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Social enterprise opportunities – July 2026
July 2026 brings a fresh wave of opportunities for social enterprises, non-profits and changemakers across the globe. From navigation-tech and AI initiatives to sport-for-refugees grants, fellowships and environmental prizes, this roundup covers a wide range of sectors and regions, with deadlines running through July and into early August. Read on to find the right opportunity for you.
DRK + NLV Navigation Technology Initiative
Deadline: Rolling
Region: USA
DRK and NextLadder Ventures are backing early-stage organisations using technology and AI to help low-income Americans navigate economic systems. Selected organisations receive USD 300,000 in capital – structured as an equity investment or grant – plus up to USD 500,000 in in-kind support including board development, fundraising support and portfolio network access.
Open to USA-based for-profits and non-profits that are post-revenue with a working product and between USD 600,000 and USD 3,000,000 in annualised revenue or committed funding. Focus areas include housing access, benefits access, health access, workforce mobility and financial stability.
ORF Sport for Refugees Coalition – Collaborative Action Grant
Deadline: 5 July 2026
Region: Latin America, Horn of Africa, Sahel, Great Lakes
The Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) has launched a new grant window through its Sport for Refugees Coalition (SfRC), offering grants of up to USD 50,000 for organisations working at the intersection of sport and displacement. The grant supports the piloting of new initiatives and promotes cross-sector collaboration between Coalition members, with a focus on either gender diversity and inclusion through sport, or mobilising sport for climate-affected communities.
Applicants must be SfRC member organisations submitting joint concept notes in partnership with at least one other SfRC member – new members are welcome to join the Coalition. Concepts should demonstrate meaningful refugee participation and priority will be given to organisations based in or working across Latin America or the African regions of the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, or the Great Lakes.
Leaders of Today Award
Deadline: 5 July 2026
Region: Global (Canada, USA, Europe, International, IB regions)
The Leaders of Today Award distributes USD 10,000 across ten recipients – USD 1,000 each – to young people working on something they care about, at any stage. Run by Leaders of Today, the award is split across eight regions to ensure geographic spread, with winners announced on 15 July 2026 (World Youth Skills Day) and funding transferred by 31 July 2026.
Open to anyone aged 30 or younger, the award welcomes applicants at any stage – from early ideas to ongoing projects – with no requirement for credentials, teacher nominations, or public voting. Applications are short, require no CV or essay and are read individually by the team.
Enlight Fellowship
Deadline: 5 July 2026 (priority; rolling thereafter)
Region: Global
The Enlight Fellowship is a fully-funded 16-week leadership and entrepreneurship programme for rising leaders building solutions to youth mental wellbeing, supported by the Enlight Foundation and powered by the Watson Institute. Fellows receive expert-led workshops, mentorship, pitch training, a stipend to run a community Basecamp and a week-long in-person Immersive in Boulder, Colorado or Shanghai, China.
Open to founders aged 18 or over whose ventures address youth mental wellbeing in China or globally, with 1-5 years of operating history, fewer than 10 employees and some prior funding. Fellows may be based anywhere in the world but must commit 8-10 hours per week to virtual workshops and programme activities.
Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2026
Deadline: 6 July 2026
Region: Scotland
The Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2026 celebrate outstanding organisations and individuals making a real difference in communities across Scotland. Run by Social Enterprise Scotland, the awards recognise the vital role social enterprises play in supporting communities, building places and driving positive environmental and wellbeing impact.
Open to organisations operating in Scotland and individuals working or volunteering in Scotland, the awards span multiple categories – including community wealth building and market development. No membership is required to apply and entrants can submit up to four pieces of supporting documentation.
UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026
Deadline: 12 July 2026
Region: UK
The UK Social Enterprise Awards is an annual programme celebrating outstanding social enterprises and co-operatives across the UK, produced by Social Enterprise UK in partnership with Co-operatives UK. The 2026 ceremony – themed “All Together Now” – takes place on 12 November at New Century Hall, Manchester, across 15 award categories including the new Co-operative of the Year.
Open to social enterprises and co-operatives of all sizes and sectors across the UK, organisations can enter up to three categories. Those based in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales should apply through their respective national awards first – winners from those programmes are then shortlisted for the overall UK Awards.
UNHCR Innovation Accelerator
Deadline: 12 July 2026
Region: Global
Led by UNHCR Innovation and supported by the Government of Luxembourg, the Innovation Accelerator helps tested, high-potential innovations move from pilot to sustainable scale. Selected initiatives receive catalytic funding of up to USD 250,000, alongside technical guidance, partnership brokering and access to wider networks.
Open to organisations supporting forcibly displaced and stateless people that have already demonstrated proof of concept. Full proposals must be led or co-led by a UNHCR team or refugee-led organisation, with partnerships across NGOs, academia, the private sector and community-based organisations strongly encouraged.
Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship
Deadline: 12 July 2026
Region: USA, Netherlands, Finland, United Kingdom
The Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully funded program for community leaders using AI to scale inclusive, local solutions in Google Data Center Communities. Fellows receive entrepreneurship and AI skills training, mentorship from practitioners, access to Google’s AI products and resources, financial tools and long-term alumni support. Fellows also design and lead a community Basecamp workshop, with a community development stipend provided.
