Each year, the Lipman Family Prize awards cash to three social impact organizations – US$250 thousand for the winning organization and US$125 thousand for each of the two other honorees. The award recognizes and amplifies the work of organizations devoted to positive social impact and creating sustainable solutions to significant social and economic challenges. Past winners include projects in the field of improved sanitation, energy innovations, and micro-forestry. Eligibility extends to organizations from all around the world addressing social and economic issues. Applications close on 31 July 2026. Find details
social enterprise
World Summit Awards — Young Innovators Award
Nominations are open for the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). The awards recognize market-ready digital solutions that create positive social or environmental impact and contribute to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Eligible applicants include startups, social entrepreneurs, companies, NGOs, student groups, project teams, and individuals. Winners receive global recognition, the opportunity to present their solutions at the WSA Global Congress, mentorship, networking opportunities, workshops, and international visibility. The deadline to apply for WSA Young Innovators is 15 October 2026. Find out more
UNFCCC Technology Mechanism — AI for Climate Action Award
The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism invites applications for the AI for Climate Action Award to elevate open-source, artificial intelligence solutions addressing climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation. Individuals, teams, start-ups, and organizations over the age of 18 are eligible to apply, provided their AI-powered solution is developed in or for least developed countries (LDCs) or small island developing States (SIDS). The program does not offer direct cash grants; instead, finalists receive fully funded travel to the AI for Climate Action Forum in October 2026, and the overall winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip for one person to present their initiative at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye. The deadline for applications is 03 July 2026. AI for Climate Action Award
G20 Global Land Initiative — Nature-Positive Actions: Transforming Lives and Landscapes
The G20 Global Land Initiative, alongside the Global Environment Facility and the World Overview for Conservation Approaches and Technologies, invites impact and human-interest stories for an upcoming digital publication. The program seeks compelling, real-world examples of land restoration efforts that protect biodiversity, scale up regenerative practices, or feature community-led ecosystem recovery. Individuals, on-the-ground practitioners, and members of partner networks worldwide are eligible to submit stories between 1,200 and 2,000 words. While no direct financial grant is specified, selected stories will receive professional editing, publication in multiple United Nations languages, and showcasing at major international forums like UNCCD COP17. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Nature-Positive Actions
Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum — AWIEF Awards 2026
Each year, the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Awards recognize Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Africa for their economic performance and contribution to Africa’s growth and social development. There are 8 award categories, including agribusiness and renewable energy. Nominations should only be made relating to achievements made by a female entrepreneur and national of an African country. Nominees can be nominated or self-nominated. The deadline for entries is 03 August 2026. AWIEF Awards
Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship — Training for Social Entrepreneurs
The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship accepts applications for an accelerator program focused on social enterprises working on women’s economic power and/or climate resilience. The program is designed for established social entrepreneurs who directly serve people living in poverty who suffer disproportionately from climate change. Climate resilience falls into one of the following three categories: sustainable energy, availability of sustainable management of water and sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture. Non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid social enterprises that have a clear commitment to an earned revenue model with the potential for scale are all encouraged to apply. There are no geographical limitations. The application deadline is 16 October 2026. Training for Social Entrepreneurs
Efico Foundation — Support for Coffee Producers
EFICO Foundation supports coffee farmers and their families through training and education programs, sustainable income increase, resilience for climate change, infrastructure support, and natural resource protection. About every 3 years, the Foundation organizes a project initiation round and funds projects that aim to improve the living conditions of coffee producers and their communities. Preference is given to projects having a clear strategy to become self-sustaining and creating a leverage effect. Applicants receive a full application form after contact. Efico Foundation
Reckitt — Catalyst Social Impact Program
The Catalyst Social Impact Program supports social enterprises focused on health, hygiene, water, sanitation, and climate resilience. The program provides tailored business development, mentorship, and funding to scale purpose-driven ventures that address systemic inequalities and deliver community-level impact. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. The deadline to apply for the 2026 cohort is 09 August 2026. Social Impact Program
Teach A Man To Fish — School Enterprise Challenge 2026
The School Enterprise Challenge is an international business program for schools run by the educational charity Teach A Man To Fish. It guides and supports teachers and students to plan and set up real, sustainable school businesses and generate real profits to help support their school or a social cause of their choice. Thematic areas include agriculture, drinking water and sanitation, and the environment, among others. Prizes are between US$250 and US$5 thousand, including in-kind donations like laptops and cameras. Please note that only pre-primary schools, primary schools, secondary schools and technical/vocational colleges are eligible (universities are not eligible to apply). Business Ideas have to be submitted by 06 October 2026. School Enterprise Challenge
International Center for New Media — World Summit Awards 2026
Nominations are open for the World Summit Awards (WSA) and the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). Start-ups and social entrepreneurs are asked to submit their local digital innovations with high social impact. The 8 award categories include one on Environment & Green Energy (climate, sustainable resources, agriculture). The winner does not receive a monetary award but does benefit from partnerships and integrations. Applications are accepted from companies, organizations, or individuals. The deadline to apply for WSA and WSA Young Innovators is 15 October 2026. (Deadlines for national submission of applications for WSA may vary locally.) Find out more