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March 2026 funding and opportunities for social enterprises
March 2026 is packed with opportunities for social enterprises, non-profits and impact-driven organisations worldwide. Whether you’re seeking equity-free funding, accelerator support, fellowships or leadership programmes, this month’s roundup spans everything from AI innovation grants and youth mental health start-ups to humanitarian tech challenges and women-led social enterprises. With deadlines falling throughout the month – and several rolling calls open year-round – now is the time to act. Read on for the most relevant funding, accelerators and programmes to help you grow in 2026.
UN WFP Innovation Accelerator: Humanitarian Innovation Programme in Emergency Response (Hiper)
Deadline: Rolling
Region: Global
Hiper is a global innovation initiative led by UNHRD and the WFP Innovation Accelerator that identifies, accelerates and scales high-impact product innovations for humanitarian emergency response. Innovators accepted into the programme gain inclusion in the Hiper ecosystem and consideration for ongoing opportunities and future challenges, with access to UNHRD’s global depot network and WFP’s operational reach across more than 120 countries.
This open call is for innovators and organisations with an established legal entity that have developed solutions in waste management, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), or personal resilience, designed for the critical first 60 days of a humanitarian emergency. Applications are welcome from organisations at any stage of development and headquartered in any country.
WFP Innovation Challenge
Deadline: Rolling
Region: Global
The WFP Innovation Challenge is run by the World Food Programme’s Innovation Accelerator and seeks game-changing innovations that deliver humanitarian relief, build resilience and end hunger. Selected ventures receive up to USD 100,000 in equity-free funding, alongside innovation consultancy, mentor support, access to WFP field operations and visibility materials.
It is open to legally registered organisations – for-profit or non-profit – with an innovation at Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage or beyond and a presence or willingness to operate in one of the 123 countries where WFP works. Priority areas include emergency preparedness, supply chain and delivery, nutrition and school meals, food systems and smallholder farmers, resilience and sustainable livelihoods and social protection.
WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2026
Deadline: 8 March 2026
Region: Global
The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition run by Arizona State University’s Global Futures initiative, recognising women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and mobilising communities toward a more equitable world. Selected winners participate in an in-person event and virtual programming running from August through October 2026.
It is open to women entrepreneurs aged 21 or older who lead decision-making within a business or organisation that has been operating for at least three years, employs a minimum of three full-time staff and generates at least USD 75,000 in annual revenue. Applicants must be professionally proficient in English. Applications are welcome from all regions globally.
WACSI Research Fellowship 2026
Deadline: 13 March 2026
Region: West Africa (Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal)
The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship is a six-month programme running from May to October 2026, designed to strengthen the research, analytical and documentation skills of young researchers while contributing to WACSI’s civil society knowledge base. Fellows receive a monthly stipend, a research allowance, mentorship and the opportunity to publish in a globally recognised civil society research platform.
It is open to young researchers from Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal who can communicate fluently in English and/or French and can demonstrate strong analytical and independent research skills. This year’s fellowship prioritises research on indigenous knowledge within the biodiversity and conservation sector and applicants should be able to show a clear connection between their proposed topic and this focus area.
Red Bull Basement 2026 – Kenya
Deadline: 14 March 2026
Region: Kenya
Red Bull Basement is a global innovation challenge run by Red Bull in partnership with Microsoft and AMD, supporting first-time founders and aspiring entrepreneurs to develop ideas into viable products. Kenyan applicants compete in a national final, with the winner progressing through a funded development phase before representing Kenya at the World Final in San Francisco and Silicon Valley from 1-3 June 2026. The global winner receives USD 100,000 in equity-free funding, USD 25,000 in Microsoft Azure credits and mentorship from Red Bull Ventures.
It is open to anyone aged 18 or over – no technical background or prior experience required. Teams of one or two people apply with an idea at any stage, supported by an AI tool to help brainstorm or refine it.
LinkedIn Future of Work Fund
Deadline: 15 March 2026
Region: Global (priority focus: France, Germany, India, United Kingdom, United States)
The LinkedIn Future of Work Fund is a grant programme run by LinkedIn Social Impact, supporting non-profit organisations harnessing AI to drive economic inclusion and help young adults navigate the changing world of work. Selected recipients receive a one-time unrestricted grant, with most awards anticipated to fall in the range of USD 200,000-300,000.
It is open to legally registered non-profits, charities, or equivalent not-for-profit organisations with appropriate tax-exempt status – including 501(c)(3) for US-based applicants – that are focused on workforce development and preparing young adults aged roughly 18-24 who face barriers to economic opportunity, such as those from low-income backgrounds or who are skilled through alternative routes, to succeed in an AI-powered workforce.