The fellowship is open to adults aged 18 or older who are impact-driven entrepreneurs or community leaders with a demonstrated history of leadership and local impact. Applicants must be located in, or creating measurable impact within, specific Google Data Center Communities across the USA, Netherlands, Finland, or UK – with a focus on AI skills training, workforce development, or career pathways.
Moonshot Awards 2026
Deadline: 12 July 2026
Region: Global
The Moonshot Awards recognise exceptional young changemakers developing bold solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges. Run by Moonshot Platform, the programme awards up to USD 100,000 in equity-free grants across 8 categories – Start-up, Non-Profit, Idea, Art for Humanity, AI for Good, Borderless, Health and Learning. Winners also receive global recognition at the Awards Ceremony in New York, with three winners fully sponsored to attend and all winners fully sponsored to join a two-year leadership journey including camps, summits, mentorship and access to a global community.
Open to young people aged 15 to 30 as of 1 July 2026, the Awards welcome founders, scientists, artists and advocates working on ideas or initiatives that address urgent global challenges. Registered organisations are excluded from the Idea Award category; all other categories require a youth-led registered operation or non-profit.
RELX Environmental Challenge
Deadline: 12 July 2026
Region: Global
The RELX Environmental Challenge awards projects that advance sustainable access to safe water, sanitation, or ocean health. In 2026, marking 15 years of impact, the prize structure was expanded to two awards of USD 75,000 each – one for Clean Water or Sanitation and one for Ocean-related innovation. Winners also receive one year of free access to the ScienceDirect scientific database.
The challenge is open to individuals and organisations in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors globally. Projects must demonstrate replicability, scalability, practical applicability and community-level engagement, with a preference for early-stage projects.
BMO Fellowship
Deadline: 12 July 2026 (priority; rolling thereafter)
Region: USA
The BMO Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully funded 16-week entrepreneurship programme for small business owners and community leaders driving economic opportunity in their communities. Fellows receive business and leadership workshops led by expert practitioners, access to financial tools and resources, pitch training and long-term alumni support.
The fellowship is open to adults aged 18 or older whose business or organisation has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees, across all legal structures (for-profit, non-profit, social enterprise). Applicants must be based in and create impact within one of BMO’s priority markets: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, or Denver, with work focused on expanding access to financial services, supporting small businesses, or creating home ownership pathways.
Pernod Ricard Scholarship 2026
Deadline: 14 July 2026
Region: Global
The Pernod Ricard Scholarship, run in partnership with One Young World, funds 10 young leaders to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa (3-6 November). Scholars join Pernod Ricard’s delegation, receive expert mentorship and participate in post-Summit collective thinking sessions on the future of socialising.
Applicants must be of legal drinking age in their country of residence and up to 35 years old. The scholarship is open to those actively working to promote responsible drinking, reduce alcohol-related harm, create safe and inclusive social spaces, or conduct relevant research – including people working in hospitality, public health, education, or community initiatives.
2026 Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards
Deadline: 15 July 2026
Region: Global
The Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards are an annual grants programme run by the Zendesk Foundation. Selected organisations receive in-kind access to Zendesk’s AI-powered customer service platform alongside cash grants ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 50,000.
The programme is open to global non-profit organisations working in areas such as community building, crisis response, or tech career opportunities for underrepresented communities. Applicants must apply via Zendesk’s Donation Application form by 15 July 2026, with notifications issued after 30 August 2026.
2026 People-First AI Fund
Deadline: 15 July 2026
Region: USA
The OpenAI Foundation is committing USD 50 million in 2026 to support non-profits exploring how AI can strengthen their missions and communities. The Fund provides unrestricted grants to community-based organisations across three focus areas – community support services, community arts and cultural organisations and community journalism and media.
Eligible applicants are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities with an annual operating budget between USD 500,000 and USD 10 million, primarily operating within the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia. Select regranting organisations and community foundations with budgets under USD 15 million (excluding pass-through grant making) may also apply. No prior AI experience is required.
Social Business Wales Awards 2026
Deadline: 20 July 2026
Region: Wales
The Social Business Wales Awards 2026, run by Cwmpas, celebrate the organisations and individuals building the Welsh economy through social value and community resilience. Winning or being shortlisted raises organisational profile with clients, funders and the wider sector while recognising the work of staff and volunteers.
Open to social enterprises operating in Wales at any stage, from emerging enterprises under two years old to established organisations. Eight categories are available covering innovation, environmental impact, diversity and inclusion, women’s leadership, community impact and overall excellence.
MEST AI Startup Program
Deadline: 20 July 2026
Region: Africa
The MEST AI Startup Program is a seven-month intensive training program run by MEST, designed to help aspiring founders build and scale globally competitive AI start-ups. Participants form teams, validate AI-driven business ideas, develop an MVP and learn directly from practitioners at organisations including Google, Meta and OpenAI. High-performing ventures go on to a four-month incubation phase, with the opportunity to pitch for up to USD 100,000 in pre-seed investment.
