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Social enterprise opportunities – September 2026
This September, opportunities for social enterprises and changemakers span the globe, with AI and climate innovation programmes sitting alongside fellowships, grants and awards in health, education and human rights. Deadlines fall throughout the month, so there’s no time to lose in finding the right fit.
Kenya Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Programme
Deadline: 6 September 2026
Region: Kenya
A national initiative led by Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), the Technopolis Development Authority (TDA) and UNDP Kenya, this programme identifies and supports safe, responsible and high-impact AI use cases. Selected participants receive stage-appropriate access to AI compute, data preparation, technical assistance and responsible AI guidance across two pathways – Public-Service Delivery AI and GreenTech & Environmental AI.
Open to legally established Kenyan public institutions, universities and research institutions and registered start-ups and innovators. Eligibility criteria vary by pathway and applicant type – individuals and informal teams are not eligible independently but may participate through an eligible organisation.
2027 OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP)
Deadline: 6 September 2026
Region: Global
The Indigenous Fellowship Programme is a four-week training programme run by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), held in Geneva. Launched in 1997, it equips indigenous participants with knowledge of the UN system and human rights mechanisms, with a focus on indigenous rights. The programme is delivered in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese with simultaneous interpretation and typically coincides with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Selected fellows receive a return flight ticket, living expenses and basic health insurance for the duration of the programme. Participants are expected to share their learning with their communities or organisations upon return.
Global South Civil Society Microgrants
Deadline: 6 September 2026
Region: Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia
The Pulitzer Center offers microgrants of USD 2,000 to USD 4,000 to support civic engagement projects that use Pulitzer Center-supported journalism to deepen public understanding of challenges facing rainforests, oceans and climate and labor. Projects can build on existing activities or launch new ones, with implementation running October 2026 to March 2027.
Open to grassroots organisations, civil society coalitions, youth movements, artists and community educators in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia, this grant cycle focuses on three issue areas: rainforest, ocean and climate and labor. Applicants should have prior experience in civic engagement and a track record of co-creating projects with communities.
Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator
Deadline: 6 September 2026
Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
The Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) is a programme run by the WFP Innovation Accelerator in partnership with the Adaptation Fund, identifying and scaling locally rooted innovations that strengthen climate adaptation and food security. This third cohort focuses on communities in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Peru, supporting solutions tailored to each country’s specific climate challenges. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an innovation bootcamp in January 2027 and may then access structured support and funding through a nine-month sprint programme.
Open to established legal entities – including for-profits, NGOs, INGOs and social businesses – with a presence in one of the three target countries. Innovations must be at seed stage or beyond, address country-specific climate adaptation priority areas and demonstrate a clear pathway to scale. Applications must be submitted in English only.
Fast Forward Accelerator
Deadline: 7 September 2026
Region: Global
The three-month 2027 Accelerator provides selected organisations with USD 25,000+ in unrestricted funding, expert mentorship from leaders in tech and social impact and pitch training culminating in a Demo Day presentation to hundreds of social impact investors and practitioners.
The programme is open to tech non-profit founders looking to scale their impact. The curriculum covers both tech development and non-profit management and participants gain access to Fast Forward’s ongoing portfolio support beyond the programme.
Information Controls Research Program
Deadline: 7 September 2026
Region: Global
The Information Controls Research Program (ICRP), run by the Open Technology Fund (OTF), supports applied research into internet censorship, surveillance and information controls in the most repressive environments globally. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of USD 7,000 for a 3, 6, 9, or 12-month period, with additional travel and equipment stipends of up to USD 5,000 each.
Open to applicants from a wide range of disciplines – including computer science, engineering, information security, social sciences and data visualisation – at any career stage, from students to mid-career practitioners. Researchers from the majority world and those with lived experience in restrictive information environments are particularly encouraged to apply.
Leading Change Fellowship 2026-27
Deadline: 7 September 2026
Region: Canada
The Leading Change Fellowship is a virtual, cohort-based leadership development program run by Leading Change Canada, covering three focus areas: environmental resilience, financial wellbeing and cooperation in business. Running from fall 2026 to February 2027, it offers expert-led workshops, peer learning and a collaborative impact project, with participation available on a sliding-scale model with a suggested contribution of CAD 200.
Open to people aged 19-35 residing in Canada, the Fellowship welcomes applicants from all industries, educational backgrounds and lived experiences who are early in their career, navigating a career transition, or looking to grow their leadership capacity. No professional background in sustainability is required.
