an existing venture in Africa.

• Funding amount: Part of > USD $140,000 annual pool (via stipends + prize awards).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Youth Entrepreneurship / Enterprise Growth; Focus areas: venture scaling, business systems, leadership.

• Deadline: November 7, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

By focusing on founders aged 15–22, Anzisha taps into a rarely funded demographic- supporting youth as system-builders.

Box.org Impact Fund, Box.org. *New!* *Closing soon!*

The Box.org Impact Fund offers a strategic entry point for nonprofits to accelerate their missions via digital transformation. The fund targets organizations working in child welfare, crisis response, or environmental protection and encourages the integration of advanced solutions, such as generative AI, streamlined cloud workflows, or mobile data platforms, to drive systemic change. Applicants must demonstrate how technology will enhance service delivery, expand access, and scale impact, rather than simply purchasing hardware or software. Projects should embed stakeholder inclusion, scalability, and measurable outcomes into their design.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: Legally registered nonprofit organizations worldwide.

• Funding amount: USD $25,000 per organization (six awards available)..

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Digital Transformation; Focus areas: child welfare, crisis response, environment.

• Deadline: November 10, 2025 (5:00 PM PST).

• Learn more and apply here.

This fund champions mission‑driven organizations that view technology not as an add‑on but as a multiplier of impact, enabling faster, smarter, more inclusive service delivery at scale.

100x Impact Accelerator, 100x Impact. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Now accepting applications from mission-driven ventures around the world that are ready to scale. The program focuses on eight strategic impact areas such as climate, health, democracy, education, and equitable economies. Applicants must bring evidence of market adoption, capable teams, and clear potential for exponential impact. Selected cohorts (≈10 ventures per cycle) receive support in governance, scaling, fundraising, and systems integration.

• Geographies: Global (especially emerging markets, with emphasis on the Global South).

• Who can apply: Social enterprises or impact-driven ventures with proof-of-concept and scale readiness.

• Funding amount: Unrestricted grant of up to GBP £150,000, a 12‑week tailored accelerator program combining in-person and virtual engagements, and access to global mentorship, networks.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Social Enterprise / Impact Innovation; Focus areas: scaling, systems change, climate, health, education, democracy, inclusion.

• Deadline: November 10, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

100x opens doors for ventures from the Global South to access capital and support at par with global peers - assuming they bring the same proof, traction, and clarity of impact.

2026 National Grants Funding Scheme, Ministry of Finance, National Planning & Trade – Seychelles. *New!* *Closing soon!*

The National Grants Committee of Seychelles is inviting not-for-profit organizations to submit project proposals under its 2026 National Grants Funding Scheme. The fund supports initiatives that align with the country’s National Development Strategy 2024–2028 and contribute to achieving Vision 2033 and Agenda 2063. Funded projects must tackle key national priorities such as modernizing public service delivery, supporting transformative economic reforms, enhancing health and education systems, advancing law and order, and building environmental resilience to climate change. All applications must present concrete outcomes and align with one or more of six national priority areas.

• Geographies: Seychelles.

• Who can apply: Registered not-for-profit organizations in Seychelles with audited financials and at least one year of operation.

• Funding amount: Grants up to SCR 750,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Governance & Civic Engagement; Focus areas: transformative economy, Healthy nation, Climate adaptation, Transparent institutions, Lifelong learning.

• Deadline: November 12, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

By aligning local efforts with long-term national development priorities, Seychelles is empowering civil society to help shape an equitable, climate-resilient future.

The Climate Change And Health Innovation Hub For West And Central Africa (CHINNOVA) Call for Proposals – Phase 1 (2026–2027), Association of African Universities (AAU). *New!* *Closing soon!*

Seeking interdisciplinary teams to conduct applied research at the intersection of climate change and health across West and Central Africa. This grant cycle supports evidence generation, innovation piloting, and institutional strengthening. Projects must align with at least one of CHINNOVA’s six core priority areas: Health Systems Preparedness and Response; Interoperable Climate-Health Data Systems; Climate-sensitive Diseases and Health Outcomes; Gender, Equality, and Vulnerable Populations; Climate Information Services and Early Warning and Response Systems; and Policy and Institutional Innovations.

• Geographies: Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.

• Who can apply: Universities, research institutions, NGOs, private sector, consortia with civil society and academic partners.

• Funding amount: USD $70,000 per project; total pool: USD $700,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Public Health; Focus areas: climate-health nexus, interoperable data systems, gender-responsive adaptation, surveillance and early warning systems.

• Deadline: November 15, 2025 (18:00 GMT).

• Learn more and apply here.

This opportunity seeks to funds knowledge as infrastructure and to transform data and equity into cornerstones of resilient health systems.

Direct Aid Program (DAP) 2025‑26 – Surabaya, Australian  Consulate ‑ General  Surabaya. *New!* *Closing soon!*

This grant window enables registered developments organizations in East Java and Central Java (excluding Yogyakarta) to implement locally‑driven, high‑impact projects aligned with Australia’s people‑to‑people development goals. The program prioritizes innovation and sustainability across areas such as gender equity, disability and social inclusion, education, health and water, disaster response, environmental protection and climate resilience.

• Geographies: East Java & Central Java (Indonesia).

• Who can apply: Educational institutions, community associations, foundations and development entities legally registered in Indonesia (East Java & Central Java).

• Funding amount: Up to AUD $20,000 (~ IDR 200,000,000).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: gender equality, women’s empowerment, disability & social inclusion; education; health/water/sanitation; disaster resilience; environmental protection/waste management/climate resilience.

• Deadline: November 16, 2025 (23:59 Surabaya time).

• Learn more and apply here.

This funding stream offers a strategic opportunity for locally‑grounded organizations in Java to scale up concrete, inclusive development outcomes with the backing of Australia’s diplomatic‑development platform.

Direct Aid Program (DAP), Australian High Commission Islamabad. *New!* *Closing soon!*

This funding window supports Pakistan‑based not‑for‑profit organizations and community groups to deliver viable, tangible development outcomes aligned with Australia’s aid objectives. The program emphasizes projects that advance gender equality, reinforce climate resilience, bolster youth capacity, and improve mental health support. Applicants must show local ownership and project plans that are deliverable within a two‑year timeframe.

• Geographies: Pakistan.

• Who can apply: Not‑for‑profit community groups, NGOs and registered entities in Pakistan.

• Funding amount: Up to AUD $60,000; projects may run up to two years.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, climate change, women in sports, mental health, youth capacity development.

• Deadline: November 16, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Australia uses the DAP as a strategic tool to deepen people‑to‑people ties and deliver high‑impact, grassroots development aligned with its broader bilateral cooperation in Pakistan.

Ecologies of Culture, Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC). *New!* *Closing soon!*

AFAC’s new multi-year program, Ecologies of Culture, supports creative responses to today’s most interconnected global challenges, from gender inequality and climate change to digital transformation and social fragmentation. With funding for up to 58 projects across nine MENA countries, the program invites artists, cultural workers, researchers, technologists, journalists, and educators to co-design solutions that center imagination, local context, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants may apply through three streams: Creative Placemaking (community-rooted cultural projects), Creative Labs (experimental cross-sector initiatives), and Creative Caravans (distribution and media-based work).

• Geographies: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia.

• Who can apply: Individuals and organizations from eligible countries working at the intersection of culture and social change.

• Funding amount: Grants range EUR €35,000- €65,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Arts and Culture; Focus areas: creative placemaking, interdisciplinary experimentation, cultural circulation.

• Deadline: November 21, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Embedding cultural imagination into the heart of systems transformation, this program challenges conventional silos and supports new ecologies of action.

