Global Counsel helps organizations in different sectors to understand how politics, policy and regulation affect them in practice. The Global Counsel Social Impact Program aims to support non-profit organizations, as well as small for-profits with strong values-based aims, on a pro bono basis. Successful applicants will benefit from a tailored fixed-term consultancy engagement. Not-for-profit organizations and small for-profit organizations worldwide, such as social enterprises, can apply. Applications close on 28 April 2023. Visit Global Counsel
social enterprise
GrowthAfrica — Accelerator for African Entrepreneurs
GrowthAfrica supports African businesses and entrepreneurs through an annual accelerator program. Participants of the program receive individualized and tailored in-company support, access to potential investors, leadership training and mentorship. Entrepreneurs in the fields of Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Water & Sanitation are especially welcome. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Ghana. The application process is open and ongoing. GrowthAfrica
Biomimicry Institute — Nature-Inspired Solutions for a Healthy Planet
The Biomimicry Institute seeks applications for the Ray of Hope Prize which celebrates nature-inspired solutions addressing the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. The challenge is open to innovative ideas from a variety of topics, such as agriculture, water, clean energy, biotechnology, and many more. Up to 10 startups will be selected as finalists to pitch their business idea for US$100 thousand in prize money which can be used to develop their ideas into market-ready products. The competition is open to entrepreneurs and inventors worldwide. The application deadline for the 2023 prize is 28 April 2023. Ray of Hope Prize
Halcyon — Food & Agtech in Africa
Halcyon supports African entrepreneurs with innovative solutions that can improve the livelihoods of farmers while increasing access to quality food for the most vulnerable. The Food & Agtech Fellowship will be delivered in a hybrid modality, with three virtual meetings, a one week in-person residency at Halcyon and a one week in-person residency in Nairobi. Participants receive US$5 thousand per venture equity-free stipend to use toward travel expenses to attend the residencies, a one week long residency at Halcyon’s facilities in Washington, DC (USA), and a one week long residency in Nairobi (Kenya). Applications are accepted until 29 April 2023. Food & Agtech Fellowship
Halcyon — Climate Resilience in Latin America
Halcyon supports entrepreneurs that seek to build climate resilience across Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the compounding effects of climate change on poverty, food insecurity, health disparities, and displacement. The Fellowship will be delivered in a hybrid modality, with three virtual meetings, a one week in-person residency at Halcyon and a one week in-person residency in Mexico City. Participants receive US$5 thousand per venture equity-free stipend to use toward travel expenses to attend the residencies, a one week long residency at Halcyon’s facilities in Washington, DC (USA), and a one week long residency in Mexico City (Mexico). Applications are accepted until 29 April 2023. Climate Resilience Fellowship
U. S. Department of Agriculture — Food for Progress Program
The Food for Progress Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries committed to expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The objective is to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. The Program has prioritized the following areas: the Cacao sector, the Coffee sector, the Spices sector, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards, the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and Climate Smart Agriculture. The estimated funding per award is US$20-US$39 million. The following entities are eligible to apply: governments of emerging agricultural countries, nonprofit organizations, universities, and any other private entity. The closing date for applications is 24 May 2024. Food for Progress Program
Lacuna Fund — Datasets on Climate and Forests
The Lacuna Fund seeks proposals from organizations interested in developing datasets that will help to better understand the relationship between Climate & Forests and generate interventions that could mitigate the impacts of climate change. Lacuna anticipates supporting up to 6 smaller projects with budgets between US$50-100 thousand and up to 3 larger projects with budgets ranging from US$200-300 thousand. To be eligible for funding, organizations must be either a non-profit entity, research institution or for-profit social enterprise. The deadline to apply is 01 June 2023. Climate and Forests
YALI Regional Leadership Center — West Africa Emerging Leaders Program
The YALI West Africa Emerging Leaders Program provides business and entrepreneurship training to young West African leaders from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Burkina Faso. The program will teach young leaders (between 18 to 35 years) about modern leadership through coursework (in-person or online), a mentorship program, internship or community service, and report writing. Applicants have to be proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking English. Applications close on 19 March 2023. YALI West Africa
SEED — Starter Workshop for Eco-Enterprises in India
SEED offers valuable resources and professional support to expand entrepreneurial ideas while learning from peers during interactive SEED Starter workshops. SEED Starter workshops consist of a team of 2-5 members that bring in a business idea for addressing environmental, social and economic challenges. Successful alumni are invited to apply for a SEED Grant for up to €1,000 which pays for resources required to establish the new enterprise. Eco-Entrepreneurs from India are invited to apply for the next starter workshop. Applications have to be received by 04 April 2023. Link to current openings
Ashoka and HSBC — Green Changemakers Challenge
The Green Changemakers Challenge is a global innovation competition for social entrepreneurs in selected markets with ventures that equip individuals and communities with the skills needed to thrive in the transition to a green economy. The challenge seeks social entrepreneurs with ventures that solve the climate crisis along with social problems. The Green Skills Innovation Challenge will award social entrepreneurs with up to US$25 thousand of grant funding. Applications have to be submitted before 26 April 2023. Green Changemakers Challenge