Rural AI Catalyst Fund
Deadline: 8 September 2026
Region: USA (Rural Georgia, Nebraska, or Texas)
The Rural AI Catalyst Fund is a national initiative supporting rural communities to build AI skills, workforce capacity and local partnerships. Managed by TechSoup with support from Google and the Nasdaq Foundation, the fund offers grants of USD 250,000 or USD 500,000, alongside technical assistance, AI upskilling and collaborative learning, with project implementation periods of up to 12 months.
Open to 501(c)(3) non-profits, public libraries and federally or state-recognised tribal organisations in rural Georgia, Nebraska, or Texas, applicants must have an annual operating budget of at least USD 1 million and a minimum of three full-time employees. Projects must address one of four focus areas – agriculture, education, healthcare, or small business – and demonstrate a meaningful use of AI or data tools to create measurable community impact.
Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation
Deadline: 8 September 2026
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, is Africa’s biggest prize dedicated to engineering innovation. Up to 16 shortlisted participants receive an eight-month tailored training programme, two fully-funded training weeks (one in the UK and one in a major African city), business and technical mentoring and communications support. Finalists present their innovation at a showcase event, with prize money of up to GBP 50,000.
Open to entrepreneurs based in sub-Saharan Africa who are in the early stages of commercialising an engineering innovation from any engineering discipline. Innovations must have strong commercial viability, clear potential to scale and deliver social or environmental benefits to communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Nonprofit Open Source Partnership
Deadline: 9 September 2026
Region: Global
Bloomberg, Develop for Good, CodeDay and Fast Forward have partnered to help tech non-profits convert existing tools into publicly accessible, licensed and documented open source resources – at no cost. Each selected organisation receives a dedicated team of eight vetted college student developers, supported by Bloomberg employee mentors, for 16 weeks of technical work (approximately 800 hours per team).
Open to non-profits globally with an existing tool ready to open source, or an open source project they would like support contributing to. A point of contact at the organisation should be available for around two to three hours per week throughout the 16-week programme.
New_ Public Entrepreneur in Residence
Deadline: 9 September 2026
Region: North America
New_Public is offering a 3-month virtual residency for two solo founders building the next generation of digital connection or civic information tools. The program provides a USD 22,500 stipend, USD 1,500 toward an AI tool of the resident’s choice, hands-on product and strategy support and access to five years of original research on platform design, moderation and community governance – with no equity taken.
The residency is open to founders based in the United States, Canada, or Mexico who are at any stage – early ideas are welcome and no working product is required. Focus areas are products that bring people into meaningful contact online and tools for distributing local news or building community knowledge.
Africa Energy Innovation Competition
Deadline: 10 September 2026
Region: Africa
The 11th Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC), organised by NEF, mobilises young energy entrepreneurs across Africa to develop, prototype and scale innovative devices, digital tools and business models across four tracks – covering youth employment and green jobs, agribusiness and waste-to-energy, local manufacturing and AI and connectivity. Winners receive a share of cash prize grants of up to USD 10,000, complimentary access to the 2026 Nigeria Energy Forum and business development workshops and mentorship valued at over USD 15,000, plus support from a venture incubator.
Open to young professionals aged 18-35 from across Africa, applicants must apply as gender-balanced teams of at least three people. Solutions are assessed on local content, originality, commercial viability and their potential to connect young people to employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.
The Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship
Deadline: 10 September 2026
Region: Africa
The Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship is a fully funded, nine-month advanced training and certification programme run by CyberSafe Foundation and SANS Institute. It takes experienced African women in cybersecurity through a structured learning pathway – from AI security fundamentals to advanced application security and automation – preparing fellows to defend, build and automate secure AI systems.
The fellowship is open to women older than 21 who are African, English-speaking and currently resident in an African country, with at least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience. It is not an entry-level programme; applicants must already have a cybersecurity foundation and a genuine interest in specialising in AI security.
MORE HEALTH for Africa Program (MH4A) – Cohort 3
Deadline: 10 September 2026
Region: Africa
The MORE HEALTH for Africa Program is a partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and Villgro Africa, now open for its third cohort. Through incubation, acceleration and catalytic funding, selected enterprises receive grants of up to EUR 80,000 alongside tailored business support, investor connections, capacity-building masterclasses and global exposure at the Making More Health Together convention in Germany.
The program is open to post-revenue social enterprises operating in Africa with a focus on healthcare access and innovation. Eligible applicants should demonstrate annual revenues of at least USD 300,000, a reach of at least 100,000 people and a clear strategy to raise USD 1,000,000 or more within the next year.
