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Social enterprise opportunities – April 2026
April and May 2026 are packed with opportunities for social enterprises, non-profits and impact-driven organisations worldwide. From agrifood accelerators and EdTech fellowships to climate grants and women’s entrepreneurship programmes, this roundup spans sectors and regions – with deadlines falling throughout April and into May. Read on to find the right opportunity for you.
Atlassian Social Impact License
Deadline: Rolling
Region: Global
Atlassian offers free and discounted access to its suite of team collaboration and project management tools – including Jira, Confluence, Loom and Bitbucket – for eligible non-profits and social enterprises. Discounts range from 50% to 100% off, with up to 25 seats available at no cost on annual plans.
Eligible organisations must be non-governmental, non-political and either registered as a non-profit in their country or operating as a for-profit with a documented social mission. Eligibility is verified through Atlassian’s partner Goodstack.
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)
Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout April (check country-specific calls)
Region: Global
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) funds small, high-impact development projects in over 120 countries, with an annual budget of CAD 26.8 million and projects averaging CAD 31,000 each. Thematic priorities include inclusive governance, gender equality, peace and security, climate action and human dignity.
Open to local NGOs, community groups, academic institutions, international NGOs and government agencies working at the local level. Calls for proposals are managed by Canadian embassies and high commissions in each country – check the CFLI website for your country’s open call and deadline.
Global ImpactPreneur 2026
Deadline: 3 April 2026
Region: Asia-Pacific
Global ImpactPreneur, led by UNDP Seoul Policy Centre and the Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, supports impact start-ups in Asia-Pacific with mentorship, investor readiness coaching and grants from a prize pool of over USD 50,000, culminating in a Demo Day in Seoul.
Open to legally incorporated start-ups under five years old with a functioning prototype addressing SDG-aligned challenges in Asia-Pacific developing countries. Priority is given to founders from developing countries or youth founders aged 39 or below.
EIT Food Accelerator Network (FAN) – Call for Startups 2026
Deadline: 8 April 2026
Region: Europe
The EIT Food Accelerator Network (FAN) is a multi-hub European accelerator programme supporting high-impact agrifood and foodtech start-ups to validate their technologies and accelerate market readiness. The 2-3 month programme runs September-December 2026 across six specialised hubs in Germany, Finland, France, Poland, Italy and the Netherlands, each focused on a distinct food systems theme. Top-performing start-ups can receive subgrants of EUR 20,000, EUR 30,000, or EUR 50,000 to fund a Technology Validation Project in 2027.
The programme is open to registered companies established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe-associated country (including the UK) on or after 2016, operating at TRL 4-8, pre-Series A, with revenues up to EUR 1 million and a team of no more than 20 people.
Stephen Lloyd Awards 2026
Deadline: 8 April 2026
Region: United Kingdom
The Stephen Lloyd Awards offer a GBP 25,000 grant to UK-based individuals and organisations with innovative, early-stage ideas tackling social or environmental problems at a systemic level. Up to 10 finalists also receive GBP 2,500 each during a development phase, alongside pro bono support from the Awards’ network of expert partners.
Open to UK residents and UK-registered charities, non-profits and social enterprises – including individuals in the process of establishing a qualifying organisation. Preference is given to start-ups and early-stage projects rather than initiatives within larger established charities.
CcHUB-Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 (Cohort IV)
Deadline: 10 April 2026
Region: Nigeria
CcHUB and the Mastercard Foundation are offering USD 100,000 in equity-free funding to early-stage EdTech start-ups in Nigeria, alongside an 18-month programme including product development support, mentorship and access to ecosystem partners. The cohort focuses specifically on inclusive solutions for learners often overlooked by mainstream EdTech.
Applicants must be legally incorporated and majority Nigerian-owned, with a working solution and a feasible pilot plan. Solutions must address one or more of the following: learners living with disabilities, internally displaced persons and rural communities, young girls and women, or national and subnational education data systems.
Rare Impact Fund – Nonclinical Youth Mental Health Workforce Grants
Deadline: 10 April 2026
Region: Global (programmes must be US-focused)
The Rare Impact Fund is launching its first public Request for Proposals, allocating more than USD 2.5 million in grants to strengthen the nonclinical youth mental health workforce. Individual grants range from USD 250,000 to USD 500,000, with a USD 500,000 investment from the Enlight Foundation included in the total pool.
Open to non-profit organisations supporting nonclinical mental health providers across the workforce talent pipeline – from recruitment and training to retention – with a focus on roles that support young people outside traditional clinical settings.
Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026
Deadline: 13 April 2026
Region: Asia, Latin America, Africa, Middle East
A free six-month accelerator for women founders in health and food security, offering EUR 25,000 in non-dilutive funding, investor-readiness support, a sponsored trip to Amsterdam and access to the Impact Hub global network. Up to 15 awardees will be selected.