Headstream Accelerator
Deadline: 15 March 2026
Region: United States (international applicants with a US presence eligible)
The Headstream Accelerator is a four-month, virtual-first programme supporting early-stage founders building digital solutions for youth mental well-being in the US education and healthcare sectors. Selected participants receive a USD 30,000 non-dilutive stipend, expert coaching, investor access and partnership with Headstream’s Youth Co-Creator Club to embed youth voices into product development.
It is open to start-ups, social enterprises, non-profits and research institutions with at least a functional prototype, a sustainable funding model and a US market focus – particularly serving young people aged 13-19 from historically excluded communities. Idea-stage submissions are not eligible.
McCain Global Leaders Program 2026
Deadline: 15 March 2026
Region: Global
The McCain Global Leaders Program is a 12-month non-residential fellowship administered by the McCain Institute, supporting mid- to senior-career professionals working to advance democracy and human rights globally. All direct costs of participation – including economy travel, hotels and visas – are fully covered and participants receive a stipend for incidental expenses. Programming includes three in-person experiences in Athens, a regional Changemaker Tour and a Legacy Experience in Vietnam, alongside monthly virtual sessions.
It is open globally to professionals with at least five years of experience, strong working proficiency in English and a demonstrated commitment to the programme’s 2026 global theme of Advancing Freedom, Defending Rights and Creating Opportunity. There is no age or educational requirement. Regional tracks cover the Western Hemisphere, Europe and Eurasia, Africa and the Middle East and Asia and Oceania.
SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2026
Deadline: 16 March 2026
Region: South Africa
The SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards are annual awards supporting early-stage innovators, social entrepreneurs and social enterprises tackling social and economic challenges in South Africa. Awards range from ZAR 300,000 to ZAR 1,300,000, alongside tailored mentorship and business development support.
It is open to South African citizens aged 18 or older – including individuals, teams and university departments – whose innovations benefit at least one of the programme’s four focus groups: women, youth, persons with disabilities, or people living in rural areas. The innovation must be past the concept stage, with evidence of prior time or financial investment in its development. Previous recipients of SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme are not eligible.
Mozilla Foundation Incubator – Democracy x AI Cohort 2026
Deadline: 16 March 2026
Region: Global
The Mozilla Foundation Incubator Democracy x AI Cohort is a 12-month programme funding up to 10 technologists building AI systems that strengthen democratic practice. Each selected project receives USD 50,000, alongside monthly cohort calls, expert mentorship, skills workshops and access to Mozilla’s global network of technologists, activists and funders. The strongest projects may be invited to a follow-on Sustain Track offering an additional USD 250,000.
It is open globally to teams with a working, functional technology – not just a concept – that uses AI as a core capability to improve civic participation, institutional transparency, information quality, or collective decision-making. At least some of the project’s code must be open source, or the team must commit to open sourcing part of the codebase during the grant period. Applicants must be legally able to receive funds from a US 501(c)(3) organisation.
Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service
Deadline: 17 March 2026
Region: United States
The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship is a two-year leadership development programme administered by the Obama Foundation, supporting US college students committed to careers in public service. Selected scholars receive up to USD 50,000 in financial aid, a USD 10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing for a self-designed summer work-travel experience and a USD 2,000 annual Airbnb travel credit for ten years after graduation.
It is open to current US sophomores enrolling full-time as juniors in Fall 2026 at an accredited four-year US institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrated financial need and a commitment to public service – broadly defined to include social enterprise, non-profit, government and community organising. Applicants must be US citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.
Change 100 – We Make Change
Deadline: 20 March 2026
Region: Global
Change 100, run by We Make Change, recognises and accelerates the top 100 sustainability and social impact start-ups to watch in 2026. Selected start-ups receive visibility across a community of 50,000+ professionals and impact leaders, hands-on coaching from corporate professionals, skilled volunteer support and access to exclusive opportunities with impact partners.
Open to start-ups founded within the last 10 years with an innovative social or environmental solution – covering areas such as climate, education, biodiversity, or hunger. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and results are announced online and live at the ChangeNOW Summit on 30 March 2026.
Capital City of Podgorica Scholarship 2026
Deadline: 23 March 2026
Region: Montenegro
One Young World, in partnership with the Capital City of Podgorica, is offering a fully funded scholarship for one young leader from Podgorica to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa (3–6 November 2026). The scholarship covers return flights, accommodation, meals, transport, visa costs and access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme, Action Accelerator and lifetime Ambassador Community membership.
This opportunity is open to Montenegrin nationals aged 18–30 who are living and making an impact in Podgorica, with a strong command of English. Applicants should have a demonstrated record of contributing to positive change in areas such as environment, youth participation, culture, digital innovation, equality, education, or entrepreneurship.