Innovative Postsecondary Models Fund
Deadline: 14 September 2026
Region: United States
Managed by Panorama Global, the Innovative Postsecondary Models (IPM) Fund is a donor collaborative – backed by funders including the Gates Foundation, Lumina Foundation and Strada Education Foundation – offering grants of USD 750,000 – USD 1,000,000 to organisations reimagining how postsecondary education is designed, delivered, financed and assessed. Between 7 and 10 grants will be awarded for an 18-month period running from February 2027 to July 2028.
Open to non-profits, for-profits, fiscally sponsored organisations and international organisations, the Fund supports models that serve learners in the United States – particularly those facing the greatest barriers to postsecondary access and success. Proposals should align with at least one of four themes: reimagining instructional design and student support, advancing affordability and financial sustainability, career and workforce alignment, or removing barriers for underserved learners.
2026 Call for Proposals: Mountains ADAPT small grants
Deadline: 15 September 2026
Region: East Africa / South Caucasus
The Mountains ADAPT small grants programme, run by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), funds inclusive, ecosystem-based climate adaptation projects in mountain communities. Grants of up to USD 30,000 are available per project, alongside tailored capacity development and training support for all successful grantees. This first call aims to fund up to 15 projects across the East African Community and South Caucasus.
Formally registered civil society organisations – preferably grassroots, community-based, youth, or women’s organisations – working directly with mountain communities in the East African Community or South Caucasus are eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate experience in the target communities, with a background in adaptation or environmental activities considered an asset.
Tara’s Circle 2026
Deadline: 17 September 2026
Region: Global
Tara’s Circle is an international programme run by Tara for Women that supports women-led projects generating social, environmental and economic impact. In 2026, the programme awards EUR 100,000 in total cash prizes across five thematic impact areas, with three winning projects per area receiving EUR 10,000, EUR 6,000 and EUR 4,000 respectively. Support also includes strategic mentorship, international visibility and access to a global partner network.
Open to women aged 18 or over who are founders or co-founders actively leading their project, the programme has no geographic restrictions and welcomes applications of national or international scope. Eligible projects must be at seed stage with a defined or functional MVP and demonstrate commitment to social, environmental and/or economic impact with scalability and sustainability potential.
WomenLift Health 2027 Eastern Africa Leadership Journey
Deadline: 17 September 2026
Region: Eastern Africa
WomenLift Health’s 2027 Eastern Africa Leadership Journey is a fully funded, 12-month hybrid programme for women leaders in health. Running from March 2027 to February 2028, it covers all programme costs including travel and accommodation. Participants take part in in-person residencies, virtual mentoring and coaching and gain access to a lifelong global network of peers and allies.
The programme is open to women who are citizens residing and working in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, or Burundi, with 10-25 years of mid-career experience in health or related fields including climate, food systems, gender equity and technology. Applicants must be fluent in English and available in the EAT timezone for at least 75% of the programme duration.
Transaction Costs Support for Social Finance Intermediaries
Deadline: 23 September 2026
Region: Europe
The European Social Fund (ESF), under the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, is offering action grants to help social finance intermediaries cover the transaction costs of making small risk capital investments in social enterprises and mission-driven enterprises. A total of EUR 4,700,000 is available under this call. Eligible costs include due diligence, legal fees, travel, business development support and the establishment of impact measurement and management systems.
This call is open to financial intermediaries operating in EU Member States and ESF+ Associated Countries that make long-term risk capital investments – in the form of equity, quasi-equity, or hybrid financing – of less than EUR 1,000,000 per investee. Applications must be submitted electronically via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.
AU-EU Youth Action Lab Innovation Grants
Deadline: 23 September 2026
Region: Africa
The AU-EU Youth Action Lab offers Innovation Grants of EUR 42,000 to youth-led organisations developing innovative responses to global challenges. Beyond financial support, recipients gain access to a platform to connect with peers and decision-makers across Africa and Europe, along with mentorship and capacity development tailored to their organisation’s needs.
Open to formally registered, youth-led non-profits – including NGOs, CBOs, Trusts and CSOs – located in one of 12 focus countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Organisations must be governed and staffed entirely by young people aged 18-35, with over 80% directly involved in designing and delivering activities.
2026 GCSP Prize for Innovation
Deadline: 23 September 2026
Region: Global
The GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security is an annual award organised by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy’s Geopolitics and Global Futures Department, recognising bold and impactful contributions to global peace and security. First launched in 2015, it celebrates achievements across new initiatives, technological innovation, research and institutional work. The first-place laureate receives a CHF 10,000 cash prize and a certificate of excellence, with certificates of recognition for second and third place and honourable mentions for two additional projects.
Open to individuals and organisations from all disciplines and sectors worldwide, with no stated regional restrictions. Eligible contributions span new initiatives, technological innovations, research publications and institutional accomplishments in global security.
