Latest Opportunities

US$10,000 equity-free + US$10,000 in AWS credits

Halcyon's Africa accelerator supports early-stage, impact-driven ventures building market-based solutions for agriculture and food security across Sub-Saharan Africa. Selected founders receive US$10,000 equity-free, US$10,000 in AWS credits, residencies in Accra and Nairobi, and access to a global founder network.

Who can apply: Ventures based in Sub-Saharan Africa with a working MVP and early commercial traction. Applicants must be at least 21 and working full-time on the venture in a decision-making role.

ℹ️ Hybrid programme with residencies in Accra and Nairobi. Includes product-market-fit guidance, capital strategy support and access to Halcyon's founder network.

Total prize pool: USD 65,000

The ECOWAS Startup Awards 2026 identifies high-potential West African businesses with working products, demonstrated traction, and the potential to scale across the region. Eligible startups must be registered in an ECOWAS country and have operated for at least two years.

Who can apply: Founders who are citizens of an ECOWAS member state with a startup registered and operating within the region for at least two years, with a working product or service.

ℹ️ Winners also receive mentorship, investor exposure and regional business-development opportunities.

Up to USD 500,000

12-week programme selecting 10 founders per cohort. Provides 1:1 coaching from operators behind Andela, Flutterwave, and Moove. Covers storytelling, go-to-market, fundraising, product development, and Demo Day exposure. No equity taken for participation.

Who can apply: Early-stage African founders building scalable, innovative solutions to Africa's biggest challenges with strong growth potential.

ℹ️ No equity required for programme participation. Optional follow-on investment from Future Africa (USD 250K–500K), subject to due diligence.

Milestone-based business stipends + venture building support

A multi-year venture building fellowship from the African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation supporting young African entrepreneurs aged 15–22 with stipends, coaching and access to a Pan-African entrepreneurial network.

Who can apply: African citizens aged 15–22 who are founders of an operating business or project serving African customers or beneficiaries, spending at least 20 hours per week on the venture.

ℹ️ Milestone-based stipends, coaching, financial management guidance and experiential learning — not a fixed cash grant.

US$20,000 each (3 writers)

Three writers will each receive $20,000 and 6 months of expert mentorship to develop a feature screenplay or TV pilot that addresses climate change — bridging storytelling and environmental advocacy.

Who can apply: Writers developing a feature screenplay or television pilot that meaningfully incorporates climate change. Check official rules for geographic eligibility.

ℹ️ US$20,000 per selected writer plus 6 months of mentorship from professional screenwriters and climate storytelling experts.

Up to US$100,000 + 12-month mentorship

UNICEF's FemTech call invests up to $100,000 in tech solutions improving health and wellbeing for women and girls, paired with 12 months of mentorship and access to UNICEF's global partner network.

Who can apply: Registered companies in UNICEF programme countries with a functional prototype committed to open-source licensing. Women-led and under-35 founders particularly encouraged.

ℹ️ Funding plus technical mentorship and access to UNICEF's global network and government partners.

CAD $100,000 over 2 years

A two-year international fellowship providing African and global researchers with unrestricted research funding, mentorship from leading scientists, leadership development and access to CIFAR's global research community.

Who can apply: Researchers from any country with a PhD and a full-time position at a higher education or research institution, leading independent research aligned with a CIFAR programme.

ℹ️ Unrestricted research support of approximately CAD $100,000 over two years.

~US$40,000 average (US$10,000 guaranteed per team)

MIT Solve's Global Health Challenge funds tech-enabled health solutions improving access to quality care, particularly in under-resourced settings. Selected teams join a 9-month support programme alongside funding.

Who can apply: Individuals and organisations worldwide developing technology-enabled health solutions at any stage from concept to scale.

ℹ️ Each selected Solver team receives a minimum US$10,000 grant, with average awards around $40,000 from a prize pool exceeding US$1 million.

Up to US$20,000

D-Prize funds entrepreneurs launching new organisations to distribute evidence-based interventions in low-income countries — with up to $20,000 for a launch or pilot. LMIC applicants strongly encouraged.

Who can apply: New organisations and first-time entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income countries, particularly those addressing distribution challenges for proven interventions.

ℹ️ Funding for new organisations or pilots distributing an evidence-based intervention.

Up to €5,000 per team

A Horizon Europe-backed programme selecting 5 East African agri-tech startups for validation, technical mentoring and up to €5,000 in funding to integrate space and IoT technologies into their solutions.

