The Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT) supports Canadian small and medium-sized organizations testing innovative solutions that advance gender equality in the Global South. FIT will provide CA$150 thousand to CA$250 thousand over a 6-15 month period to test solutions in partnership with local organizations in developing countries. FIT supports ideas to test worldwide (with approx. 50% in Sub-Saharan Africa). The program is open to civil society organizations, social enterprises, institutions and the private sector. The application deadline to submit proposals is 29 April 2021. Find more information
social enterprise
European Commission — Communal Livestock in Namibia
The European Commission (EC) seeks to promote entrepreneurship and enhance the livelihood of Namibia’s livestock farming communities in a sustainable way. The EC requests proposals that improve the livestock production system and its resilience to climate change; and/or increase livestock farmers’ access to domestic, regional and international markets. Funding of up to €1.1 million is available. Eligibility extends to Non-State actors (NSAs). The deadline for submitting applications is 14 May 2021. Details
Acument and IKEA — Social Entrepreneurship Accelerator East Africa
Acumen and IKEA invite applications for a Social Entrepreneurship accelerator program designed to support social entrepreneurs to develop a scalable business model. The 19-week program aims to strengthen the capacity of social enterprises in East Africa. Social enterprises (non-profit or for-profit) based in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia or Rwanda are invited to apply. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for US$25 thousand in seed funding. The program runs from 08 June to 08 October 2021. Applicants are advised to apply before the start of the workshops. About the program
Dutch Postcode Lottery — Green Challenge 2021
The Dutch Postcode Lottery offers the Green Challenge to encourage the development of products and services that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The competition is open to entrepreneurs with an innovative, green and scalable business from Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. The winner will receive €500 thousand to help bring his or her plan to market. The deadline for submitting entry forms is 15 April 2021. Green Challenge info
European Commission — Support for Social Enterprises in North Macedonia
The European Commission (EC) supports social enterprises in North Macedonia through knowledge transfer and mentoring as well as informal education and training activities on issues related to operating a social enterprise. The EC’s grant scheme provides financial support to projects focused on establishment of social enterprises or extension of the scope of work of existing social enterprises. The overall amount made available under this call for proposals is €500 thousand. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations that have been established for at least 2 years in the Republic of North Macedonia. The application deadline is 20 April 2021. Link
Investors Hub — Global Investors Hub Challenge 2021
The Investors Hub accepts applications for the Global Investors Hub Challenge 2021. Startups, entrepreneurs and companies can join the competition to get financial help, mentorship and networking opportunities for their business sector or social impact projects. The projects should have the capacity to create employment in alignment with 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This challenge is open for everyone around the world in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America and North America. Winners will be given an opportunity of a bankroll from a Venture Capital Fund with the investment size of US$ 5 thousand to US$500 thousand, depending on the nature of their project. Application must be submitted by 31 May 2021. Follow the link to the website
United Nations — Innovations to Advance the SDGs
United Nations, in collaboration with Global Innovation Exchange, seeks applications for the 2021 Call for Innovations for a chance to be featured at the UN’s virtual STI Forum (May 2021). Innovations should address COVID-19-associated disruptions that will remain relevant beyond the pandemic to help accelerate progress towards one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The call is open to innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Applications will be accepted until 26 March 2021. Click here
European Commission — Improving Food Security of Vulnerable Populations in the Indian Ocean Region
The European Commission (EC) seeks to help reduce malnutrition and food insecurity in the Indian Ocean region (Mauritius, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles). EC intends to grant a total of €5 million for the increase and diversification of agricultural production, €400 thousand to improve the nutritional situation of vulnerable populations in Mauritius and Seychelles, and €1.6 million to improve the nutritional situation of vulnerable populations in Madagascar and the Comoros. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, producer organizations, farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, social enterprises, and international organizations. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 26 March 2021. Link
ygap — Poverty Solutions for Bangladesh
The ygap accelerator provides support to entrepreneurs from Bangladesh. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and poverty solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the one week training program. The five-day workshop (April 2021) will provide social entrepreneurs with access to training designed to focus on business growth. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Interested entrepreneurs have to apply by 31 March 2021. About ygap Bangladesh
Hilden Charitable Trust — Community Projects in Developing Countries
The Hilden Charitable Fund makes grants in the UK and developing countries in defined thematic areas. Projects in developing countries focus on community development, education, and health. (Note: Projects related to food security, community water supply, local energy, etc., may be relevant.) Hilden particularly welcomes projects addressing the needs and potential of girls and women. Hilden will consider funding for charitable organizations based in any developing country that have been active for at least five years and meet its criteria on financial income. Hilden only accepts applications from UK charities for overseas projects. Projects may be for more than one year. Average grants are £5 thousand. Applications can be submitted anytime but the closing date for the next meeting is 16 April 2021. Link