MALO Community Grants (formerly the Direct Aid Program), Australian High Commission Samoa. *New!* *Closing soon!*

This funding round supports Samoa‑based community organizations to deliver locally driven development projects that benefit vulnerable populations and align with Australia’s partnership with Samoa. The focus is on innovative, high‑impact activities such as solar lighting for safety, disaster resilience training, and farm co‑operatives, with a clear preference for applications that engage women and girls, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly. Funding is modest but flexible, with opportunities to scale in exceptional cases, and requires a strong community benefit story and robust cost justification.

• Geographies: Samoa.

• Who can apply: Local community‑based groups and organizations in Samoa.

• Funding amount: Up to SAT 40,000; a limited number of proposals may be considered up to SAT 100,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: women & girls inclusion, children’s safety, disability inclusion, solar/community infrastructure, farm co‑ops, disaster preparedness.

• Deadline: November 21, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

This program underscores Australia’s commitment to empower local community actors in Samoa with tailored, results‑oriented support rather than one‑size‑fits‑all initiatives.

Direct Aid Program (DAP) 2025‑2026 – Mauritius / Madagascar / Comoros, Australian High Commission Mauritius. *New!* *Closing soon!*

This small‑grants initiative under Australia’s aid program invites registered community organizations and NGOs in Mauritius (including Rodrigues), Madagascar and Comoros to deliver locally‑driven, sustainable development projects focused on resilience and inclusion. The fund prioritizes interventions in areas such as climate change and renewable energy, oceans/biodiversity protection, governance, education, economic empowerment, gender equality, social inclusion and disaster/livelihoods resilience.

• Geographies: Mauritius (incl Rodrigues); Madagascar; Comoros.

• Who can apply: Registered not‑for‑profit community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in these countries.

• Funding amount: Up to AUD $60,000 (or USD equivalent).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; Focus areas: climate & renewable energy, oceans/biodiversity, governance/education/economic empowerment, gender/social inclusion, disaster/livelihoods resilience.

• Deadline: November 23 2025 (23:59 MUT GMT+4).

• Learn more and apply here.

Australia is leveraging this regional‑grants mechanism to bolster community resilience, environmental stewardship and inclusive development across the Indian Ocean context.

D‑Prize Global Competition, D‑Prize. *New!* *Closing soon!*

D‑Prize funds early-stage entrepreneurs to scale the distribution of proven poverty solutions in low- and middle-income countries. Rather than supporting new inventions, it backs ventures that can bridge the last-mile gap for life-improving interventions. The competition includes over 20 challenge tracks across key sectors: in health (e.g., maternal misoprostol, self-injectable contraception, oxygen repair), agriculture (e.g., input distribution, post-harvest loans), livelihoods (e.g., poverty graduation, reading glasses), education (e.g., Teaching at the Right Level), and public services (e.g., road safety campaigns). Applicants can also propose custom distribution models for evidence-based solutions.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: New or first-time organizations (for-profit or non-profit), typically less than 18 months old or with <USD $30,000 outside funding; must distribute an existing proven intervention.

• Funding amount: Up to USD $20,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Poverty & Social Inclusion; Focus areas: distribution of evidence-based interventions, scale of access, high-impact products/services.

• Deadline: Early Submission Deadline: November 23, 2025 at midnight PT (pacific time). Regular Submission Deadline: December 14, 2025 at midnight PT (pacific time).

• Learn more and apply here.

D-Prize’s model redefines innovation as distribution, helping close the access gap for solutions that already work.

Strengthening SDG Localization in Thailand Phase II, UNDP Thailand. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Offering small grants to strengthen SDG localization efforts in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Narathiwat, and Bangkok. Civil society organizations can apply for grants to implement projects that enhance local SDG indicators, build inclusive networks, and pilot sustainable, community-driven development models. Priority focus areas include: social protection systems that increase climate resilience for vulnerable groups, sustainable tourism with regional and accessible design components, and cross-border pollution mitigation through awareness and policy collaboration. All proposals must center inclusion, gender equity, and green job creation in sectors like biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, waste management, and cultural tourism. UNDP emphasizes participatory implementation and lasting local impact through measurable results.

• Geographies: Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Narathiwat, Bangkok).

• Who can apply: Thai-registered CSOs, NGOs, or social enterprises with 3–5 years of relevant experience; coalitions allowed.

• Funding amount: USD $15,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Governance; Focus areas: SDG awareness, social protection, sustainable tourism, environmental risk, green jobs.

• Deadline: November 30, 2025 (23:59 Bangkok Time).

• Learn more and apply here.

UNDP’s localization strategy empowers communities to drive Thailand’s sustainable recovery through inclusion, innovation, and provincial action.

Micro‑Projects Call 2026, Federal Foreign Office (German Missions South Africa / Germany). *New!* *Closing soon!*

Read more

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 15 open opportunities- 11 new opportunities added! 18 closing soon

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 28 rolling opportunities- 4 new opportunity added!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 3 long term opportunities!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

Small-Scale Projects (SSP) 2026 – Cambodia, Embassy of the Czech Republic, Phnom Penh. *Closing soon!*

Invite Cambodia-based, non-political, local NGOs or institutions to apply for the 2026 Small-Scale Projects fund to support one-year development initiatives in inclusive social development (health, education), water and sanitation, add conflict prevention or climate-sensitive strategies aligned with Cambodia’s National Development Strategy. Projects must be viable beyond the funding period, restrict administrative costs and local staff expenses, and can incorporate Czech know-how or products.

• Geographies: Cambodia.

• Who can apply: Non-political and non-governmental local entities with legal status in Cambodia and able to contract under Czech law.

• Funding amount: CZK 200,000 - CZK 500,000 per project (approx. USD $9,000 - $23,000).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Local Community Development; Health; Education; Water & Sanitation.

• Deadline: October 3, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

This fund catalyzes agile, locally responsive development projects in Cambodia—fusing sustainability, gender equity and Czech-Cambodian collaboration to deliver real impact without demanding long-term external dependence.

Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program 2026, Charity Entrepreneurship (AIM). *New!* *Closing soon!*

Seeking applications from changemakers who aim to build high-impact charities. Charity Entrepreneurship is investing in a structured pipeline for nonprofit creation, designed to close gaps where promising interventions exist but organizations do not. The Incubation Program systematically identifies evidence-based ideas across global health, climate, family planning, animal welfare, and policy, and equips aspiring founders with the frameworks, co-founders, and resources to launch them.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: Aspiring founders from anywhere in the world with drive, curiosity, and a willingness to build a charity; prior experience is helpful but not required; co-founder matching and values alignment are part of the selection.

• Funding amount: Seed grants up to USD $200,000 per org; full incubation services (training, mentoring, ops support).

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Nonprofit Innovation; Focus areas: Global Health & Development, Animal Welfare, Family Planning, Policy, Evidence-based Cost-Effective Interventions.

• Deadline: October 5, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Functioning as a venture studio for the nonprofit sector, this program allows new ideas to be tested and scaled with unusually strong early backing.

Strengthen Business Membership Organizations and Civil Society Organizations to safeguard private sector interests in key value chains in Ethiopia, European Commission. *Closing soon!*

This new EuropeAid call aims to strengthen the institutional voice and operational capacity of Business Membership Organizations (BMOs), civil society groups, and trade unions in Ethiopia’s key value chains. By supporting inclusive governance, economic rights, and collective advocacy, the program seeks to amplify stakeholder influence over policy and market structures, and to improve transparency and coordination in both formal and informal sectors. The funding is structured into two lots, with a strong emphasis on enabling partnerships that embed local private sector actors—particularly MSMEs—into resilient and sustainable market systems.

• Geographies: Ethiopia.

• Who can apply: Non-profit legal entities (CSOs, BMOs, trade unions) from Ethiopia or eligible EU/EDF countries with at least two years of relevant experience.

• Funding amount: EUR €500,000–€1M per project; total pool €2M.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Economic Development; livelihoods; trade & markets; governance; SDG 8; SDG 9; SDG 16.

• Deadline: October 6, 2025 (16:00 Brussels Time).

• Learn more and apply here.