Who can apply: Legally established SMEs or startups in Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania with an existing agriculture-related product, service or application.

ℹ️ Up to €5,000 per selected team (5 teams expected), plus technical mentoring and pitch support.

€25,000 each (2 winners)

The Eni Award's Young Talents from Africa category recognises two early-stage African doctoral researchers in energy or sustainability with €25,000 each — supporting the next generation of African energy scientists.

Who can apply: African citizens born 1986 or later, with bachelor's and master's degrees, enrolled in the first or second year of a PhD at an African university. Research must relate to energy, environmental sustainability or development challenges.

ℹ️ Cash prize plus recognition plaque and hospitality for the award ceremony in Italy.

US$2 million

This IFAD regional grant supports practical solutions to strengthen food systems across Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, focusing on livestock, cassava and rice value chains. The initiative aims to improve food security, create economic opportunities and build climate resilience at scale.

Who can apply: Organisations, government agencies, private sector entities, research institutions and consortia capable of implementing a regional food systems initiative across the Central Sahel.

ℹ️ Single grant for a regional initiative across Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Projects must demonstrate commercial viability, regional relevance and potential to scale, with meaningful participation from women and young people.

Not specified

This WFP call focuses on addressing food insecurity and malnutrition among crisis-affected communities in Ethiopia. Supported programmes include nutrition services for pregnant women and young children, school feeding and coordination efforts to improve access to essential food and nutrition support.

Who can apply: Organisations capable of implementing food security, nutrition or humanitarian assistance programmes in Ethiopia, meeting WFP's technical capacity and registration requirements.

ℹ️ Supported activities include nutrition services for pregnant women and young children, school feeding programmes and coordination efforts.

Fellowship programme costs, accommodation and meals during residentials

This 12-month fellowship develops Africa's next generation of leaders in nature finance, biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Delivered in partnership with UCT GSB, Oxford's Smith School and LSE, it combines executive learning, coaching and practical project development to advance nature-positive investment across Africa.

Who can apply: Senior executives and leaders with the authority to advance a nature or biodiversity initiative, institutional support for their participation and a credible project to lead. Preference given to ANCA member organisations.

ℹ️ Fellows cover their own flights, visas, travel and medical insurance. Delivered with UCT GSB, Oxford's Smith School and LSE.

US$30,000–US$80,000 per year (multi-year)

The OBSAA Fund provides flexible, multi-year core funding to LGBTIQ+ and sex worker-led organisations to strengthen community organising, organisational sustainability and movement autonomy across East and Central Africa.

Who can apply: LGBTIQ+ and sex worker-led organisations, collectives and networks in Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

ℹ️ Three tiers: Community Roots ($30k/yr, 3 years), Established Organising ($50k/yr, 5 years), Strategic Scale ($80k/yr, 5 years). Renewed annually subject to fund conditions.

€2 million total pool (first call)

The ActHIVate Fund supports community-led HIV responses for transgender communities and men who have sex with men where healthcare access remains severely restricted. The programme sustains essential health services, strengthens advocacy and helps community organisations work more effectively with health systems.

Who can apply: Community-led, not-for-profit civil society organisations working with and for transgender communities and men who have sex with men in eligible countries.

ℹ️ Part of a wider €4 million fund planned over four years. Individual grant amounts depend on the arrangements outlined in the call. Eligible countries include Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Uganda.

₦20 million total prize pool

InnovateX is a youth innovation challenge by Ecobank Nigeria and Blaze, helping Nigerian students turn ideas into practical solutions in areas including inclusive finance, banking technology, education and the creative economy. Participants access bootcamps, mentorship and a ₦20 million prize pool.

Who can apply: Nigerian tertiary students aged 16–25 with valid student ID. Teams of four members. Applicants should confirm the applicable age range in the registration form.

ℹ️ Prizes: ₦5M (1st), ₦4M (2nd), ₦3.5M (3rd), ₦2.5M (4th), ₦1M (5th). Includes bootcamps, mentorship and industry expert access.

Up to €1,000 per project

IFRA-Nigeria Research Grants support fieldwork, archival research and scholarly outputs in the humanities and social sciences on West African societies, institutions, histories and contemporary challenges. Approximately a dozen projects will be funded for work in 2027.