Indigenous Women’s Program Fellowship 2027 – Cohort V
Deadline: 24 September 2026
Region: Global
Land is Life, a global coalition supporting Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination across all seven sociocultural regions, is accepting applications for the fifth cohort of its year-long Indigenous Women’s Program Fellowship. Fellows receive up to USD 3,000 in project funding, a USD 3,600 participation stipend, personalized mentoring from experienced Indigenous women leaders and bimonthly training sessions on Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
Open to Indigenous women aged 18 to 35 who are fluent in English, French, or Spanish. Priority is given to applicants without a master’s or doctoral degree and to those from countries not previously represented in the program – former Land is Life fellows are not eligible.
Climate Resilience Awards for Business 2026
Deadline: 30 September 2026
Region: Global
The Climate Resilience Awards for Business is a joint initiative by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP), now in its second year. The programme identifies, evaluates and spotlights businesses delivering credible, real-world climate adaptation and resilience projects with measurable outcomes. Recognised organisations gain international visibility among business leaders, investors and policymakers and have their work featured as published case studies.
Open to businesses globally, applicants submit case studies under one of four categories – Building Climate-Proof Infrastructure, Promoting Water Stewardship, Safeguarding Agriculture and Food Systems, or Protecting People First. Projects must demonstrate measurable and credible resilience outcomes within the chosen category.
UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme
Deadline: 30 September 2026
Region: Africa, Small Island Developing States, Türkiye, Ukraine
A UNESCO and Government of Japan initiative awarding up to 10 fellowships of up to USD 10,000 each to support postgraduate research stays of 3 to 9 months at Japanese universities and research institutions. The grant covers international travel, accommodation, medical insurance and subsistence costs.
Open to nationals aged 40 or under from invited member states across Africa, Small Island Developing States, Türkiye and Ukraine who hold at least a Master’s degree and have secured acceptance from a Japanese academic supervisor. Proposed research must relate to heritage conservation and management or artificial intelligence applied to sustainable development.
European Youth Foundation (EYF) Grants: International Youth Co-operation 2027
Deadline: 1 October 2026
Region: Council of Europe member states (46 countries)
The European Youth Foundation (EYF) is a Council of Europe fund that provides grants to youth organisations to promote peace, human rights and international co-operation among young people aged 15 to 30. Two calls are open for 2027: one supporting international one-off youth activities such as seminars, training courses and study visits and one supporting sustained long-term projects including campaigns, advocacy, education and research.
Eligible applicants are youth NGOs established in one of the 46 Council of Europe member states and registered with the EYF before the deadline. Both calls require activities to involve young people from at least 7 countries.
Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator – Asia Pacific Call for Proposals
Deadline: 7 October 2026
Region: Asia Pacific
The UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (UN CTCN) has opened a regional call for proposals under the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA), seeking innovative climate adaptation solutions from across Asia Pacific. Up to 10 projects will be selected, each receiving up to USD 150,000 in technical assistance support for piloting their approaches. Support is delivered as technical assistance – not a direct grant – covering capacity strengthening, knowledge sharing and access to specialised expertise and resources.
Applications are open to entities based in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region that have officially nominated a National Designated Entity (NDE) to the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism. Eligible organisations include governmental institutions, universities, research centres, NGOs and private-sector entities. All countries in the region may apply, with Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States especially encouraged to do so.
LabStart 2027 Fellowship
Deadline: 9 October 2026
Region: United States
LabStart is a 12-month fellowship programme that supports entrepreneurs in launching climate tech start-ups based on licensed, lab-proven technologies. Fellows receive USD 100,000 in milestone-based funding, world-class training in climate tech entrepreneurship and IP fundamentals and introductions to top incubators, accelerators and investors.
The programme is aimed at full-time founders – particularly women, non-binary individuals, BIPOC and first-time founders – who are passionate about climate and ready to build a company. Applicants should be at the stage of exploring or pursuing a climate technology to commercialise and do not need to have raised capital already.
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship
Deadline: 19 October 2026
Region: USA
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship is a highly selective, full-time, 11-month programme designed by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. It combines eight weeks of intensive academic coursework in research methods, data analytics, economic analysis and policy analysis with nine months of applied learning at leading research centres and policy institutes. Fellows receive a USD 75,000 stipend for living and healthcare expenses, plus USD 21,000 to fully cover the fellowship academic credential.
Open to recent graduates and early-career professionals with strong STEM skills and a commitment to evidence-based change, the programme is delivered in-person at the University of Chicago Hyde Park Campus with a cohort of just 15 fellows. Focus areas include educational equity, climate action, crime reduction and government efficiency.
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.