Applicants must be women founders or senior leaders running a revenue-generating venture with annual revenue up to USD 1,000,000, incorporated on or before 1 January 2025 and based in Asia, Latin America, Africa, or the Middle East. Registered charities and sole traders are not eligible.
Intercultural Innovation Hub 2026
Deadline: 15 April 2026
Region: Global
The Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH) is a joint initiative by the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, with support from Accenture, supporting non-profit organisations working on intercultural dialogue, integration and social inclusion. Up to 10 selected organisations receive a grant of up to USD 20,000 alongside a year-long capacity-building programme, mentorship and access to a global network of changemakers.
The programme is open to non-profit organisations working on issues including xenophobia and hate speech, violent extremism, gender equality, social inclusion through sport and culture, or AI for social good.
Google.org Impact Challenge: AI for Science
Deadline: 17 April 2026
Region: Global
Google.org is offering between USD 500,000 and USD 3 million in funding through a USD 30 million global open call to accelerate scientific breakthroughs using AI. Selected organisations may also join a six-month accelerator receiving pro bono Google technical support and Cloud credits.
Open to non-profits, academic institutions and social enterprises with a clear social impact purpose. Projects must focus on AI for Health and Life Sciences or AI for Climate Resilience and Environmental Science, with funded IP made open-source.
Co-op Foundation Green Opportunities Fund
Deadline: 17 April 2026
Region: United Kingdom
The Co-op Foundation and Co-op have launched a GBP 2.2 million fund to support organisations across the UK helping young people aged 14 to 20 explore green skills, jobs and careers. This is the first round of funding from the programme.
Open to charities, Community Interest Companies, co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies based in the UK.
EU-UN Youth Delegates Programme 2026-2027
Deadline: 17 April 2026
Region: Europe
The EU-UN Youth Delegates Programme selects two young EU citizens to represent the European Union in youth dialogues at the United Nations in New York for a 12-month term beginning September 2026.
Open to EU citizens under 30, able to travel, with an interest in international affairs and a commitment of up to 40 days per year. Applications must be submitted through national EU Member State Youth Councils – contact yours to check whether internal deadlines apply.
Promise Fund Build Award
Deadline: 19 April 2026
Region: United States
The Promise Fund Build Award provides USD 200,000 in flexible, unrestricted funding and a 12-month partnership with Promise Venture Studio to help early-stage, community-rooted organisations working on early childhood innovation. Support includes mentorship, capacity building and in-person convenings.
Open to early-stage US-based organisations focused on children aged 0-5 and their families, led by leaders deeply connected to the communities they serve. Organisations must have some early evidence of impact and be ready to make significant progress with capital. Both non-profit and for-profit structures are considered.
Coefficient Giving – RFP on Effective Careers
Deadline: 20 April 2026
Region: Global
Coefficient Giving is inviting applications from organisations and projects working to help people pursue high-impact careers. Grants are typically unrestricted general operating support for one to two years, with funding amounts determined based on each applicant’s needs and cost-effectiveness.
Eligible applicants include talent incubation and fellowship programmes, career coaching and counselling services, high-impact career networks, talent matching services and media initiatives promoting effective careers. Organisations should be able to demonstrate how funding will be used cost-effectively.
Global Changemakers Global Youth Summit 2026
Deadline: 20 April 2026
Region: Global
Global Changemakers is bringing its Global Youth Summit back to Cape Town in 2026, offering a fully funded week of skills-building, peer learning and cross-cultural connection for young changemakers. For most participants, this includes airfare, accommodation and meals, with a limited number of partially funded places available for those who can cover their own travel.
Open to individuals aged 21 to 28 who are already doing community change work. Selected participants join a network of 1,200 plus changemakers and gain access to exclusive grant funding pathways.
Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship
Deadline: 26 April 2026
Region: Africa (selected countries)
The Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is a 24-month initiative run by AWARD, funded under the Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture. It offers leadership development, mentoring and technical training in gender integration, climate adaptation and science communication.
Open to African women scientists with at least seven years of experience in agriculture or related fields and a minimum master’s degree, from Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or Senegal. Applications are free of charge and available in English or French.
timbuktoo Pan-African AgriTech Incubation Programme
Deadline: 27 April 2026
Region: Africa
UNDP, with support from the Government of Japan, is inviting African AgriTech start-ups to join its Pan-African Incubation Network via the timbuktoo AgriTech Hub in Ghana. Selected start-ups receive structured incubation, mentorship, investment readiness support and access to a pan-African founder and investor network.
Open to start-ups based in Africa or building solutions for African agricultural markets, with at least a prototype or MVP. Solutions should address challenges across the agricultural value chain. Applications from women-led, youth-led and rural-focused start-ups are particularly encouraged.
Miller Center Global Accelerator
Deadline: 27 April 2026
Region: Global
The Miller Center Global Accelerator is a free, six-month virtual programme run by Santa Clara University’s Miller Center for Global Impact, designed to help social enterprise leaders scale their organisations. Participants receive mentor-guided curricula, 180 hours of executive mentoring and support to develop a long-range impact strategy, business plan and funding pitch.
