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Social enterprise opportunities – August 2026
August 2026 brings a wide mix of opportunities for social enterprises and changemakers worldwide from agri-tech and EdTech accelerators to fellowships, scholarships and awards spanning health, science and youth-led innovation. Deadlines run throughout the month, so read on to find the right fit for you.
timbuktoo EdTech Hub Incubation Programme
Deadline: Rolling
Region: Africa
The UNDP’s timbuktoo EdTech Hub is launching a pan-African incubation programme for start-ups working in education, training and skills development. Selected start-ups will receive structured incubation delivered by leading African incubators, mentorship from sector experts, investment readiness support and access to acceleration programmes and early-stage investment opportunities. Participants will also join a pan-African network of founders, incubators and ecosystem partners and gain access to the SIGMA digital platform.
To be eligible, applicants must be based in Africa, offer a solution related to education, training, or skills development, have a prototype that can be tested or deployed locally and have a committed team available to participate. UNDP particularly encourages applications from start-ups led by women, originating from rural areas, or integrating local languages or accessibility solutions.
CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge
Deadline: 8 August 2026
Region: Ghana
The CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge supports early-stage agri-tech innovators developing solutions that strengthen circular economy practices, enhance food security and build long-term resilience in Ghana’s agricultural sector. Led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through the Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) and delivered in partnership with IWMI, UNIDO and E4Impact, the programme offers a fully funded 4-day immersive bootcamp in Accra, a 3-month sponsored accelerator, expert mentorship from CGIAR scientists and UNIDO specialists and connections to investors and commercial partners.
The challenge is open to early-stage agri-tech teams with a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP) – ideally already tested with end-users – and actively fundraising at pre-seed or seed stage. Priority focus areas include circular soil fertility solutions, digital advisory systems, waste valorisation, supply chain traceability and inclusive circular business models for youth and women.
L’Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents Caribbean for Women in Science
Deadline: 14 August 2026
Region: Caribbean
The L’Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents Caribbean for Women in Science programme recognises and rewards exceptional young women researchers across the Caribbean for scientific excellence and their commitment to inspiring the next generation. It provides two endowments of USD 15,000 each per year, along with leadership and communication training to support career progression.
The programme is open to doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers and early-career scientists (within three years of joining a research institution) who hold nationality from one of the Caribbean countries and territories and are conducting research in fields including life and environmental sciences, material sciences, mathematics, computer and information sciences, or engineering. Applicants must be based in a Caribbean research institution and fluency in English is required.
Health Justice Fellowship
Deadline: 15 August
Region: United States
The Health Justice Fellowship is a nine-month virtual programme run by Social Mission Alliance, designed to support health professions trainees who are committed to advancing health justice. The programme includes monthly seminars, group learning community meetings, one-on-one mentoring and an in-person intensive at the Social Mission Alliance Conference. All fellows receive a USD 2,000 stipend.
The fellowship is open to students currently enrolled in good standing at a U.S. medical school, dental school, nursing school, physician associate program, or school of public health.
UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026
Deadline: 16 August 2026
Region: Global
The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026, run by UNESCO, invites young people worldwide to design innovative solutions for Media and Information Literacy (MIL) under the theme “Play Your Part: Youth Designing the Future of Media and Information Literacy.” All registered participants can access a two-day online mentoring programme on 1-2 July, featuring experts in MIL, digital transformation, AI and project development. Four winning teams will be invited to the Voices European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom in Thessaloniki, Greece (26-28 November 2026), with UNESCO covering flights, accommodation and meals for two members per team.
Open to teams of 2-6 members aged 18-30 from anywhere in the world – no prior experience is required and international teams are encouraged. Teams can focus on areas including AI and MIL, MIL education, community impact, youth engagement, or an open MIL-related track.
ISC Civic Science Fellow
Deadline: 16 August 2026
Region: Global
The International Science Council (ISC) is offering an 18-month Civic Science Fellowship focused on science communication at the science-policy interface. Hosted virtually, the Fellowship provides a monthly stipend of approximately USD 5,000, fully funded through the Rita Allen Civic Science Fellows program. The Fellow will work with the ISC Secretariat, global membership and international partners to analyse current practices and develop practical guidance for communicating scientific evidence in international policy environments.
This Fellowship is open to early- to mid-career researchers who hold a PhD – or expect to complete one before September 2026 – in a relevant discipline such as science communication, behavioural science, political science, or public policy. Applicants must be available on a full-time basis for the full 18-month duration from September 2026 and able to undertake occasional international travel.
ASIF Ignite Africa – Cohort 1
Deadline: 17 August 2026
Region: Africa
ASIF Ignite is an 8-week fully remote cohort programme by BFA Global, helping early-stage founders test prototypes with real users and build credible evidence of impact. Cohort 1 focuses on food and agriculture value chains in Africa, offering group workshops, one-to-one specialist office hours, tool subscriptions and feedback from industry experts and investors.
Open to MSMEs, start-ups, social enterprises and founder-led ventures building climate adaptation and resilience solutions, applicants must have a functional prototype ready for real-world testing and a business model moving toward earned revenue – organisations primarily funded by donor grants are not eligible. The cohort aims for at least 40% women in leadership.
Canvas Home Small Grants Project
Deadline: 17 August 2026
Region: Global
Sponsored by Canvas Home and Creative Learning, this long-running small grants programme provides direct financial assistance to artisan businesses in developing countries. Grants fund the purchase of materials, tools, equipment, training, or marketing services to expand employment and generate sustainable income.
Eligible applicants are established groups of craft producers – including cooperatives, small businesses and community-based organisations – operating in developing countries with a focus on crafts. Two grant types are available: a Materials, Tools, Equipment and Instruction Grant and a Marketing Support Grant.