Proposals should demonstrate multi-stakeholder engagement, clearly articulated influence strategies, and deep alignment with target value chains and the economic realities of Ethiopian MSMEs.

People-First AI Fund 2025, OpenAI. *New!* *Closing soon!*

OpenAI has launched the People-First AI Fund, a $50 million grant initiative for U.S.-based nonprofits seeking to apply artificial intelligence to strengthen education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and community resilience. The program provides unrestricted funding, allowing nonprofit leaders to integrate AI into their missions in ways that are context-driven and community-informed. Developed with input from an independent Nonprofit Commission, the fund emphasizes equitable access, long-term impact, and innovative uses of AI that expand opportunity and empower local communities. Selected projects will benefit not only from flexible financing but also visibility and support as part of a broader nonprofit innovation ecosystem.

• Geographies: United States.

• Who can apply: U.S.-based nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) or equivalent charitable status).

• Funding amount: Part of a $50 million pool; individual award sizes not yet specified.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Digital Innovation & AI; Focus areas: nonprofit innovation, service delivery, education, healthcare, community resilience.

• Deadline: October 8, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

By centering nonprofit leadership and unrestricted funding, OpenAI is ensuring that AI innovation responds directly to community needs and expands access to transformative tools.

Australia Embassy Mexico – Direct Aid Program (DAP), Australian Government / Australian Embassy Mexico. *New!* *Closing soon!*

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) in Mexico is Australia’s vehicle for providing small‑scale development grants directly to community organizations. It is designed to fund projects that deliver practical, visible, locally grounded impact in sustainable development, across sectors such as environment, health, education, inclusion, and community infrastructure. The DAP in Mexico operates under the guiding principle of empowering bottom-up initiatives and strengthening civil society capacity in alignment with Australia’s broader foreign cooperation goals.

• Geographies: Mexico.

• Who can apply: Civil society organizations, NGOs, educational or research institutions (non‑profits).

• Funding amount: Up to AUD $20,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development / Sustainable Development; Focus areas: environment, social inclusion, health, education.

• Deadline: October 10, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Through DAP, Australia channels aid not to large institutions but to grassroots actors—embedding its diplomatic engagement in on-the-ground community resilience and sustainable development.

Read more

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 22 open opportunities- 10 new opportunities added! 18 closing soon

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 24 rolling opportunities- 8 new opportunity added!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 3 long term opportunities!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

Enhance access to sustainable transport for education and health care services, Enabel. *Closing soon!*

Enabel is funding a new initiative to expand access to education and healthcare in rural Uganda through sustainable mobility. The program will support non-profit actors in distributing bicycles to secondary school students—particularly girls—and to community health workers, with the goal of reducing dropouts and improving access to essential services. Projects must integrate logistics, gender-responsive design, and a clear monitoring framework to assess long-term impact. This is part of Belgium’s broader commitment to inclusive development in Uganda’s underserved regions.

• Geographies: Uganda.

• Who can apply: Non-profit private entities, foundations, social enterprises, or NGOs established or represented in Uganda with proven experience in bicycle mobility initiatives.

• Funding amount: EUR €250,000–€350,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Education; health; rural mobility.

• Deadline: September 2, 2025 (17:00 Uganda Time).

• Learn more and apply here. Search for Uganda in the dropdown menu.

Proposals must demonstrate practical delivery plans, community responsiveness, and a measurable gender lens to be competitive.

EU Justice Initiatives Facilitation Fund II, The Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam. *Closing soon!*

The global objective of this call for proposals is: Enhanced access for all people to an increasingly qualified, transparent, inclusive, and independent justice system in line with Vietnamese regulations and international human rights standards to which Vietnam is a member. The specific objective of this call for proposals is to implement a sub-grant scheme for non-state actors The priorities of this call for proposals is to award a unique grant for the establishment and management of the "EU Justice Initiatives Facilitation Fund II" under EU JULE – Phase II (EU JIFF II) to a single grantee who will become the EU JIFF II Secretariat. Sub-granting is the main purpose of this unique grant as the EU JIFF II is a sub-grant scheme to support nonstate actors’ initiatives through small grants in order to successfully support selected non-state actors. Selected non-state actors shall be legally established and operational under Vietnamese regulations, having recognized experience with implementing activities in the legal sector to support access to justice for Vietnamese citizens. Priority of sub-grant scheme is to improve the efficiency and quality of public services in the field of state management of the MOJ, other relevant line ministries and judicial agencies; Strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (mediation and arbitration), provide law information and legal aid, especially for women, children and vulnerable groups

• Geographies: Vietnam.

• Who can apply: Non-profits, NGOs that are established in an EU member state or Vietnam.

• Funding amount: Grant of EUR €9M – €10M.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Governance, justice.

• Deadline: September 4, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here (download the guidelines document for more information).

Création Africa: South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi – Call for Cultural Entrepreneurship Incubators, French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) – Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi. *New!* *Closing soon!*

This bilateral cultural initiative seeks an incubator, or consortium of incubators, to support and scale cultural and creative entrepreneurship across South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi. The program will coach 50 entrepreneurs, with 15 selected for full incubation under two tracks: a Creation track for early-stage cultural entrepreneurs and a Digital Creation track for tech-enabled ventures. the chosen incubator will deliver mentorship, investor access, and business development support, while emphasizing diversity, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration. Running from November 2025 through October 2026, the program aligns cultural innovation with job creation and sustainable growth in the region.

• Geographies: South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi.

• Who can apply: Incubators or consortiums of incubators with expertise, infrastructure, and networks in cultural and creative entrepreneurship.

• Funding amount: Grant ranges €250,000–€305,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Creative Industries, Entrepreneurship, Job Creation.

• Deadline: September 7, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

This initiative underscores France’s commitment to strengthening Southern Africa’s creative economies by investing in incubators that can build resilient, job-creating cultural enterprises.

Fast Forward Accelerator (Tech Nonprofit), Fast Forward. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Fast Forward exists to unlock capital, credibility, and community for one of the most overlooked segments in innovation: nonprofits building software for public good. This accelerator backs early-stage tech nonprofits, bold digital solutions, with funding, mentorship, and deep ecosystem scaffolding, accelerating ventures that embed equity, transparency, and mission-alignment into their tech DNA.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: Registered tech nonprofits with a working MVP and mission-driven model (501(c)(3) or global equivalent).

• Funding amount: Unrestricted grant of USD $25,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Tech for Good; Digital Public Goods; Equity Infrastructure; SDG 9; SDG 10; SDG 17.

• Deadline: September 8, 2025 (11:59 PM PT).

• Learn more and apply here.

One of the few accelerators globally leveling the playing field for nonprofit tech builders, amplifying innovations where markets fall short and equity leads.

Portugal Ventures Call Leiria Crescimento 2025, Portugal Ventures. *Closing soon!*

This targeted equity fund invites innovative companies at seed through Series C stages in the Leiria region (CIMRL). The call is aimed at ventures that drive export orientation, value-chain advancement, digital transformation, and green transition, supporting Portugal’s industrial and innovation strategy. Applications are welcomed from businesses with high-growth potential, original founder-led ideas, and scalable products, preferably aligned with Portugal Ventures’ investment verticals: Tech, Industry, Life Sciences, or Tourism.

• Geographies: Portugal; specifically companies operating or based in the Leiria Intermunicipal Community.

• Who can apply: Companies at seed, start‑up, or scale stages (Series A–C), headquartered or with significant operations in Leiria region; must be SMEs or Mid‑Caps and legally established.

• Funding amount: Equity investment from EUR €250,000 - €1.5M per company.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Private Sector Development; innovation & technology; export growth; green economy; SDG 9.

• Deadline: September 8, 2025 (23:59 CET).

• Learn more and apply here.

Competitive proposals will demonstrate strong export-readiness or value-chain integration, leadership by original founding teams, and alignment with digital or green impact strategies.

Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa (2025), Google for Startups. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Google for Startups invites ambitious Seed-to-Series A tech startups across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those with an AI-first or deeply technical orientation, to apply for their 2025 Accelerator cohort. Over three hybrid months, selected teams receive equity-free support including up to USD 350,000 in Google Cloud credits, hands-on mentorship from Google engineers and industry experts, and deep-dive workshops on product design, technical scaling, leadership, and fundraising readiness. This cohort model emphasizes solving core technical challenges, accelerating AI-driven innovation, and securing global visibility and investor access.

• Geographies: South Africa.

• Who can apply: Seed-to-Series A tech enterprises headquartered in South Africa, with traction, scalable product/service, AI/ML focus, and CTO or technical leadership engaged.

• Funding amount: Grant of R 1M; up to USD 350,000 Google Cloud credits; 30 days free Cloud TPU access.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Enterprise Growth; AI/ML-enabled infrastructure.

• Deadline: September 10, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

By pairing meaningful cash grants with deep tech infrastructure and strategic mentoring, this accelerator sharpens scaling pathways for AI-first African enterprises—furthering both commercial growth and technical autonomy.

Salesforce Accelerator – Agents for Impact (2026 Cohort), Salesforce. *New!* *Closing soon!*

Salesforce is inviting nonprofits worldwide to join the next Agents for Impact accelerator, a six-month program designed to integrate AI agents into social impact work. Selected organizations will receive USD 200–300k in flexible funding, donated Salesforce products, and one year of pro bono consulting from Salesforce employees. The accelerator equips nonprofits to design, test, and demo AI agent solutions within six months, with tailored coaching on AI, product design, R&D, and change management. Building on past cohorts in education, sustainability, and nonprofit innovation, the program prioritizes organizations with strong data readiness, technical infrastructure, and leadership commitment to deploying AI responsibly for public good.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: Nonprofits (US 501(c)(3), fiscally sponsored, or global equivalent) meeting Salesforce Power of Us license criteria; must show data readiness, tech infrastructure, and capacity for AI adoption.

• Funding amount: USD $200,000–$300,000 per selected nonprofit, plus Salesforce products and pro bono expertise.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Digital Inclusion, Nonprofit Innovation, Education, Environment.

• Deadline: September 10, 2025 (Interest Form; full applications Fall 2025)
  Learn more and apply here.

This accelerator anchors Salesforce’s vision for human–AI collaboration in the nonprofit sector, advancing capacity and innovation where digital equity and impact intersect.

Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) Challenge Fund – Bangladesh 2025, Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) Challenge Fund. *New!* *Closing soon!*

IAP supports inclusive businesses in Bangladesh that are ready to scale commercially viable solutions benefiting low-income communities. Through matching grants of €50,000–€200,000, combined with coaching, technical assistance, and investor connections, the fund enables revenue-generating companies to grow faster while strengthening inclusive value chains. Priority areas include clean energy, climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture and food systems, and water/WASH, with a strong emphasis on investment readiness and responsible business practices. The program seeks to catalyze innovation that creates both social impact and commercial viability, ensuring that small and growing enterprises can expand sustainably while attracting additional investment.

• Geographies: Bangladesh.

• Who can apply: Registered, post-pilot, revenue-generating businesses in Bangladesh meeting financial, ethical, and co-investment requirements.

• Funding amount: Grants range EUR €50,000–€200,000.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Inclusive Business; Focus areas: clean energy, climate adaptation, sustainable farming, food & nutrition, water/WASH.

• Deadline: September 10, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

By blending funding with hands-on support, IAP reduces investment risk and positions inclusive businesses to drive long-term systems change.

Good Start Challenge, Van Leer Foundation. *Closing soon!*

Good Start Challenge aims to accelerate bold, practical solutions that improve the wellbeing of parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers and young children, and are calling on innovators from all sectors to step forward with ideas they are already implementing that can give parents the good start they deserve. The Challenge is focused on supporting underserved communities and are especially interested in local and community-based innovators who have deep-rooted connections to the challenges they seek to address, ensuring solutions are contextually relevant, sustainable, and driven by lived experience. They are open to a broad range of solutions

• Geographies: Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, The Philippines, Senegal and Uganda.

• Who can apply: For-profits and non-profits.

• Funding amount: Grant of up to EUR €50,000 in flexible funding to up to 22 finalists. Up to 6 of the most promising solutions among the finalists will become winners and will receive €200,000 to develop and implement the solution.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Parental wellbeing, children, caregivers.

• Deadline: September 10, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Grant Application, Gupta Family Foundation. *Check the website frequently to see when they launch, they will only accept the 50 first applications!*

Accepting applications from organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. The foundation takes a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters. They focus on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions.

• Geographies: Applicants must operate in one of the following countries: India, the United States, Botswana, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Rwanda, South Africa, or Thailand.

• Who can apply: Non-profits.

• Funding amount: Grants range USD $5,000 - $250,000 (for annual and multi-year funding) and at least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Disadvantaged people, poverty, mental health, emergency relief.

• Deadline: Next window expected to open around September 15. They are in the process of automating the application process, and the application window is be delayed; please check the website after September 15. They will be accepting only 50 applications this year on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Learn more and apply here.

Joint Innovation Facility (JIF), GIZ and HAUS. *Closing soon!*

Read more

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 22 open opportunities- 15 new opportunities added!

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 15 rolling opportunities- 2 new opportunity added!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 3 long term opportunities!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2025, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct. *New!* *Closing soon!*

This initiative, led by the Embassy of Ireland with Tshimologong, DSTI, TIA and Dogpatch Labs Ireland, targets post‑revenue (or advanced pre‑revenue) South African startups with locally led ownership to scale globally via Irish mentorship, funding, and immersion. Seven high-potential ventures will receive up to €10,000 each and a funded trip to Ireland to tap into design, investor and innovation networks. This opportunity is ideal for impact-driven teams—particularly women‑ or youth‑led—solving SDG-aligned challenges across tech sectors like green-tech, health-tech, ed-tech, and circular economy.

• Geographies: South Africa, Ireland.

• Who can apply: Impact-driven tech startups headquartered in South Africa or Ireland; ≥51 % South African or in partnership; at least one full-time founder/CEO; women- or youth-led strongly encouraged.

• Funding amount: Up to €10,000 per startup plus immersion trip.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Tech Innovation; entrepreneurship; international collaboration; all relevant SDGs.

• Deadline: August 5, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Proposals that combine scalable tech solutions with strong local ownership and visible commitment to SDG impact while leveraging Irish ecosystem learning will stand out.

Australia–Nepal Direct Aid Program 2025, Australian Embassy Nepal. *New!* *Closing this month!*

The Australian Embassy in Nepal has opened its Direct Aid Program for 2025, offering small-scale grants of up to AUD 40,000 for community-rooted development projects across Nepal. The funding focuses on combating human trafficking, promoting gender, disability and social inclusion, and boosting local entrepreneurship and export capacity. Awardees are expected to deliver tangible outcomes within 20 months, contribute co-funding or in-kind support, and ensure high visibility of Australia's role—making this a strategic opportunity for Nepal-based NGOs and community organisations registered with the Nepal Social Welfare Council.

• Geographies: Nepal.

• Who can apply: Registered not-for-profit development organisations or community groups in Nepal with Social Welfare Council registration.

• Funding amount: Up to AUD $40,000 per project.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; livelihoods; governance; human rights; SDG 1; SDG 5; SDG 8.

• Deadline: August 10, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

This fund represents an opportunity to showcase impact through grassroots initiatives in key development areas, especially gender inclusion and local livelihoods, while elevating organizational credibility through partnership with Australia.

Australia–Sri Lanka Direct Aid Program 2025, Australian Embassy Sri Lanka. *New!* *Closing this month!*

The Australian Embassy in Colombo is funding local initiatives through its 2025 Direct Aid Program, backing seven projects that span disability equity, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, climate resilience, and gender-based violence prevention. This annual program enables civil society groups to scale grassroots interventions that align with Australia’s development cooperation priorities—especially those with a clear rights-based or inclusive economic angle.

