The Bridge International is a non-profit organization that works as an online crowdfunding platform for social entrepreneurs in Asia and Africa. Bridge International aims to support local entrepreneurs to be self-reliant and financially sustainable in their operations while they create social impact within the community. Applications for the recruiting program Global Bridging Fund (GBF) are open. Selected partners will benefit from seed funds up to US$5,000 as a 0% interest loan, connections to other social enterprises, and potential partnerships with global institutions and corporations. The deadline is 28 May 2024. Global Bridging Fund
social enterprise
United Nations Development Programme — ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge
The United Nations Development Program aims to foster the development of the blue economy in ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. The ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge seeks to identify, finance, and support innovative solutions geared towards the conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems, coastal areas, and freshwater resources. Selected awardees receive US$40 thousand to pilot their innovations. The deadline is 31 May 2024. ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge
Ashoka — Together Towards Tomorrow Challenge
The Together Towards Tomorrow Challenge invites changemakers worldwide with initiatives that unite people across generations to activate young people as leaders. Up to 12 winners will receive up to US$25 thousand. The Challenge is open to individuals driving impact in Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vietnam. The application deadline is 01 July 2024. Know more
D-Prize — Funding Entrepreneurs to Alleviate Poverty
The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 23 June (early deadline); 14 July (regular deadline); or 04 August 2024 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
Common Fund for Commodities — Support for Commodity Development
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) provides financial and technical instruments to support projects proposed by enterprises, cooperatives, and institutions. Funding is targeted mainly to for-profit organizations and social enterprises for production, value chains, and marketing across a wide group of commodities (crops, tree crops, timber, bamboo and rattan, minerals, and others). Projects need to focus on economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Innovative solutions for new agri-tech applications, access to renewable energy, or expanding environmental services are especially welcome. This 25th call for proposals has a deadline of 01 October 2024. Link to the 25th Call for Proposals
The Pollination Project — Seed Capital for Community Projects Worldwide
The Pollination Project offers seed funding of up to US$1 thousand to compassion-driven individuals, informally organized groups and organizations, and formally registered or incorporated non-profit organizations based anywhere in the world. Topics for projects include education, clean water, afforestation, animal advocacy, and many others. The Pollination Project welcomes applications on a rolling basis. Program Overview
Cisco — Network Technology to Solve Social Challenges
Cisco welcomes applications for cash grants from community organizations around the world who offer an innovative approach to a critical social challenge. Cisco supports non-profit organizations that apply digital technology and have a broad impact on the most economically underserved parts of the world. The maximum request amount for first-time grant recipients is US$75 thousand. Interested organizations take an eligibility quiz to determine whether they are aligned with Cisco’s mission. Applications are accepted year-round. More
ENGIE Corporate Foundation — Grants for Improved Energy Access
The ENGIE Foundation makes grants in thematic areas that include support for improved energy access by disadvantaged communities. Applicants provide summary information about their organization and its partners; objectives and context of the proposed project; details of the funding request; and how the project will be evaluated. Applications (French, English, Dutch) can be submitted at any time. Link
Halcyon — EquityTech Fellowship
The EquityTech Fellowship empowers entrepreneurs leveraging technology to increase social and financial inclusion and close equity gaps in wealth, education, and accessibility. Fellows accepted into this program will receive a US$10 thousand per venture equity-free stipend to use toward travel expenses, eight-week residency at Halcyon’s facilities in Georgetown, Washington, DC, training, and pro bono legal support. Eligibility extends to for-profit ventures based anywhere in the world. Applications are accepted until 31 May 2024. About the EquityTech Fellowship
Visegrad Fund — Western Balkans Grant Program
The International Visegrad Fund calls for grant projects that will facilitate the transfer of know-how between non-governmental and civil society organizations in Visegrad countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary) and the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia). Thematic areas include environment and sustainable development, among others. The program is open to any legal entity or natural person worldwide, with preference for projects submitted by non-profit and non-governmental organizations; public educational, cultural, and research institutions; and municipalities and local governments. Applicants can apply by 01 June 2024. Visegrad+ Grants