McCall MacBain Scholarships
Deadline: 19 August 2026 (International) / 23 September 2026 (Canada and United States)
Region: Global
The McCall MacBain Scholarships offer up to 30 full scholarships and 100 entrance awards each year for master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate programmes at McGill University in Canada. Full scholars receive tuition and fees, a monthly living stipend of CAD 2,300 during academic terms, a one-time relocation grant, options for summer funding and access to a leadership development programme including mentors, advisors and workshops.
Open to individuals on track to complete, or who have recently completed, their first bachelor’s degree – with an age consideration for those who graduated more than five years ago. Applicants must also meet McGill’s minimum degree and language requirements for admission.
iF Social Impact Prize
Deadline: 19 August 2026
Region: Global
The iF Social Impact Prize is a free-to-enter annual award run by iF Design that distributes EUR 100,000 to projects making a positive contribution to society. Selected projects receive a share of the prize fund, publication on the iF Design website, a winner certificate and exposure to a global design community and media.
Open to companies, NGOs, foundations, social enterprises and other organisations worldwide, the prize is for established projects – not student concepts – aligned with one or more of the 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Projects must have a design component, which is one of five jury evaluation criteria.
Smart Social Economy Model in Tourism (Long Distance Trails)
Deadline: 26 August 2026
Region: Europe (EU Member States)
The European Commission’s Pilot Projects and Preparation Actions (PPPA) programme is funding transnational projects that test and scale social economy models in sustainable tourism along long-distance trails crossing EU Member States. Grants of up to EUR 1,500,000 are available, supporting community-led approaches designed for replication across other EU regions.
Eligible applicants are transnational consortia drawn from at least two EU Member States, including local authorities, Destination Management Organisations, tourism stakeholders and social economy entities. Projects should address sustainable rural development, cultural heritage, community ownership and inclusive entrepreneurship, with particular attention to under-represented groups including women, youth and seniors.
The Imagine Award – Promise Venture Studio
Deadline: 28 August 2026
Region: United States
The Imagine Award, offered by the Promise Fund at Promise Venture Studio, provides up to 10 early-stage social entrepreneurs with USD 20,000 in flexible funding and a six-month cohort-based learning experience. Support includes one-on-one partnership, mentoring, cohort workshops, an in-person convening and ongoing alumni community access.
Eligible applicants are proximate leaders – those with first-hand connection to the communities they serve – working on idea-stage solutions to barriers facing children aged 0-5, caregivers and their families in the United States. Applicants should not have raised or earned more than USD 100,000 with their proposed idea and must be prepared to launch and run a pilot within six months of receiving the award.
Google for start-ups Accelerator: South Africa
Deadline: 28 August 2026
Region: South Africa
The Google for start-ups Accelerator: South Africa is a three-month hybrid programme bringing Google’s expertise, products and mentorship to growth-stage tech start-ups led by South Africans. Each cohort of 10-15 start-ups receives equity-free support including up to ZAR 1 million in non-dilutive cash funding, dedicated mentoring from Google teams and access to AI products, cloud credits and industry experts.
The programme is open to South African-led, growth-stage, revenue-generating start-ups building scalable and technically driven products – with a preference for those leveraging AI and machine learning. The CTO and relevant technical team members must be available to participate in all programme elements.
Horizon Fellowship
Deadline: 30 August 2026
Region: USA
The Horizon Fellowship, run by the Horizon Institute for Public Service, places AI, biotechnology and emerging technology experts in full-time policy roles at US federal agencies, congressional offices and think tanks in Washington, DC for up to two years. Fellows receive a base salary from USD 78,000 to USD 190,000+, a USD 17,000 benefits-equivalent stipend, a USD 3,000 professional development stipend and up to USD 3,000 for relocation.
Open to junior fellows (under 3 years’ experience or current students), fellows (3+ years or a PhD) and senior fellows (12+ years with leadership experience). Applicants should have demonstrated expertise in an emerging technology area; prior policy experience is not required.
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026
Deadline: 31 August 2026
Region: Global
The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026 is a competition for young changemakers, offering multiple grant awards of up to USD 15,000 for youth-led projects already delivering social or environmental impact. Participants also receive free learning resources and access to a global community of young social leaders from the moment they register. Finalists receive additional support including one-to-one pitch coaching and enhanced visibility opportunities.
Open to founders aged 18-30 who hold majority ownership (51% or more) and clear decision-making authority over their start-up or project, which must already be delivering measurable social or environmental impact aligned with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal. Applications are welcome from for-profit ventures, non-profits and unregistered initiatives incorporated within the last five years. The competition is fully online and open worldwide, except for submissions from Russia, Belarus, Syria, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela.
Digital Inclusion Fellowship
Deadline: 31 August 2026
Region: USA (select locations)
NTEN’s Digital Inclusion Fellowship is a year-long programme supporting non-profit professionals to design and launch sustainable digital literacy programmes in their communities. Fellows receive professional development training, mentorship and access to a national network of digital inclusion experts, alongside a project mini-grant of between USD 1,000 and USD 5,000, with all fellowship-related costs covered.
Open to staff at non-profits and social service agencies in select US locations, the fellowship is particularly suited to those with a background in community work and programme management who are engaged with the communities they serve. Applicants must have full supervisor support to commit to the year-long programme; familiarity with digital inclusion or adult education is preferred but not required.
Disclaimer: The opportunities listed here are drawn from publicly available sources and provided for informational purposes only. They do not constitute professional or legal advice and Social Enterprise World Forum accepts no responsibility for actions taken in relation to this information. We encourage all users to read the full terms and conditions of any opportunity before taking action. To request changes or removal of a listing, contact us at events@sewfonline.com.
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