Who can apply: Second-year master's students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and established researchers conducting humanities or social science research on Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries. No nationality requirement.

ℹ️ Approximately a dozen projects funded for work between January and October 2027. Humanities and social sciences focus.

US$5,000–US$30,000

The TEEEM Foundation Community Impact Grant supports projects improving community wellbeing and creating lasting social impact. Three funding tiers (Community, Growth and Transformational) range from US$5,000 to US$30,000, covering education, health, equality, entrepreneurship and infrastructure.

Who can apply: Projects aligned with community impact priorities across education, health, equality, entrepreneurship, economic opportunity and community infrastructure. Confirm country and registration restrictions before applying.

ℹ️ Three tiers: Community Grants ($5k–$10k), Growth Grants ($10k–$20k), Transformational Grants ($20k–$30k).

Two-year professional development fellowship

The AWARD Leadership Program is a two-year, non-residential fellowship supporting emerging African women scientists in agricultural research and agrifood systems. Participants receive leadership training, mentoring, proposal-writing workshops and individual coaching to build confidence and advance into leadership roles.

Who can apply: African women under 35 with at least a bachelor's degree in an agricultural science discipline and five years of full-time relevant professional experience, actively working in agriculture in Africa. Existing AWARD Fellows or Laureates are ineligible.

ℹ️ Includes leadership training, mentoring, coaching, proposal-writing workshops, communication support and individual coaching. Targets Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Senegal for the current cohort.

Fellowship grant support for eligible doctoral or postdoctoral research

Faculty for the Future supports women from developing and emerging economies pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The programme aims to strengthen women's representation in scientific research and help recipients develop expertise they can apply in their home countries.

Who can apply: Women from developing or emerging economies pursuing eligible PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM at an accredited host institution abroad. Assessed on academic strength, leadership potential and commitment to contributing to their home country.

ℹ️ Award amount depends on approved funding needs and programme conditions. Reference letters due November 14, 2026.

Up to US$67,000 per project (US$200,000 total)

The CEGA Global Networks Research Grant supports collaborative research generating evidence to improve development policy and practice. This round focuses on policy-relevant impact evaluations in East and West Africa, with three to four projects funded from a US$200,000 pool.

Who can apply: Joint proposals from CEGA Fellows and CEGA Affiliates undertaking policy-relevant impact evaluations in East or West Africa. This is a restricted research funding call, not a general open grant.

ℹ️ Restricted call for joint proposals from CEGA Fellows and CEGA Affiliates. Focuses on policy-relevant impact evaluations in East and West Africa.

Up to €30,000 in funding support

Orange Corners Nigeria is a six-month incubation programme helping young Lagos-based entrepreneurs strengthen innovative and sustainable businesses. Participants receive enterprise management training, business advisory, mentorship, networking support and up to €30,000 for prototype development and testing.

Who can apply: Entrepreneurs aged 18–35 based in Lagos State building innovative, sustainable businesses.

ℹ️ Six-month incubation programme. Funding covers prototype development and testing. Priority sectors: circular economy, agriculture, health, renewable energy, technology and water.

Up to €40,000 per project

Africa-UniNet's 7th Call supports collaborative research between African and Austrian universities and research institutions. Projects receive up to €40,000 over 24 months, encouraging knowledge exchange and research addressing development priorities and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Who can apply: Consortia including at least one Austrian Africa-UniNet member institution (as project coordinator) and at least one African Africa-UniNet member institution. The coordinator must hold a PhD.

ℹ️ 24-month research collaboration. All participating institutions must be active Africa-UniNet members with 2026 membership fees paid. African institutions participate as research partners.

US$3,500 cash prize for the winner

The Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship recognises journalism examining Africa's energy and environment sectors, encouraging investigative, evidence-based and solutions-focused reporting. The winner receives US$3,500 and the top ten finalists gain access to masterclasses, workshops and industry mentorship.

Who can apply: Practising journalists and media professionals working across Africa. Entries must be original, published or broadcast work engaging with energy or environmental issues.

ℹ️ Winner and top ten finalists also receive access to a capacity-building programme including masterclasses, workshops, industry exposure and mentorship.

12-week investor readiness programme + access to investor network

A 12-week investor readiness cohort for founders of African descent — building a structured data room, working with resident advisers and accessing DiaGlocal's investor network.

Who can apply: Founders of African descent in Africa or the diaspora, particularly at ideation or pre-seed stage.

