The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) welcomes proposals of innovative and cost-effective solutions that address any major development challenge (including energy, water access, agriculture and fisheries) in any country or in multiple countries of the developing world. The program is open to teams and coalitions from social enterprises, for-profit companies, NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and researchers anywhere in the world. GIF offers grants, loans, and equity investments ranging from US$230 thousand to US$15 million. Applicants should propose the level and type of funding that is appropriate for their innovation, based on the stage of development. GIF accepts applications on a continuous basis. Information
social enterprise
WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award — Award in Fighting Disinformation
WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award invites nominations to recognize persons or organizations that effectively have taken on the challenge to fight disinformation (e.g., disinformation about climate change etc.), thereby facilitating the work to reach the UN Sustainable Goals 2030. The nominees will have created change that inspires others and shown what measures are necessary. Candidates for the WIN WIN Award compete for SEK 1 million. Candidates for the WIN WIN Youth Award (between the ages of 13-29) compete for SEK 50 thousand. Any organization, movement, business, group of people or individual can be nominated. Nominations must be submitted by 15 January 2023. Gothenburg Sustainability Award
Global Water Intelligence — Global Water Awards 2023
Nominations are open for the annual Global Water Awards 2023. Global Water Intelligence seeks technologies, plants, projects, and companies that make significant contributions to the development of the water sector. Focus areas include water or wastewater treatment, water conservation and management, ecologically sustainable industry technologies, and commercial solutions, among others. Nominations are open to everyone (including individuals, companies, organizations, or initiatives etc.). Nominations close on 23 February 2023. Find the call
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation — Start-up Support for Social Enterprises
The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports early stage, high impact social enterprises and seeks projects and innovations that dramatically improve the lives of people and the world. Eligibility extends to non profit, for profit and hybrid organizations in the early stages of their development that have scaling potential. The DRK investments are distributed twice a year over a three-year term, totaling $300 thousand. The Foundation has a rolling online application process throughout the year; there is no deadline. Click here
GET.invest — Finance Catalyst
The GET.invest Finance Catalyst supports small- and medium-scale renewable energy projects and businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean or the Pacific region. The program provides advisory support on project and business plan development, project and business structuring and accessing finance, at no cost. Eligible applicants may be private sector developers, NGOs, universities or research institutions. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Once one round closes a new one opens. Finance Catalyst for Renewable Energy
AirAsia Foundation — Improving Communities
The AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN. NGOs looking to diversify funding sources through social enterprise are welcomed to submit an application. AirAsia’s priority is to support smaller social enterprises. Applications can be submitted anytime, but the review process may take up to 6 months. Link
Fondation SUEZ — Access to Water and Sanitation
The Fondation SUEZ supports access to essential services such as water, sanitation and waste for underprivileged populations in developing countries. One reward goes to an unregistered, royalty-free innovation developed by a non-profit organization. The other recognizes and encourages an initiative led by a social entrepreneur. The two winning projects receive €50 thousand each. Applications have to be submitted by 30 April 2023. Visit Fondation SUEZ
The Bridge International — Funding for Social Entrepreneurs
The Bridge International (TBI) supports social entrepreneurs and business owners from developing countries who need an operating fund and business consulting. Selected enterprises can participate in a crowdfunding opportunity of up to $8,000 to support their business. Registrations are being accepted on a rolling basis. Details here
World Food Programme — Innovation Challenge
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) accepts applications for the WFP Innovation Challenge. WFP seeks low- and high-tech solutions, including digital tools addressing the global food crisis. Projects will be considered for a six-month acceleration program with access of up to US$100 thousand in equity-free funding. Eligibility extends to start-ups (profit or not-for-profit) and WFP employees who are collaborating with NGOs, government or private sectors. Applications can be submitted until 03 November 2022. WFP Innovation Challenge
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education — Water and Development Partnerships
The Water and Development Partnership Program supports transformations to ecologically sustainable water management practices by strengthening capacities in low- and middle-income countries through joint research, education, and knowledge sharing on water. For that purpose, IHE Delft seeks to support large-scale projects with up to €1.5 million for three to five years. The call is open for projects that aim to redress issues related to inequities and ecological degradation in water-related developments. Submission of preliminary ideas closes on 05 December 2022. Water and Development Partnership Program