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December opportunities for social enterprise
Explore this curated selection of global programmes, grants and awards with upcoming deadlines, including key details to help you decide which opportunities to pursue and apply for.
UN Tourism Social Innovation Challenge
Deadline: 8 December 2025
A global call to empower and accelerate start-ups and scaleups with a minimum viable product (MVP) or ready for implementation, delivering sustainable, inclusive and green solutions for social impact. Applicants must offer bold, tech-driven and people-focused solutions across three categories: community-based tourism (empowering local participation and cultural preservation), inclusivity and accessibility (designing travel for people with disabilities, seniors and those with access needs) and green projects (reducing the environmental footprint of tourism and advancing circular economy models). Finalists will join the UN Tourism Innovation Network, gain access to global investors and receive up to six full scholarships funded by the Sommet Education Foundation to study hospitality and hotel management at Les Roches Global Hospitality Education in Spain. They will also pitch at the UN Tourism Demo Day and receive tailored mentorship and exposure through UN Tourism and Plug and Play.
CCAC Challenge Programme: Accelerating eCooking Uptake in Africa
Deadline: 12 December 2025
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is inviting proposals for its Challenge Programme focused on increasing the adoption of electric cooking solutions in eligible African countries. The aim is to reduce indoor air pollution, improve health outcomes, support climate action and unlock economic opportunities across the clean cooking value chain. This call is open to non-profit organisations, intergovernmental organisations and public institutions operating in countries that receive official development assistance. Projects should address at least three priority areas including developing locally appropriate eCooking solutions, improving infrastructure for household energy access, creating financial models that improve affordability and supporting women and communities through behaviour change and empowerment. Proposals must demonstrate clear climate, health and gender impact and show how the project can be scaled or replicated. Proposals must be submitted in consortiums (at least 2 organisations). Organisations applying must have a presence in the beneficiary country. Projects must follow CCAC budget and gender requirements and be completed within a period of less than 24 months.
United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2026
Deadline: 14 December 2025
The UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a global recruitment initiative that opens the door for highly qualified young professionals from underrepresented and unrepresented countries to begin a career at the United Nations Secretariat. This entry route selects candidates through a competitive examination process followed by structured professional development and rotational assignments within the UN system. Successful candidates are offered a fixed-term position at the P-1 or P-2 level, gaining international experience in areas such as human rights, political affairs, economic development, social policy and communication. Applicants must hold a first-level university degree, be 32 years or younger by 31 December 2025 and have fluency in either English or French. Eligible nationalities vary each year. The 2026 cycle continues the UN’s commitment to global diversity and equitable representation within the Secretariat.
Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge 2025
Deadline: 15 December 2025
Hosted by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation (STF), this global competition awards a total of up to USD 1 million to scientists, entrepreneurs, innovators, NGOs, research institutions and social enterprises developing bold and scalable solutions that transform food systems. The Challenge supports innovations that make food systems more sustainable, resilient and health centred, improving access to safe, nutritious food for all. Projects may receive up to USD 25,000 in the early stage and more in later rounds, with awards distributed across three tiers of funding. Eligible applicants must be legally registered entities capable of managing grants and demonstrate the ability to deliver measurable, scalable impact. The focus areas include safe and nutritious food, regenerative and circular production and equitable access to affordable and appealing food. Cross-sector collaborations and early submissions are encouraged.
Africa Impact Fundraising Grant Program
Deadline: 16 December 2025
The Africa Impact Fundraising Grant Program supports NGOs, community based organisations and social enterprises across the African continent that want to strengthen their fundraising skills and build long-term financial stability. Eligible organisations must be formally registered in one of the fifty five African Union member states. The programme begins with online training on small donor campaigns followed by a 30-day fundraising challenge where participants apply what they have learned in real time. Organisations can receive up to USD 5,000 in matching funds. Up to 10 top-performing organisations will be invited to Kigali, Rwanda, for a one week intensive workshop covering financial management, donor research, grant writing, marketing, communications and local fundraising strategies. All participating organisations receive twelve months of free fiscal sponsorship and additional performance-based fundraising opportunities will be provided as the programme develops.
Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2025
Deadline: 17 December 2025
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award honours young changemakers aged 18 to 30 who have contributed meaningfully with technology to help end extreme poverty. Established by Global Citizen and Cisco, the award recognises an individual who has demonstrated measurable impact through innovation, leadership and dedication to advancing one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The winner receives a USD 250,000 prize paid directly to the organisation they lead or are deeply involved in, helping scale their impact and expand their reach. The award is open globally to youth whose work embodies social innovation and community transformation.
Good Relations Awards (UK)
Deadline: 19 December 2025
Recognising contributions to peacebuilding and community relations in Northern Ireland. Nominations are accepted for individuals, volunteers, young people, community groups and projects that bring people together and support dialogue, inclusion and shared community life. To be eligible, nominees must be based in Northern Ireland and actively involved in work that improves community relations. This can include peacebuilding, intercultural or faith-based work, youth engagement, community development, support for new communities, or initiatives that celebrate cultural identity in a respectful way and more. Young people nominated for the Youth Award must be under 25.
SparkUp Initiative Fellowship
Deadline: 20 December 2025
The SparkUp Initiative Fellowship is a global capacity building programme that supports women-led organisations to strengthen their fundraising skills and grow their impact. The fellowship equips participants with practical tools to build effective fundraising strategies, design strong project ideas and engage confidently with international donors. It also supports organisations to explore digital fundraising, improve grant writing and join a community of women leaders who learn from one another. The programme runs for two months and includes online group sessions, one to one mentorship and peer learning. It is open to women-led NGOs and grassroots organisations based in developing countries in Asia, Africa and selected smaller European countries. Both new and established organisations can apply. Applicants must hold a leadership position and submit an application form, a one page concept note, a CV and a signed confirmation letter.
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