ℹ️ No guaranteed funding; programme provides structured support and investor introductions.

Competitive salary (12-month placement)

The CFJ Fellowship places early-career women lawyers with host organisations across Africa to advance access to justice. Part of the Clooney Foundation's Waging Justice for Women initiative.

Who can apply: Early-career women lawyers admitted to practise law in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa or The Gambia.

ℹ️ Full-time 12-month placement with competitive gross annual salary from host organisation.

12-month placement with living stipend and housing

A 12-month fellowship placing young professionals with partner organisations across Africa, combining on-the-ground development experience with professional development and community building.

Who can apply: Young professionals and graduating undergraduates with a US-accredited or African university degree, under 35, not enrolled in graduate school during the fellowship year.

ℹ️ Support includes stipend and housing; some costs (travel, $350 placement fee) are the applicant's responsibility.

Up to US$5,000 in startup capital + 12-week training

A fully funded 12-week training and mentorship programme for African women-led tech startups, delivered with the Founder Institute. Participants get monthly stipends, 6 months of mentorship, and a chance to pitch for startup capital.

Who can apply: Women founders, co-founders or CEOs aged 18–35, based in Africa, with a tech-enabled business, an MVP in market for at least 6 months, and ≥US$500/month in revenue for 6 consecutive months.

ℹ️ Training fees covered and monthly stipends provided during programme; up to $5k pitch opportunity at end.

AI training + MIT AI course access + in-person bootcamp in Addis Ababa

An African AI innovation programme offering technical training, access to an MIT AI course, a 14-week entrepreneurship programme with the Wadhwani Foundation, and an in-person bootcamp in Addis Ababa.

Who can apply: African individuals or teams developing early-stage AI or AI-enabled solutions. Female innovators particularly encouraged.

ℹ️ No cash grant; support includes AI training, prototyping resources, 14-week entrepreneurship programme and bootcamp.

Leadership development, mentorship and community (no cash prize)

A leadership and capacity-building fellowship for displaced and stateless African women working in peace, politics and advocacy — building a community of women driving women's participation and decision-making.

Who can apply: African women aged 18–40 who are refugees, internally displaced, stateless or otherwise displaced, involved in leadership, advocacy, peacebuilding or political processes.

ℹ️ Fellowship includes capacity building, networking and community support but no specified cash award.

£150,000

LSE-based catalytic funding programme providing £150,000 to social ventures ready to scale — alongside tailored strategic support, LSE research expertise and introductions to funders and partners.

Who can apply: For-profit and nonprofit social ventures worldwide with evidence of a working model and a credible opportunity to scale their impact substantially.

ℹ️ Catalytic non-dilutive funding plus strategic support, LSE research expertise and funder network access.

2-year leadership fellowship

A two-year AWARD fellowship supporting women researchers to advance climate-resilient agriculture through leadership development, mentoring, technical capacity building and professional networking.

Who can apply: Women agricultural and climate researchers at national agricultural research systems, ministries of agriculture or academic institutions in Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

ℹ️ Includes leadership development, mentoring, technical capacity building and professional networking.

₦6 million total (26 educators across 3 tiers)

A Nigerian education grant funding 26 classroom educators working in underserved communities through three tiers of support, backing projects aligned with education, health, equality and community infrastructure.

Who can apply: Educators in Nigerian primary or secondary education in rural, underserved or educationally disadvantaged communities — teachers, school leaders, administrators, programme staff and volunteers.

ℹ️ 26 educators funded across three tiers from the ₦6 million pool.

CAD $4,000 + reporting expenses

A journalism fellowship supporting reporters in the Global South to investigate stories at the intersection of gender equality and economic justice, with stipend, expenses and convening support.

Who can apply: Working journalists based in and reporting on ODA-recipient countries, with at least 3 years of experience and English proficiency.

ℹ️ CAD $4,000 stipend plus up to CAD $500 in reporting expenses and travel support for in-person convening.

Up to US$500,000

The Global EbA Fund's medium-size grants support organisations scaling ecosystem-based adaptation solutions that address systemic challenges in climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Who can apply: Organisations and partnerships working on ecosystem-based adaptation, climate resilience, biodiversity and related environmental priorities addressing systemic barriers to implementation or scaling.

ℹ️ Medium-size grants supporting systemic or scalable ecosystem-based adaptation work.

