;)
August opportunities for social enterprise
This month’s roundup of grants, fellowships, awards and accelerators is here. Explore the latest opportunities and be sure to apply before the deadlines.
Impact Revenue Investments Programme (Queensland Government)
Deadline: 4 August 2025
Up to AUD 200,000 over two years to help Queensland social enterprises create meaningful social change. Support combines an upfront AUD 30,000 payment with revenue linked top ups tied to trading growth (capped at AUD 100,000 each year, inclusive of the upfront payment in Year 1). Funding is flexible for operational or capital needs and includes peer learning support through the Social Entrepreneurs Fund. Two stage application: brief expression of interest then invited full submission.
Call for Proposals: CCAC Food & Nutrition Challenge Grant
Deadline: 6 August 2025
Up to USD 2,000,000 for cross-sector projects that strengthen natural cycles, advance practices and measures to preserve soils, expand energy-efficient cold chains across the entire value chain, support the prevention of edible food waste or its redistribution or shape and strengthen financial systems to document GHG emission reductions. Projects should complete within 24 months; eligible non-profits begin with an online concept note to the Climate & Clean Air Coalition.
Shorty Impact Awards 2025
Deadline: 14 August 2025
International awards spotlighting purpose‑driven work, campaigns, content, causes and partnerships that create positive change. Work must have been at least partly live between 1 January 2024 and 4 September 2025. Entry fees scale by deadline and verified non‑profits receive a USD 100 discount per category.
Call for Proposals: Civil Society Against Illicit Financial Flows in Eastern and Southern Africa
Deadline: 15 August 2025
SecFin is inviting proposals from eligible NGOs and research institutes for projects that address illicit financial flows and organised crime. Grants of EUR 50,000–150,000 will support initiatives that build public awareness, promote transparency, strengthen accountability and drive policy advocacy. Activities may include training, campaigns, research and data collection. Project duration is 24–27 months.
Zendesk Impact Awards 2025
Deadline: 15 August 2025
Supports registered non‑profits that use technology to serve vulnerable or disadvantaged communities in the Zendesk Foundation focus areas: fostering community, promoting resilience in crisis and creating career pathways in tech. Multiple grants from USD 5,000 to USD 50,000 plus Zendesk software donations available worldwide.
Emerging Climate Champions Award
Deadline: 15 August 2025 (registration)
A global Open Call funded by the Enlight Foundation and The Patchwork Collective offering youth-led organisations (ages 15–35) flexible, multi-year funding of USD 1,000,000 each. The Award supports groups with proven, scalable climate solutions rooted in community impact and climate justice. Eligible organisations must be legally registered, active for at least two years, community-led and have youth in executive or board-level leadership roles. Organisations from all around the world are encouraged to apply, including Indigenous-, women- and grassroots-led initiatives, particularly from historically underfunded regions. Focus areas include education, resilience, sustainable tech, agriculture, organising and more. The process includes a participatory review and offers language access support.
Youth Solidarity Fund 2025
Deadline: 15 August 2025
Seed funding of up to USD 25,000 for youth-led organisations promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue, peace and inclusion. Projects must be designed and implemented by youth (ages 18–35) and align with the values and mission of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC). Eligible organisations must be legally registered, youth-led (with youth holding majority leadership roles) and have a strong focus on community peacebuilding. UNAOC especially welcomes projects that address discrimination, hate speech and violent extremism through education, arts, sports, media and dialogue. Funded projects also receive capacity-building support, mentorship and international networking opportunities.
One World Media Fellowship 2025–2026
Deadline: 20 August 2025
Flagship support for mid‑career journalists and documentary filmmakers from (and reporting in) the Global South. Ten Fellows receive a GBP 1,000–3,000 reporting grant, one‑to‑one mentoring (including Executive Producer support), industry workshops and help placing non‑fiction stories in established outlets. Projects should be in pre‑production and deliverable within a year. Submissions from underrepresented groups (people of colour, ethnic groups, women, LGBTQ+, or people with disabilities) are particularly encouraged.
Ontario Community Changemakers Programme 2025–2026
Deadline: 25 August 2025
CAD 5,000 micro‑grants plus travel‑supported training for community projects that activate public space, boost civic engagement or foster social inclusion across Ontario (including First Nations Territories within the provincial boundary). Applicants must be 19+ and able to attend the October Studio (orientation online then two in‑person days in Toronto); programme runs October 2025–September 2026 with virtual coaching throughout.
Future For Nature Award 2026
Deadline: 25 August 2025
An international award recognising three outstanding young conservationists (ages 18–35) who have achieved proven results in protecting wild species and habitats. Each winner receives EUR 50,000 for their ongoing conservation work (new proposals are not eligible), plus international recognition, expert support and a formal celebration in the Netherlands. The award is open to individuals—not teams or organisations—who demonstrate passion, leadership and impact in the field of nature conservation. Winners also join the global Future For Nature Family, a growing network of conservation changemakers.
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2025
Deadline: 29 August 2025
Grants of USD 3,000–15,000 for youth-led (ages 18–30) social and environmental ventures aligned with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Open to impact-focused, 100% youth-led startups. Finalists receive pitch coaching, learning resources and access to the year-round Social Shifters Global Opportunities Network. One application qualifies you for multiple award streams.
Community Empowerment Grant Programme / Small Grant Scheme
Deadline: 29 August 2025
Grants of USD 5,000–8,000 for African community-based organisations, NGOs and civil society groups piloting locally led, high-impact climate finance initiatives. Projects should be market-driven and promote climate justice, green jobs and sustainable development. Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit, non-religious and non-political entities operating at the grassroots level for 1–3 years. Women-led, youth-led and marginalised group organisations are strongly encouraged to apply. Funded projects should focus on climate action, public engagement, accountability and advocacy—especially for vulnerable communities. Proposals will be assessed on innovation, inclusivity, sustainability and scalability. Projects must be implemented within 6–12 months.
UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education
Deadline: 1 September 2025
A biennial award recognising two outstanding initiatives that advance peace, human rights and global citizenship through education. One prize of USD 50,000 will be awarded to a youth-led organisation and another to an individual, institution, NGO, or similar entity. Projects must be at least one year old and demonstrate impact in areas such as inclusivity, human rights, critical thinking, peacebuilding and intercultural understanding. All applications must be submitted via nomination by a National Commission for UNESCO or an authorised NGO partner. This is the inaugural edition of the Prize, supported by the Republic of Korea and offers global recognition for transformative education initiatives contributing to more just, inclusive and peaceful societies.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want to receive social enterprise opportunities directly in your mailbox?
Sign up for our newsletter: Click here
Access social enterprise knowledge in SEWF Resource Library: Click here
👉 Malaysia’s Social Enterprise Accreditation Guidelines
👉 Grassroots and non-profit perspectives on generative AI
👉 CESA Caso de Estudio: Determinantes de Éxito y Fracaso de los Emprendimientos Sociales en Colombia – CESA Case Study: Exploring Success and Challenge in Social Entrepreneurship in Colombia