The program is designed for East or West African citizens. Successful applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience, software development experience and an entrepreneurial interest in AI.
lululemon Community Wellbeing Grant
Deadline: 24 July 2026 (registration); 31 July 2026 (application)
Region: Global (selected countries)
The lululemon Community Wellbeing Grant is an annual, application-based grant programme run by lululemon Gives, funding community-led charitable organisations that advance wellbeing through movement. Organisations can apply for up to USD 50,000 to support programming that removes barriers to physical, mental and social wellbeing. The grant includes optional additional support for recipients throughout the grant cycle.
Applicants must be registered non-profits or charities (or fiscally sponsored by one), community-led and working to increase equitable access to movement programming for communities facing barriers to wellbeing. Eligible organisations must be operating in one of the programme’s listed countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe and must have an annual operating budget under USD 10 million (organisations under USD 3 million are prioritised).
The Ford Philanthropy Fellowship
Deadline: 26 July 2026
Region: Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam
A fully-funded fellowship from Watson Institute for entrepreneurs and community leaders advancing solutions in community development, education, or disaster preparedness and response. Fellows receive business and leadership workshops, financial tools, mentorship, a community development stipend and long-term alumni support.
Open to entrepreneurs aged 18 or older with a venture operating for 1-5 years, fewer than 10 team members and some secured funding. Applicants must be based in and create impact across Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, or Vietnam.
Accessible Canada – National AccessAbility Week Funding 2027-2029
Deadline: 28 July 2026
Region: Canada
The National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) Funding program, run by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), offers up to CAD 3.6M in grants over three years to support projects that promote accessibility and inclusion across Canada. Projects can receive up to CAD 180,000 over three years, or up to CAD 360,000 for those with regional or national scope and partnerships with diverse disability community groups.
This funding is open to eligible organisations delivering scalable NAAW activities in 2027, 2028 and 2029 that raise awareness, highlight the contributions of persons with disabilities and support implementation of the Accessible Canada Act. Applicants must be based in Canada and projects with broader geographic reach and cross-community partnerships may qualify for the higher funding tier.
Building the Future Workforce Challenge
Deadline: 30 July 2026 (registration)
Region: Global (implementation in USA, Brazil, India, or Mexico)
Run by the Caterpillar Foundation, this USD 5 million challenge awards up to five teams USD 1 million each to implement sustainable, tech-forward solutions that strengthen the advanced manufacturing and industry technician workforce.
Open to non-profits, for-profits, colleges and hybrid entities worldwide, provided they can implement their solution in the USA, Brazil, India, or Mexico. Solutions should address career awareness, entry-level preparation, or upskilling current workers.
Restoration Stewards Program 2027
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Region: Global (priority: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Caribbean)
The Restoration Stewards Program is a year-long fellowship by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) and the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL). It supports young restoration practitioners with EUR 5,000 in trust-based funding, mentorship from scientific and technical experts, capacity development and visibility through global platforms.
Open to young people aged 18-35 who are leading or contributing to youth-led restoration projects with holistic social and ecological aspects. Priority is given to applicants from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America, or the Caribbean and to projects led by women, Indigenous, or locally-led groups that have been active for at least six months.
Common Good Cyber Fund
Deadline: 4 August 2026
Region: Global
The Common Good Cyber Fund is a pooled grant programme managed by the Internet Society Foundation, supporting non-profits that strengthen the public-interest cybersecurity ecosystem. In 2026, it expects to award at least USD 3,500,000 in multi-year operating grants, typically ranging from USD 100,000 to USD 300,000.
Eligible applicants are non-profits (US 501(c)(3) or equivalent) working on cybersecurity infrastructure, digital protection for high-risk users, or internet safety for vulnerable communities. Priority goes to organisations based in or serving the global majority and those with a track record on technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Year 4
Deadline: 7 August 2026
Region: USA
Run in partnership with MIT Solve, this challenge invites USA-based non-profits to submit innovative solutions supporting adult workers in the age of AI – covering career pathways programming, AI literacy training, upskilling and wraparound services.
Open to registered 501(c)(3) non-profits at the Growth or Scale stage, headquartered within the Truist operating footprint across 16 USA states and Washington D.C.15 semi-finalists each receive USD 10,000, with finalist grants ranging from USD 25,000 up to USD 250,000, plus a six-month support programme.
STREETS Awards
Deadline: 15 August 2026
Region: Global
The STREETS Awards recognise social enterprises, non-profits and NGOs with measurable impact in hospitality and tourism. Three award categories offer funding ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 10,000 and every applicant receives mentorship and expert feedback regardless of outcome.
Open to hospitality and tourism ventures that are emerging or early-stage (up to five years old), with a focus on youth development.
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:
Social enterprise opportunities – June 2026 
Social enterprise news roundup – June 2026 
Empowering rural communities and youth through social enterprise policy: SEWF Policy Forum highlights 
SEWF Social Enterprise Day: Collective action for people and planet 
Shaping Tomorrow: Collective Action for People and Planet