US$100,000 for 12 months

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Fellowship places high-potential African professionals with leading institutions for 12 months, providing $100,000, senior mentorship and policy experience to develop Africa's next generation of governance leaders.

Who can apply: African nationals with a master's degree, at least 7 years of relevant professional experience, a strong leadership record and policy engagement. Generally under 40, or under 45 for women with children.

ℹ️ Full stipend plus professional experience, senior-level mentorship and access to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation's Now Generation Network.

Not publicly specified

A grant cohort by ProMoat Capital open to revenue-generating Nigerian businesses across sectors, with the January 2027 cohort open for applications through November.

Who can apply: Businesses operating in Nigeria, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and generating revenue from paying customers. A business bank account is preferred.

ℹ️ Amount not disclosed publicly — check apply link for details.

Conference participation support

The ACU Early Career Conference Grants support emerging researchers by funding participation in international academic conferences. The programme aims to strengthen research networks, knowledge exchange and collaboration across Commonwealth countries.

Who can apply: Early career researchers and academics affiliated with ACU member universities in eligible Commonwealth countries.

ℹ️ Support covers participation costs for international academic conferences. Exact award amounts are determined per application.

US$5,000 prize pool plus scholarship opportunities

Press Play is an AI-focused pre-accelerator supporting women building technology solutions. The programme provides training, mentorship and opportunities to develop AI-powered ideas, with a US$5,000 prize pool and scholarship opportunities for selected participants.

Who can apply: Women founders and innovators building AI-based solutions.

ℹ️ Programme also includes training, mentorship and pitch opportunities.

Free export readiness programme

TradeRoots Africa supports African SMEs preparing to expand into international markets with free export readiness training. The programme covers business growth, market access strategies and international trade preparation delivered by the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship.

Who can apply: African-owned SMEs preparing for regional or international expansion.

ℹ️ No cost to participants. Covers business growth, market access and international trade preparation.

€2,300–€3,000

The AGNES Mobility Grants support young African researchers through short research visits to institutions within Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme encourages collaboration, research exchange and stronger scientific networks across the continent.

Who can apply: Doctoral candidates and junior researchers based at universities or research institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ℹ️ Supports short research visits to partner institutions within Sub-Saharan Africa.

Funding varies

The ACE Movement Grants support organisations working on animal advocacy and related social impact initiatives. Round 12 identifies Africa as a priority region, making this an important opportunity for African-based animal welfare and advocacy organisations.

Who can apply: Organisations whose work aligns with ACE's movement grant criteria. Africa is a priority region for this round.

ℹ️ Africa is identified as a priority region for this funding cycle.

Funding varies by selected organisation

The Black Ideas Grant supports Black-led organisations developing innovative projects that create social, cultural and community impact. The programme funds initiatives that strengthen communities and create meaningful change for Black communities worldwide.

Who can apply: Black-led nonprofit organisations and community initiatives meeting the programme requirements.

ℹ️ Supports organisations developing innovative projects creating social, cultural and community impact.

Up to US$20,000 plus technical support

The Jobtech Alliance Founder Call supports startups creating technology solutions that improve employment and income opportunities in Mombasa. Selected founders receive up to US$20,000, technical assistance and access to a pan-African network of jobtech entrepreneurs.

Who can apply: Startups based in Mombasa or startups willing to expand their solutions into the Mombasa market.

ℹ️ Also includes access to a pan-African founder network and technical assistance.

Up to US$250,000

The Global EbA Fund supports projects advancing ecosystem-based adaptation approaches to address climate challenges. Eligible work includes strengthening climate resilience, evidence generation, building technical capacity and scaling nature-based solutions across Africa and developing regions.

Who can apply: Organisations, NGOs, research institutions and partnerships working on climate adaptation and ecosystem-based solutions.

ℹ️ Projects can focus on strengthening climate resilience, improving evidence, building technical capacity and scaling nature-based solutions.

€2,000 support package or technology equipment

The ComCashew e-MOVE programme supports young entrepreneurs working within the cashew value chain with a €2,000 support package or technology equipment. Participants also receive training and digital learning to strengthen their agribusiness ventures.

Who can apply: Young agripreneurs aged 18+ working within the cashew sector in eligible OACPS member countries.

ℹ️ Participants also receive digital learning support and training to strengthen agribusiness ventures.