Changemakers for Youth
Deadline: 29 March 2026
Region: Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Switzerland, Tunisia
Changemakers for Youth is a three-year programme run by ChangemakerXchange, supported by Drosos Foundation, connecting and supporting social entrepreneurs who address social, economic and environmental challenges while strengthening the agency and skills of young people. The first cohort of 20 participants will receive tailored capacity building, a five-day in-person summit in Morocco, collaboration funding and lifelong membership of the global ChangemakerXchange community of over 1,500 changemakers across 130+ countries.
It is open to social entrepreneurs based in Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Switzerland, or Tunisia with an existing venture that creates tangible impact while empowering young people. The programme prioritises youth-centred, cross-sectoral and cross-border approaches, with the aim of equal representation across all eligible countries.
Changemakers for Equality
Deadline: 29 March 2026
Region: Asia (selected countries only – see FAQ)
Changemakers for Equality is a programme run by ChangemakerXchange, supported by Julius Bär Foundation, identifying and supporting young changemakers tackling the structural drivers of inequality through community-centred solutions. The first cohort of 15 participants will receive tailored capacity building, a five-day in-person summit, collaboration funding and lifelong membership of the global ChangemakerXchange community – with all costs covered except travel to the summit location.
It is open to founders, leaders, or decision-makers aged 18–35 of an active social or environmental venture addressing inequality across areas such as education, livelihoods, health, climate resilience, disability inclusion, gender equality and civic participation. See the FAQ for the full list of eligible countries.
Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Region: Global
Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures is an in-house accelerator programme that supports early-stage start-ups and non-profits building solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Participating start-ups receive an equity investment alongside a five-month programme, mentorship, dedicated office space and access to Morgan Stanley’s networks; non-profits receive a grant in place of equity investment.
It is open to technology-enabled start-ups from pre-seed to Series A stage with a product in market and demonstrable revenues and to non-profits with 501(c)(3) status or a recognised international equivalent and sustainable funding structures in place. Both start-ups and non-profits must be creating measurable impact across environment, health and wellbeing, economic empowerment, or education and human capital.
All Good Ventures Social Enterprise Programme
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Region: Global
The All Good Ventures Social Enterprise Programme is a free, year-long initiative supporting early-stage social entrepreneurs building financially sustainable enterprises that reduce extreme hardship for marginalised communities. Each year, up to five founders from around the world are selected to receive seed funding of NZD 5,000-20,000, one year of dedicated 1:1 business mentoring and practical support including access to expert advice, skilled volunteers and start-up resources.
The programme is open globally to founders who have a clear business idea in its early stages and want to strengthen their business strategy to build a viable, sustainable enterprise. Applications are open from 1-31 March 2026, with successful founders beginning the programme mid-year.
Google.org Impact Challenge: AI for Government Innovation
Deadline: 3 April 2026
Region: Global
The Google.org Impact Challenge: AI for Government Innovation is a USD 30,000,000 global open call supporting non-profits, social enterprises and academic institutions using generative and agentic AI to improve public services in partnership with governments. Selected organisations receive between USD 1,000,000 and USD 3,000,000 in funding, plus participation in a multi-month Google.org Accelerator offering dedicated pro bono technical support from Google AI experts, skills workshops, peer learning and up to USD 200,000 in Google Cloud credits.
It is open to legally registered non-profits, social enterprises and academic or research institutions globally that have an existing or prospective government partnership. Priority focus areas are health, resilience and economy, though compelling proposals outside these areas will be considered. Applications must be submitted in English and individuals without organisational affiliation are not eligible.
EU‑LAC Social Accelerator – Call for Proposals 1/2026
Deadline: 8 April 2026
Region: Latin America & Caribbean
The EU‑LAC Social Accelerator’s Call for Proposals 1/2026 invites applications for competitive grants to support collaborative social innovation projects across eligible countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Organisations from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are eligible to apply.
A total grant budget of EUR 1,800,000 is available under this call, with individual awards of up to EUR 250,000 per applicant and execution periods of 18–24 months. Projects should strengthen social innovation ecosystems, reduce structural inequalities and support social cohesion in alignment with the EU‑LAC Global Gateway agenda. Eligible applicants include organisations and collaborations committed to impact across these themes.
AIG Public Leaders Programme
Deadline: 12 April 2026
Region: Africa
The AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP) is a flagship leadership capacity-building initiative delivered by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. The six-month blended programme equips up to 73 public sector leaders across Africa with skills in leadership, policy, management, digital technology and public integrity at no cost to participants, with accommodation and feeding covered by the Foundation.
It is open to citizens of English-speaking African countries who are actively working in the public sector at grade level 13 or above, with a minimum of seven years’ work experience and aged between 35 and 54. Applicants will need an endorsement letter from their organisation to progress beyond the first stage.