• Geographies: Sri Lanka.

• Who can apply: Registered local NGOs, community organizations, or civil society actors.

• Funding amount: Funding amount not found.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; climate resilience; gender equality; SDG 5; SDG 10; SDG 13.

• Deadline: August 11, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

This program offers future-looking opportunities for Sri Lankan civil society to expand rights-based and inclusive programming with diplomatic backing.

Building Beyond Cycle 5 Fellows Award, Prince Claus Fund. *New!* *Closing this month!*

The Prince Claus Fund’s Building Beyond Cycle 5 selects nine mid-career individual artists and cultural practitioners from eligible African countries for a nine‑month multidisciplinary fellowship rooted in spatial and urban practice. Each fellow receives €10,000 plus funded travel, visa, and accommodation, and benefits from mentorship by three Senior Fellows, peer collaboration, a Lab Week in person, and a collective cohort project. The programme engages practitioners with personal creative practices in architecture, design, and public space who have demonstrated 7‑15 years of professional experience.

• Geographies: Algeria; Angola; Benin; Botswana; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cabo Verde; Cameroon; Central African Republic; Chad; Comores; Congo; Cote D'Ivoire; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Djibouti; Egypt; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Eswatini; Ethiopia; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Libya; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Morocco; Mozambique; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Rwanda; Saint Helena; Sao Tome and Principe; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Africa; South Sudan; Sudan; Tanzania; Tunisia; Togo; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe.

• Who can apply: Individual mid‑career artists or cultural practitioners (7–15 years) based in eligible African countries, with an artistic practice related to architecture, spatial design or public urban culture; must communicate in English; arts managers or researchers without an individual artistic practice are not eligible.

• Funding amount: EUR €10,000 per participant plus covered travel, visa and accommodation.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Arts & Culture; architecture; urbanism; cultural practice; urban culture practices.

• Deadline: August 13, 2025 (17:00 Amsterdam time).

• Learn more and apply here.

Proposals should demonstrate strong individual artistic practice in spatial and urban contexts, mid‑career depth, and capacity to engage collaboratively with mentors and peers over the fellowship period.

Grant Application, Gupta Family Foundation. *Check the website frequently to see when they launch, they will only accept the 50 first applications!*

Accepting applications from organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. The foundation takes a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters. They focus on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions.

• Geographies: Applicants must operate in one of the following countries: India, the United States, Botswana, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Rwanda, South Africa, or Thailand.

• Who can apply: Non-profits.

• Funding amount: Grants range USD $5,000 - $250,000 (for annual and multi-year funding) and at least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Disadvantaged people, poverty, mental health, emergency relief.

• Deadline: Next window expected to open around August 15. They are in the process of automating the application process, and the application window is be delayed; please check the website after August 15. They will be accepting only 50 applications this year on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Learn more and apply here.

ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation Grant Program, ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation. *New!* *Closing this month!*

The ANZ Staff Foundation awards up to NZD 25,000 per registered charity in two annual rounds to support initiatives that promote financial literacy, economic independence, workforce readiness, community resilience, or conservation of New Zealand’s natural and historic assets. Preference is given to projects that deliver tangible benefits—such as specialist counselling, skills training, or outreach services—rather than general operating costs or fixed assets. The fund strategically avoids funding schools, capital infrastructure, sporting clubs, or fundraising campaigns, but may consider funding of critical specialist services.

• Geographies: New Zealand.

• Who can apply: Registered New Zealand charities.

• Funding amount: Up to NZD 25,000 per charity per round.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; education & training; financial inclusion; environmental conservation; social inclusion.

• Deadline: August 15, 2025. Two funding rounds annually, January- February, and July-August.

• Learn more and apply here.

Strong proposals will focus on measurable community impact through direct services or empowerment initiatives, not capital or operating cost coverage.

Riyadh Seed Program, Flat6Labs. *Closing this month!*

Seeks to support the innovation of Saudi Arabian startups, enhance their entrepreneurial skills, and create a space for the Saudi youth to develop their startups and scale up their businesses in the MENA region. The Flat6Labs Riyadh Seed Program will support startups with high growth potential and will annually provide more than 20 Saudi startups with seed funding over the next three years.

• Geographies: Saudi Arabia.

• Who can apply: Anyone residing in country.

• Funding amount: SAR 500K in seed funding, and a potential SAR 2,400,000 in follow-on funding.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Multisector.

• Deadline: August 16, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

EPIC Grant – Digicel Foundation Trinidad & Tobago, Digicel Foundation. *New!* *Closing this month!*

The EPIC Grant supports registered community-based non-profits, faith-based organizations, and public schools in Trinidad & Tobago to implement tangible projects in environmental sustainability, sport for development, or technology and digitalization across communities. Each award provides TT$100,000 per organization to complete short-term (12–16 week) initiatives that deliver measurable social impact. Applicants must hold valid NPO certification, submit recent Annual Returns, and restrict spending to tangible project costs only.

• Geographies: Trinidad and Tobago.

• Who can apply: Registered non-profit organizations, community-based groups, faith-based organizations, public schools.

• Funding amount: TT$100,000 per organization.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; environmental sustainability; sport for development; digital innovation; SDG 3; SDG 9; SDG 11.

• Deadline: August 17, 2025 (23:59 AST).

• Learn more and apply here.

Proposals that align tightly with one of the three eligible themes, show clear short-term implementation plans, and adhere to tangible-cost guidelines will be strongest.

Greggs Foundation Community Grants Programme, Greggs Foundation. *New!* *Closing this month!*

This core funding grant offers up to £20,000 per year for two years to small and medium local charities in selected UK areas to support community resilience, food provision, social connection, mental wellbeing, and training for independence. It particularly prioritizes organizations tackling social isolation, food poverty, and lack of opportunity near Greggs Outlets or in areas of social deprivation. The program allows covering essential operating costs—like salaries, rent, outreach and utilities—that many other funders prohibit. Four competitive rounds open annually, each targeting specific local regions aligned with Greggs’ store presence and community impact strategy.

• Geographies: United Kingdom. (Derby City Council, Hull City Council, Coventry City Council, Preston City Council, Belfast City Council area, Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Northumberland, Southwest Birmingham (B45 postcode).

• Who can apply: Not‑for‑profit UK community organizations with annual income between GBP £25,000 - £1,000,000 and free reserves under six months, governed by at least three unrelated trustees, operating in designated funding areas.

• Funding amount: Up to GBP £20,000 per year for up to two years.

• Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Community Development; social services; education & training; food security.

• Deadline: Current window closing August 22, 2025.. There are four review rounds annually.

• Learn more and apply here.

Strong proposals will clearly demonstrate genuine local need, eligible governance and financial health, and how core costs will underpin sustained community benefit rather than one-off projects.

Advanced Grant, European Research Council. *Closing this month!*

Now accepting applications from principal investigators who wants long-term funding to pursue a ground-breaking, ambitious project. Applications can be made in any field of research. The ERC's grants operate on a 'bottom-up' basis without predetermined priorities. ERC grants support projects carried out by an individual researcher who can employ researchers of any nationality as team members. It is also possible to have one or more team members located in a non-European country.

• Geographies: EU Member States and associated countries.

• Who can apply: Principal Investigators with track-record of significant research achievements. Research must be hosted by a public or private research organization.

• Funding amount: Grants of up to EUR €2.5M for up to 5 years. Additional EUR €1M available to cover eligible “start-up” costs for researchers moving from a third country to the EU or an associated country and/or the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities and/or other major experimental and field work costs.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Multisector

• Deadline: August 28, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Read more

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 13 open opportunities- 6 new opportunities added!

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 14 rolling opportunities- 3 new opportunity added!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 3 long term opportunities!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

Read more

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date. 21 open opportunities- 13 new opportunities added!