Industry recognition and visibility

The Africa Pension Technology Awards recognise organisations and professionals using technology and innovation to improve Africa's pension and financial services ecosystem. Categories cover digital transformation, AI adoption, data governance, ESG leadership and technology-enabled services.

Who can apply: Pension funds, financial institutions, technology companies, innovators and professionals contributing to digital transformation in Africa's pension sector.

ℹ️ Categories include digital transformation, AI adoption, data governance, ESG leadership and technology-enabled financial services.

Recognition, visibility and showcase opportunities

The #MyLittleBigThing Challenge celebrates innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers creating meaningful solutions to everyday challenges. The competition highlights ideas that demonstrate creativity, impact and the potential to improve communities through innovation.

Who can apply: Entrepreneurs, innovators, creators and individuals developing impactful ideas or solutions.

ℹ️ Highlights ideas demonstrating creativity, impact and potential to improve communities.

Founder network access and ecosystem exposure

A Pan-African founder fellowship supporting entrepreneurs building technology companies across sectors including AI, fintech, cybersecurity, healthtech, climate technology and developer tools. The programme connects founders with ecosystem leaders, investors and other technology builders across Africa.

Who can apply: Founders aged 18+ building technology-driven companies. Blockchain and Web3 companies are welcome but the programme is open to all tech sectors.

ℹ️ Open to founders beyond blockchain — AI, fintech, cybersecurity, healthtech, climate technology, developer tools and digital infrastructure are all welcome.

Recognition and continental visibility

The Africa Impact Awards recognise individuals, organisations and initiatives creating measurable social and economic impact across Africa, highlighting leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability and innovation.

Who can apply: African entrepreneurs, organisations, community leaders and impact-driven initiatives.

ℹ️ Awards highlight leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability and innovation across different sectors.

USD 3,500 (organisations) · USD 1,000 (individuals)

The Leave Your Mark Grant supports organisations and individuals undertaking mission, volunteer and social-impact activities around the world. Applicants explain how they are addressing community challenges and how grant support would strengthen their work.

Who can apply: Mission and social-good organisations and eligible individuals worldwide undertaking volunteer or social-impact activities.

ℹ️ Two organisations receive USD 3,500 each; three individuals receive USD 1,000 each.

Share of up to USD 10,000 in cash grants

The Africa Energy Innovation Challenge supports young Africans developing practical energy solutions that create jobs, strengthen agribusiness, improve local manufacturing and expand digital connectivity. The challenge runs four thematic tracks covering green jobs, waste-to-energy, value addition and AI.

Who can apply: Young African professionals and energy entrepreneurs aged 18–35 developing practical energy solutions.

ℹ️ Winners also receive mentorship and business-development support. Tracks: Youth Employment & Green Jobs, Agribusiness & Waste-to-Energy, Local Manufacturing & Value Addition, AI & Connectivity.

Up to €80,000 in catalytic grant funding

The MORE HEALTH for Africa Programme supports African social enterprises developing solutions that improve healthcare access for underserved communities. Beyond catalytic funding, selected organisations receive comprehensive support including investor connections, mentorship and international exposure.

Who can apply: Post-revenue social enterprises operating in Africa and delivering healthcare innovations that improve access for underserved communities.

ℹ️ Selected organisations also receive business-development support, investor connections, mentorship, masterclasses and international exposure.

Up to USD 14,490,000

This funding supports regional economic integration, governance and responsible investment in the critical-minerals sector in the Great Lakes region. The programme provides technical and advisory support to institutions and stakeholders in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.

Who can apply: Eligible nonprofit organisations, higher-education institutions and other organisations meeting the funding requirements, focused on the Great Lakes region of Africa.

ℹ️ Supports technical and advisory assistance to institutions and stakeholders in Burundi, DRC, Rwanda and Uganda.

Up to £50,000 in prize money

The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation supports African entrepreneurs developing scalable engineering solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges. Shortlisted entrepreneurs gain eight months of intensive training, mentoring, communications support and access to international networks.

Who can apply: Entrepreneurs and innovators from Sub-Saharan Africa developing scalable engineering innovations with commercial, social and environmental potential.

ℹ️ Up to 16 shortlisted entrepreneurs participate in an intensive eight-month training and mentoring programme with access to technical expertise, business-development support and international networks.