It is open to senior leaders – such as CEOs or Executive Directors – of social enterprises that are at least one year old, have a minimum of three full-time staff, at least USD 50,000 in annual earned income and are focused on tackling poverty through women’s economic empowerment and/or climate resilience. The programme is conducted in English or Spanish and is open globally.
Food Justice for Kids Prize
Deadline: 28 April 2026
Region: United States (including territories)
The Food Justice for Kids Prize awards grants of up to USD 100,000 each over two years – with up to USD 1.4 million available across up to 14 recipients – to support innovative work advancing food justice for children in US schools and communities. The prize is powered by Newman’s Own Foundation, Humanitix, The Henry P. Kendall Foundation and the Hunger to Health Collaboratory.
Eligible applicants include US-based 501(c)(3) public charities, federally recognised Tribes, public schools, school districts and organisations applying via a fiscal sponsor. Projects must primarily serve children under 18 and focus on either Indigenous Food Justice or Nutrition Education and School Food.
O’Shaughnessy Fellowships and Grants
Deadline: 30 April 2026
Region: Global
The O’Shaughnessy Fellowships and Grants programme supports researchers, builders and creatives working on path-breaking ideas across any field. Fellowships are worth USD 100,000 and Grants are worth USD 10,000, both over one year, with no equity taken.
The programme is open to individuals and groups worldwide with no restriction on field or discipline – past awardees have worked across science, technology, the arts, language preservation and humanitarian projects. Groups should submit a single application covering all relevant details.
Youth4Climate Call for Solutions 2026
Deadline: 30 April 2026
Region: Global
Organised by UNDP and the Government of Italy, this fourth-round call offers up to USD 30,000 in seed funding to young people and youth-led organisations working on climate action across six thematic areas: sustainable energy; food and agriculture; climate, peace and security; oceans and blue economy; sustainable fashion and textiles; and architecture for adaptation.
Open to individuals aged 18 to 29 and youth-led organisations with majority young leadership, based in an eligible country. Applications accepted in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese.
APF Direct Action Visionary Grants
Deadline: 30 April 2026
Region: Global
The American Psychological Foundation offers grants of up to USD 60,000 for evidence-based psychological interventions addressing pressing community needs. Priority areas include serving marginalised communities, ending prejudice and stigma, preventing violence and mind-body health.
Open to individuals and organisations globally – a psychological expert must be centrally involved and projects must be operating in real-world settings.
WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme
Deadline: 1 May 2026
Region: Global
The WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme is an initiative by the World Trade Organization designed to foster understanding of international trade and the WTO’s work among young people. Selected participants receive training, mentorship from the WTO Secretariat and support for organising WTO-related activities in their home countries, as well as a trip to Geneva for the 2026 WTO Public Forum in September. The programme does not offer remuneration.
The programme is open to young people aged 18-28 with a strong interest in international trade. Candidates are selected for a one-year term beginning 1 July 2026.
Visa Everywhere Pioneers 2026
Deadline: 1 May 2026
Region: Europe
Visa Everywhere Pioneers is an annual programme run by Visa that recognises and supports entrepreneurial women with refugee backgrounds who are driving positive impact in their communities across Europe. Previous cohorts have received access to business mentoring, workshops and microgrants to support business growth.
The programme is open to women entrepreneurs with refugee backgrounds based in Europe, whether running small local businesses, start-ups, or larger organisations. Self-nominations and nominations are both welcome.
Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026
Deadline: 4 May 2026
Region: Africa
The Z Zurich Foundation is offering 25 fully funded scholarships for young African leaders to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa (3-6 November). The scholarship covers participation in the Summit and includes a curated pre- and post-Summit programme focused on leadership development and peer networking.
Open to African nationals and residents aged 18 to 35 who are leading early-stage, formally registered not-for-profit initiatives focused on education, employability, or entrepreneurship for young people facing the greatest barriers to moving from learning to earning. Initiatives must not be supported by major corporate or institutional funders.
Travel4Impact
Deadline: 4 May 2026
Region: Global
Travel4Impact is a fully funded 4-month online programme run by Amadeus and IE University for impact entrepreneurs in the travel and tourism sector. It combines training in impact management, digital marketing and AI with mentorship from Amadeus leaders and access to a long-term entrepreneurship community.
The programme is open to founders, CEOs and C-suite leaders of businesses that address social or environmental challenges in travel and tourism. Applicants must have proven market traction, at least two team members and the ability to commit around two hours per week from September to December 2026.
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.
Also read:
SEWF social enterprise news roundup – April 2026 
Empowering rural communities and youth through social enterprise policy: SEWF Policy Forum highlights 
“Social procurement can turn everyday commerce into impact”- an interview with James Okina 
SEWF 2021: youths, a vital force for change 
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