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible). 11 rolling opportunities- 1 new opportunity added!

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows. 4 long term opportunities!

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

Read more

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date.

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible).

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows.

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

Camelback Fellowship, Camelback Ventures. *New!* *Closing Soon!*

Camelback Ventures is committed to empowering entrepreneurs to create impactful solutions that address systemic inequities in Education and Conscious Technology. They offer a rigorous accelerator, the Camelback Fellowship, for innovative and driven entrepreneurs. They are now accepting applications from early-stage entrepreneurs in the Education sector who drive social change by improving educational outcomes and access, including schools, programs, and products in early childhood, K-12, higher education, adult learning, and alternative pathways. They also support Conscious Technology ventures that use innovative tech solutions, particularly in health & wellness, community development, policy & advocacy, and workforce readiness.

• Geographies: USA.

• Who can apply: Early-stage entrepreneurs.

• Funding amount: Investment of $40,000 in each venture.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Education, health and wellness.

• Deadline: April 7, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here. Take their alignment quiz to see if you are a good fit.

Open Call for Green Transition Projects, Interreg Euro-MED Programme, European Union. *Closing Soon!*

Interreg NEXT MED is a program funded by the European Union (EU) that supports transnational cooperation through the financing of joint projects which aim at making the Mediterranean area more resilient to the shared challenges it faces. The Call for Green Transition Projects provides €83.7 million in European Union’s funding to tackle climate challenges across the Mediterranean region. Projects that aim to contribute to smart, sustainable, fair development for all across the Mediterranean basin across four program priorities, including research and innovation, climate, energy and water, education and healthcare, and governance.

• Geographies: Mediterranean region; Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Palestine, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye.

• Who can apply: Public and private bodies, as well as international organizations. All applicant must be established in the participating countries and legally registered there since at least two years from the launching date of this call.

• Funding amount: Co-financing €600,000-€3.1 million. Applicants must provide a minimum of 11% of the total project costs.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Climate and environment, job creation, inclusion, health.

• Deadline: April 15, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Open Call for Bold Projects, The Audacious Project. *Next window closes this month!*

Looking for bold ideas that cover a wide range of issues, from global health and climate change, to social justice and education. The Audacious Project looks for timely ideas that are that magic combination of deeply inspiring and convincingly credible. That means ensuring your idea balances the ability to change the way people look at an issue, with a deliverable plan that will make that vision come to life. The emotional appeal and personal connection should be met with a logical approach and a track record of your teams' relevant successes. They look for ideas that inspire with 1) Transformative vision- a bold vision for tackling one of the world's most urgent topics, 2. Contribute to a better world- ideas that offer significant, enduring impact, 3. Innovative and original- there should be a unique aspect or creative element to your approach that challenges convention or status quo or changes the narrative for the greater good. Applicants should submit proposals for proven concepts (evidence that the idea will have impact based on a track record of past success, a demand from those that would be affected, etc.) a bold vision for using the multi-year funding, and an organizational track record of receiving and managing large sums (Past projects have had an annual operating budget of $2 million or more). Open to public organizations- nonprofits, NGO, institution (such as research institution) or collaboration between multiple entities.

• Geographies: Global

• Who can apply: non-profits, NGO, institution or collaboration between multiple entities.

• Funding amount: There is no limit to the budget that can be requested. Grant envelope total of USD ~$1 billion (with about 10 winners in 2023).

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Sector agnostic.

• Deadline: Current application cycle closes on April 15, 2024. Requests submitted after the date will be considered for future rounds.

• Learn more and apply here.

VinFuture Prize Nomination, VinFuture Foundation. *Closing soon!*

Calling for nominations for the 2025 VinFuture Grand Prize and three Special Prizes. The VinFuture Prize is established to honor breakthrough scientific research and technological innovations that create meaningful change in the everyday lives of millions of people. The Prize aims to recognize exceptional inventors and researchers from global academic universities, research labs, and industry. The VinFuture Prize comprises: A Grand Prize of US$3 million, awarded annually for breakthrough research and technological innovations that positively improve the quality of human life, and create a more equitable and sustainable world for future generations. The Grand Prize would be open to all, regardless of the candidate’s nationality, age, gender, social status, or economic background. Three Special Prizes of US$500,000 each with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, and new fields of study will also be awarded annually to: 1. Innovators from Developing Countries, 2. Female Innovators, 3. Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: Researchers and innovators.

• Funding amount: Grand Prize of US$3 million, and Three Special Prizes of US$500,000.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Multisector, all SDG’s applicable.

• Deadline: April 17, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

2025 Indigenous Communities Fellowship, MIT SOLVE. *Closing soon!*

MIT Solve seeks exceptional innovators supporting community-based solutions by and for Indigenous communities across the United States and Canada with a particular interest for 2025 in solutions that; 1. Strengthen sustainable energy sovereignty and support climate resilience initiatives by and for Indigenous peoples, 2. Develop tools to promote Indigenous sovereignty, including the ethical use of AI and data technologies, culturally aligned digital infrastructure, or access to economic opportunity, 3. Drive positive outcomes for Indigenous learners of any age and context through culturally grounded educational opportunities. Each Solver team receives $10,000 in unrestricted funding from Solve and access to additional financing in the form of grants and investments, this includes access to a pool of +$1.5M in prize funding at selection and additional funding opportunities throughout the program and after.

• Geographies: USA and Canada.

• Who can apply: Innovators supporting community-based solutions by and for Indigenous communities.

• Funding amount: $10,000 - $150,000.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Indigenous peoples, energy, indigenous sovereignty, education.

• Deadline: April 17, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Partnerships - Open Call, EU – LAC Digital Accelerator. *New!*

Open to applications from Corporate-startup and corporate-SME partnerships that seek to drive digital innovation across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Selected partnerships will receive a wide range of acceleration services including acceleration roadmap, proof-of-concept, business case and investment and scaling. Unmatched interested parties can also explore the EU-LAC Matching Platform is designed to foster transcontinental partnerships between corporates and startups or SMEs across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

• Geographies: Europe, Latin-America and the Caribbean.

• Who can apply: Partnerships consisting of one start-up and one corporation.

• Funding amount: There is no funding attached to the opportunity. Selected projects will receive in-kind services valued up to €30,000.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: The Open Call targets digital transformation challenges through open innovation despite the industry or sector. We have put the focus on areas such as smart production, cleantech or health tech, but we are open to receive applications from any industry.

• Deadline: April 30, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), The High Commission of Canada. *New!*

The CFLI is a program designed to support small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries, which align with Global Affairs Canada’s thematic priority areas for engagement. The program is directed at projects conceived and designed predominantly by local partners. Projects are selected and approved by the relevant Canadian embassy or high commission. All projects will be viewed through the Canadian Feminist International Assistance Policy to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective way to reduce poverty and build a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world. CFLI project application process require a gender-based analysis (GBA).

• Geographies: Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu.

• Who can apply: A wide range of non-profit actors, including local NGO’s, community and not-for-profit organizations, local academic institutions, international NGO’s, intergovernmental, multilateral and regional institutions, municipal, regional or national government institutions.

• Funding amount: The average CFLI contribution is $40,000 Canadian Dollars (CAD$50,000 is the maximum allocation amount for a project eligible under CFLI.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Multisector.