USD 10,000 each for 10 civil-society organisations

The SWA Civil Society Catalytic Funding supports civil-society organisations seeking to move beyond participation and advocacy to influence government policy, financing decisions and accountability in the water and sanitation sector.

Who can apply: SWA Civil Society Constituency partners and eligible members of regional partner networks working in water, sanitation and related advocacy.

ℹ️ Supports advocacy focused on political prioritisation of water and sanitation, translating government commitments into action and strengthening accountability.

USD 10,000 – USD 20,000

The Resilient Futures Call 2026 supports non-partisan initiatives working at the intersection of democratic political leadership and climate resilience. The programme is global with Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa identified as priority countries in Africa.

Who can apply: Organisations, networks, collectives and individuals with new or early-stage non-partisan initiatives working at the intersection of democratic political leadership and climate resilience. Applicants do not need to be registered charities.

ℹ️ Incubation Grants of up to USD 50,000 are also available but are nomination-only. Priority African countries: Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

USD 10,000 – USD 100,000

The Numun Fund's Seed, Grow & Sustain Grant provides flexible, multi-year funding to organizations and collectives using technology as part of feminist and social-justice organizing across Africa. African organisations are explicitly eligible across West, Central, East and Southern Africa.

Who can apply: Feminist-tech organisations, initiatives, collectives and groups across Africa — including registered and unregistered groups, online initiatives and feminist programmes housed within larger human-rights or digital-rights organisations.

ℹ️ Three tiers: Seed (USD 10,000–20,000), Grow (USD 20,000–50,000), and Sustain (USD 50,000–100,000), provided over a two-year cycle.

Up to USD 15,000

The WHO African Region and TDR Impact Grants support implementation research designed to solve practical public-health problems across Africa. The research is expected to produce evidence that can improve how health programmes and interventions are delivered in real-world African settings.

Who can apply: Researchers, health institutions, government programmes and eligible NGOs based in the WHO African Region, including universities, research institutions, ministries of health and disease-control programmes.

ℹ️ Projects last up to 12 months. Applications accepted in English, French or Portuguese.

Up to USD 15 million

GIF provides flexible funding to innovations capable of improving the lives of people in lower-income and underserved communities. The fund operates an open application window, allowing eligible organisations to apply on a rolling basis with funding calibrated to the stage of innovation.

Who can apply: Startups, social enterprises, nonprofits, research institutions and other organisations developing scalable innovations benefiting underserved populations in developing countries, with a strong emphasis on Africa and Asia.

ℹ️ Tiered: early-stage pilots up to USD 230,000; Test & Transition up to USD 2.3 million; proven solutions scaling up to USD 15 million. Financing may be grants, debt or equity.

Up to USD 500

The Daily Grant Programme provides seed funding to changemakers working on charitable, community-focused projects. Designed for early-stage and grassroots initiatives, selected grantees may also access capacity-building workshops, wellbeing support and resource-navigation opportunities.

Who can apply: Individuals, volunteer-led groups and startup nonprofits worldwide working on charitable, community-focused projects with a total budget under USD 10,000.

ℹ️ Project must be volunteer-led with a total budget under USD 10,000. Applicants must not already be receiving a Daily Grant.

Up to USD 50,000

DRF's 2026 grant round supports disability-led advocacy and movement-building under its strategy 'Disability-Led Futures for a Just World.' Particularly interested in initiatives at the intersection of disability rights with gender, climate, economic, and racial justice. Most grants fund 12 months of work starting January 2027.

Who can apply: Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), disability-led organisations, eligible coalitions, and regional OPD networks. Regional applicants must be registered at the regional level and operating in more than 3 countries.

ℹ️ Two-stage process: submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by June 21 → invited applicants submit full application by August 23, 2026. Projects begin January 1, 2027. Government institutions, public universities, individuals, and service-provision projects are not eligible.

Up to AUD 80,000

The Australian Embassy's Direct Aid Program funds locally-led projects delivering direct, immediate, and high-impact benefits to vulnerable and marginalised communities. Priority given to projects demonstrating strong community ownership, sustainability, gender equality, and environmental protection.

Who can apply: Community groups, NGOs, civil society organisations, and not-for-profit organisations implementing development activities in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, DRC, or Republic of Congo.

ℹ️ Funding is on a not-for-profit basis. Operating and administrative costs (salaries, allowances, office rent, utilities) are generally not eligible. Applicants must submit a detailed budget with supporting quotations and two independent referees.