The ygap accelerator provides support to South African leaders with solutions to poverty. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the training program. The program offers a three-day accelerator followed by twelve months of tailored support including business skills development, strategy insights, mentor support, and more. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Eligibility extends to social entrepreneurs operating in South Africa, who are dedicated to creating a positive change in the lives of people living in poverty. Applications are closing on 31 July 2024. ygap South Africa
social enterprise
NextWorldNow Community Investments — Community Grants 2024
NextWorldNow (NWN) is committed to working with community leaders who are solving difficult social problems. This includes social problems related to water, sanitation, deforestation, smallholder productivity, and food security — among other subject areas. Grants are up to US$10 thousand. To apply, community organizations submit a short “Notification of Interest” to register their intent to submit a formal grant application. NWN will screen the initial requests and forward a full application form to selected community organizations. The deadline to submit a Notification of Interest is 01 March 2024. Link
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Agro-Food Value Chain
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) launches a new call for proposals. Projects should aim to increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet as a sustainable pattern including environmental, social, and health aspects. Projects can request up to €4.1 million for 36 months. Companies/enterprises, non-profit organizations, NGOs, public research organizations, and universities from the following non-EU countries are eligible: Israel, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco. The deadline for pre-proposals is 02 April 2024. Details
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Multitopic Research and Innovation Action
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) supports projects under the following topics: (1) Water Management, (2) Farming Systems, (3) and Agri-food Value Chain. Water projects should focus on alleviating Mediterranean water scarcity through adaptive water governance. Farming projects need to demonstrate field practices based on agroecological practices to increase ecosystem services and biodiversity, adapt the small farming systems to climate change, and to increase farmers’ incomes. Companies/enterprises, non-profit organizations, NGOs, public research organizations, and universities from the following non-EU countries are eligible: Israel, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco. The deadline for pre-proposals is 02 April 2024. Details here
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
Honnold Foundation — Solar Energy Funding
The Honnold Foundation provides funding to organizations or projects that use solar energy to serve underserved or marginalized communities. Both domestic and international organizations may apply. Grant awards typically range from US$25 thousand to US$150 thousand. Organizations must have 501(c)3 status or equivalent status within their country of operation. The application deadline is 02 February 2024. Solar Energy Funding
Federal Chancellery of Austria — Award for Innovation in Africa
The Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa (KAAIA) is open for applications. The award supports innovative solutions that enhance food security and food systems resilience throughout Africa. It welcomes applications from social entrepreneurs with digital or technology-powered solutions. The deadline for submission is 08 February 2024. Kofi Annan Award
Because International — Accelerator for Entrepreneurs
Because International accepts applications for the Because Accelerator, a free online program for early-to-middle stage entrepreneurs who want to take their socially innovative product to the next level. Participants will go through a 16-week training program, weekly one-on-one coaching, networking, and at the end of the cohort. There will be an opportunity to compete in a pitch event for a cash prize, long-term coaching support, funding opportunities, and exposure to international markets. Entrepreneurs from around the world are invited to apply by 09 February 2024. Link to the Because Accelerator
Cultural Survival — Small Grants for Indigenous-led Projects
The Keepers of the Earth Fund (KOEF) is a small grant fund supporting Indigenous values-based community development. Grants range between US$500 and US$7 thousand and are awarded to Indigenous-led projects, organizations, and groups worldwide. Themes of past grants include biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage, climate change, fair use of natural resources, and others. The application deadline is 10 February 2024. Link to KOEF
Global Water Intelligence — Global Water Awards 2024
The International Water Association (IWA) focuses on developing solutions for water and wastewater management. IWA invites applications for the IWA Global Water Award. The award recognizes the exceptional contribution made by an individual to improve sustainable water and sanitation globally by creating an innovative water solution/management practice that impacts broader sustainable development. The award will be presented at the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Toronto, Canada (August 2024). The application deadline is 25 February 2024. Global Water Award