• Deadline: April 30, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

The Einstein Foundation Award, The Einstein Foundation. *New!*

The Einstein Foundation Award for Promoting Quality in Research honors contributions that demonstrate significant improvements in the rigor, reliability, and transparency of research practices, with measurable outcomes in advancing research quality. These contributions should align with the following objectives: 1. Reproducibility & Research Quality, including; fostering research integrity, quality-improving interventions, innovative approaches to research integrity, exceptional integrity, long-term archiving, addressing systemic factors, replications, and teaching good research practice. 2. MetaScience, including; research on Research to identify opportunities for improving research practice, generating evidence for potential interventions, and developing metrics and policies that incentivize the adoption of best possible research practices. 3. Research Assessment and Incentives, including identifying research standards and incentives that directly or indirectly constrain the quality of research and designing more adequate means to assess the quality of research and researchers. 4. Accessibility and Inclusion, including increasing diversity in research, making a significant contribution to increasing the diversity of research by considering aspects such as gender, race/ethnicity, geography, career stage, etc. Three types of awards available 1. Individual Award: Individual researchers or small teams of collaborating researchers can be nominated. 2. Institutional Award: Governmental and non-governmental organizations, institutions, or other entities can apply or be nominated. Early Career Award: Early career researchers or small teams of collaborating researchers can submit a project proposal that seeks to foster research quality and value.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: Researchers and Institutions (such as NGOs, governmental organizations).

• Funding amount: Awards range €100,000 - €150,000.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Multisector.

• Deadline: April 30, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

True Inspiration Awards, Chick-fil-A®. *New!*

Seeks to support nonprofit organizations making an impact in their local communities. Sixteen organizations will be awarded for their work in these areas, there will be four winners from each category. 1. Caring for People: Programs or projects supporting educational initiatives, including fostering character and leadership development, academic excellence and community involvement in underserved youth. 2. Caring through Food: Programs or projects focused on addressing hunger and food insecurity facing children and their families. 3. Caring for Communities: Programs or projects focused on providing housing and other direct services to support young people and their families. 4. Caring for our Planet: Programs or projects that show care for our environment and our planet, or that demonstrate environmental stewardship through initiatives directly related to our other True Inspiration Awards categories of food, community and people (i.e., community beautification, education opportunities, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, etc.)

• Geographies: USA, Canda, UK, or Singapore.

• Who can apply: Non-profits based in eligible countries.

• Funding amount: Grants range USD $30,000 to USD $350,000. Total of USD $6M available.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Education, underserved communities, food, housing, environment.

• Deadline: May 1, 2025

• Learn more and apply here.

The 2025 Black Ambition Prize, Black Ambition. *New!*

The Black Ambition Prize competition provides a platform for underrepresented founders across the nation to access growth capital, coaching, and a curated community of innovators and mentors. Eligible applicants consist of diverse innovators building early-stage ventures across five distinct categories: consumer products and services, healthcare, media and entertainment, technology, and / or AI.

Read more

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date.

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible).

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows.

This post is for paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities.

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates / free membership for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.

Open Calls:

KBF Africa Prize 2025-2026, King Baudouin Foundation. *Closing soon!*

Read more

The grants are organized into three categories:

1. Open Calls: Current grant and opportunities with a deadline. Grants are listed by closing date.

2. Rolling Applications: current grant and opportunities with rolling applications (but it’s still best to submit as early as possible).

3. Long term planning: Grants that have closed their current rounds, but are expected to open new windows.

Subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date on the latest funding opportunities in multi-sector/ sustainable development

Subscribe now

Open Calls:

Sudan SME Catalyser, Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund, AECF. *Closing this month!*

The program seeks to support SMEs in Sudan relocating from conflict areas to more stable parts of the country. Eligible businesses must demonstrate that their offerings are accessible and affordable, directly create jobs, and improve livelihoods. Offerings must add value to one or more focus value chains in the renewable energy and agriculture sectors. Proposed initiatives can include but are not limited to one or more of the following focus areas to be eligible for funding: 1) Market aggregators that provide reliable and new market opportunities for economic development, 2) Agro-processors and manufacturing companies , 3) Innovative digital solution providers, 4) Production and distribution models that support local entrepreneurship and growth of SMEs, and 5) Business models that address climate-smart technology. The funding seeks to improve access to finance for enterprises that create economic opportunities across geographies and value chains, e.g., through employment creation, market linkages (market access), and suppliers of inputs/produce/services along the value chain, and provide targeted business development technical assistance and capacity building for businesses. or businesses.

• Geographies: Sudan.

• Who can apply: Local SMEs.

• Funding amount: Grants range EUR €250,000 - €750,000.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: SME support, economic development, agribusiness, renewable energy, climate, job creation.

• Deadline: February 28, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

KBF Africa Prize 2025-2026, King Baudouin Foundation. *new!*

Every two years, the KBF Africa Prize rewards African organizations which contribute to transforming society and sustainably improving the lives of people in Africa. The KBF Africa Prize rewards African-initiated and led organizations which contribute to sustainably improving the lives of people in Africa. It pays particular attention to initiatives that tackle challenges in Africa in transformative ways, which are resilient and adaptable in a constantly changing context, which have a long-term vision, and which empower people to take their future into their own hands. Organizations working on the themes of peace-building and women's economic empowerment (themes covered by the two previous laureates) are requested to abstain.

• Geographies: Africa (organizations from Somalia and Tanzania (countries of the previous laureates) are requested to abstain).

• Who can apply: Only organizations which have been established in Africa, by Africans and which are managed and led by Africans can apply.

• Funding amount: €250,000.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: All sectors other than peace-building and women's economic empowerment

• Deadline: March 3, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

develoPPP Classic Funding, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). *Launches this month*

Supports socially and environmentally responsible transformation in the private sector in developing countries and emerging markets. Aspects of this include ensuring a sustainable supply chains, climate and environment and the more responsible use of natural resources, as well as fair participation for women in different economic processes, fair access to health care services and long-term food security. Particular consideration is therefore given to project proposals that contribute measurably to improvement in these areas. Companies aiming to contribute to sustainable development in emerging markets are invited to apply. Projects should align with one or more SDGs, in sectors such as agriculture, health, and energy, with a strong emphasis on impact, innovation, sustainable economic development, job creation, technology transfer, and capacity building.

• Geographies: Must be in one of the 65 priority countries.

• Who can apply: Privately owned and profit-oriented companies, registered in the EU, EFTA or a country on the OECD DAC list, with an annual turnover of at least EUR 800,000.

• Funding amount: Up to €2 million.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Sector agnostic, with a focus on: diversity and gender, sustainable supply chains, climate and environment, health, and job creation.

• Deadline: Next round launches February 15, 2025- March 31, 2025. Round 2025 will take place August 15, 2025- September 30, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Open Call for Green Transition Projects, Interreg Euro-MED Programme, European Union.

Interreg NEXT MED is a program funded by the European Union (EU) that supports transnational cooperation through the financing of joint projects which aim at making the Mediterranean area more resilient to the shared challenges it faces. The Call for Green Transition Projects provides €83.7 million in European Union’s funding to tackle climate challenges across the Mediterranean region. Projects that aim to contribute to smart, sustainable, fair development for all across the Mediterranean basin across four program priorities, including research and innovation, climate, energy and water, education and healthcare, and governance.

• Geographies: Mediterranean region; Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Palestine, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye.

• Who can apply: Public and private bodies, as well as international organizations. All applicant must be established in the participating countries and legally registered there since at least two years from the launching date of this call.

• Funding amount: Co-financing €600,000-€3.1 million. Applicants must provide a minimum of 11% of the total project costs.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Climate and environment, job creation, inclusion, health.

• Deadline: April 15, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Rolling Applications

Open Call for Bold Projects, The Audacious Project.

Looking for bold ideas that cover a wide range of issues, from global health and climate change, to social justice and education. The Audacious Project looks for timely ideas that are that magic combination of deeply inspiring and convincingly credible. That means ensuring your idea balances the ability to change the way people look at an issue, with a deliverable plan that will make that vision come to life. The emotional appeal and personal connection should be met with a logical approach and a track record of your teams' relevant successes. They look for ideas that inspire with 1) Transformative vision- a bold vision for tackling one of the world's most urgent topics, 2. Contribute to a better world- ideas that offer significant, enduring impact, 3. Innovative and original- there should be a unique aspect or creative element to your approach that challenges convention or status quo or changes the narrative for the greater good. Applicants should submit proposals for proven concepts (evidence that the idea will have impact based on a track record of past success, a demand from those that would be affected, etc.) a bold vision for using the multi-year funding, and an organizational track record of receiving and managing large sums (Past projects have had an annual operating budget of $2 million or more). Open to public organizations- nonprofits, NGO, institution (such as research institution) or collaboration between multiple entities.

• Geographies: Global

• Who can apply: non-profits, NGO, institution or collaboration between multiple entities.

• Funding amount: There is no limit to the budget that can be requested. Grant envelope total of USD ~$1 billion (with about 10 winners in 2023).

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Sector agnostic.

• Deadline: Current application cycle closes on April 15, 2024. Requests submitted after the date will be considered for future rounds.

• Learn more and apply here.

Global Impact - Open Call, The Tony Robbins Foundation.

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides donations and volunteer support for nonprofit organizations, schools, hospitals and homeless shelters around the world. The foundation supports communities in need including natural disasters, and providing opportunities for at-risk youth.

• Geographies: Global

• Who can apply: Non-profits.

• Funding amount: Grants range USD $20,000- $500,000.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Multi-sector, emergency response, vulnerable communities.

• Deadline: Rolling applications - submit a Letter of Intent (LOI).

• Learn more and apply here.

Pre-Seed/ Seed Investments for Impact-Tech Entrepreneurs in Emerging Markets, Kili Ventures.

Kili Venture is a new investment syndicate focused on investing in tech startups in emerging markets, with an initial emphasis on Africa. Kili Ventures constantly seeks "hidden gems" - startups with talented teams developing technologies that have a significant impact on local communities and strong scalability potential.

• Geographies: Africa

• Who can apply: Tech Startups

• Funding amount: Target to support 5-10 startups annually in pre-seed and seed rounds, investing between EUR €50,000 - €250,000.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Impact-tech.

• Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

• Learn more and apply here.

EA Funds, Effective Ventures.

Effective Altruism Funds (EA Funds) funds to particularly cost-effective and altruistically impactful projects. The current funds focus on: 1) Improving the lives of people living in extreme poverty, 2) Improving the lives of non-human animals, 3) Making the long-term future go well, and 3) Supporting the work of the Effective Altruism community.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: For-profits, non-profits, and individuals.

• Funding amount: Grant sizes are typically between $5,000 and $200,000, but can be as low as $1,000 and higher than $500,000.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Poverty, animal welfare.

• Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

• Learn more and apply here.

Apply for Funding, GiveWell,

Aims to fund the most cost-effective opportunities that have the potential to make a big impact for many people. Provide a wide range of grants through different financing mechanisms: 1) All grants fund, 2) Top charity fund, 3) Unrestricted fund.

• Geographies: Global

• Who can apply: For-profits and non-profits.

• Funding amount: Grants range USD $50,000- USD $70M.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Sector agnostic.

• Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

• Learn more and apply here.

Catalyze, Build and Transform Grants, New Profit. *New!*

Provide unrestricted grants and strategic advisory support to organizations led by visionary social entrepreneurs to increase their impact, growth, and sustainability. Supported projects expand access and opportunity in communities that have been consistently and systematically under-resourced. Seek leaders and organizations that recognize the power of working across historical lines of difference—whether that be racial identity, generation, or sector—to solve problems and build systems that deliver better outcomes.

• Geographies: United States and US territories.

• Who can apply: US non-profits with a 501(c)(3) status, led by social entrepreneur.

• Funding amount: Unrestricted grants: Catalyze USD $100,000, Build USD 1.5 million multi-year funding, Transform USD $3 million multi-year funding.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Education, economic mobility, and democracy.

• Deadline: Accepting Discovery Forms year-round.

• Learn more and apply here.

Long Term Planning:

Venture Philanthropy Grants, The New Africa Fund. *new!* *opening in April/May 2025*

Supports support local initiatives in Africa that foster sustainable change. The Venture Philanthropy (VP) grants provide stable funding with the idea that these organizations will be able to use that time to grow and become sustainable. Through the VP grants, instead of funding specific projects, the NAF prioritizes organizations with a clear vision and mission and a track record of results. This granting program does not prioritize one area of intervention over another, nor does it favor large organizations over smaller ones. It simply is looking for organizations with creative solutions to local problems. In addition to financial support, these organizations will benefit from NAF trainings to improve their overall financial systems, grant writing skills, guidance on developing relevant policies, and trainings for Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).​

• Geographies: Africa.

• Who can apply: The NAF funds non-governmental organizations, community based organizations, and social enterprises. We fund organizations from nearly every field, but they must be legally registered in their home country. We fund organizations working in education, poverty reduction, health, and human rights, particularly for marginalized communities. Organizations led by women are especially encouraged to apply.

• Funding amount: The maximum grant allowed is 25% of the organization's overall operating budget (based on a five-year average) up to a maximum amount of $50,000.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Sector agnostic.

• Deadline: Next window opens April-May 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

develoPPP Venture Funding, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). *Next round opens May 15, 2025*

develoPPP Ventures is aimed at young companies, whose innovative business model improves living conditions in a developing or emerging country and who are planning to scale up. With develoPPP Ventures funding, the BMZ is supporting young companies that are already active in a developing or emerging economy and whose business model contributes to sustainable local economic, ecological and social development. The aim is to scale innovative solutions in order to make them accessible to more people. Therefore, it is important that the proof of concept has already been achieved and first revenues have been generated. Funding the start-up phase via develoPPP Ventures is not possible.

• Geographies: Currently available in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania – with further countries to follow.

• Who can apply: Start-ups that are registered in the target country or that plan to register there before the start of the funding are eligible to participate.

• Funding amount: €100,000 catalytic funding for investments to scale. Start-ups must provide 50% co-funding of the total project cost.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Sector agnostic.

• Deadline: Next round launches May 15, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

The Elevate Prize, The Elevate Prize Foundation. *New!*, *Nominations for the 2026 Elevate Prize will open in the spring of 2025*

The annual award recognizes social impact leaders driving transformative change around the world. They are looking for leaders that are: 1. Committed to the Power of Visibility- leaders should not only excel in their mission but be interested in using their platforms to reach and inspire new audiences, innovating within their field, and/or pioneering new approaches to enhance their impact. 2. Trailblazers and Innovators- leaders and their organizations should be focused on tackling societal problems, the systems that create them, and demonstrating an ability to create change in their communities. 3. At a Critical Juncture- leaders and their organizations should be at a tipping point— at a critical moment where additional resources and tailored support will unlock their potential for scale or deepen impact.

• Geographies: Global.

• Who can apply: A non-profit organization leader who is over 18 years of age and is a Founder, Executive Director, or CEO.

• Funding amount: $300,000 in unrestricted funding, shared between the organization and leader.

• Targeted SDGs/ Sectors: Sector agnostic

• Deadline: Next round launches spring of 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

Grant Application, Gupta Family Foundation. *Next round opens July 2025*

Accepting applications from organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. The foundation takes a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters. They focus on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions.

• Geographies: Applicants must operate in one of the following countries: India, the United States, Botswana, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Rwanda, South Africa, or Thailand.

• Who can apply: Non-profits.

• Funding amount: Grants range USD $5,000 - $250,000 (for annual and multi-year funding) and at least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.

• Targeted Sectors/ SDGs: Disadvantaged people, poverty, mental health, emergency relief.

• Deadline: Next window opens July 1- August 31, 2025.

• Learn more and apply here.

All content is currently open and free as we transition to Substack. Starting mid-February 2025, access to the full list of opportunities on this page will be available to paid subscribers. This helps support the time and effort it takes to curate and organize these opportunities. Thank you for being part of the Impact Funding community!

Subscribe now

To keep this accessible to everyone who needs it, we’re happy to offer discounted rates for nonprofits and individuals from LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Message us below for more information.