Kabakoo Academies, founded in Mali in 2018, pioneers a “Highdigenous” model of education that fuses high-tech tools with Indigenous knowledge to address youth unemployment in West Africa. Recognised by UNESCO, the African Union and the World Economic Forum, Kabakoo offers blended, project-based learning rooted in local realities while equipping learners with future-oriented skills such as digital upskilling, regenerative architecture, XR storytelling and entrepreneurship. With over 34,000 registered learners and partnerships spanning governments, international organisations and tech companies, Kabakoo empowers youth to create sustainable livelihoods, increasing average incomes by up to eight times and significantly boosting learners’ self-confidence and growth mindset. Its innovative use of AI, including a bilingual mentor in French and Bambara and XR storytelling makes education accessible and culturally relevant.

Background

Each year, over 10 million African young people enter the labour market, while the formal economy creates only 3 million jobs. In Mali, just 5% of job seekers find employment in the formal sector, leaving the majority facing unemployment, informal work, or migration. Women and non-urban youth are particularly disadvantaged due to systemic barriers. Education systems, often imported and disconnected from local contexts, exacerbate this challenge: young Africans may acquire diplomas but remain ill-prepared for productive livelihoods. At the same time, Africa is the continent most vulnerable to climate change, demanding locally relevant, sustainable solutions. Against this backdrop, Kabakoo Academies was established in 2018 by Michèle Traoré and Yanick Kemayou as a new kind of sustainability-focused EdTech. Its mission is to equip African youth with skills and mindsets to thrive within their communities, blending Indigenous knowledge with technology.

The AI solution

At the heart of Kabakoo’s model is its innovative use of artificial intelligence to provide personalised, culturally relevant mentorship. The Kabakoo AI mentor, integrated into the mobile app, offers tailored guidance and resources in both French and Bambara. This feature expands access for learners with limited formal education, making learning more intuitive and inclusive. The AI system adapts to each learner’s needs, significantly boosting engagement and helping youth explore career options and improve skills. Beyond AI, Kabakoo harnesses XR (extended reality) to merge digital storytelling with heritage preservation, enabling learners to reimagine futures in regenerative architecture, crafts and culture.

Implementation and partnership

Kabakoo operates through blended, project-based cohorts combining mobile learning, community hubs and peer collaboration. Learners tackle real-life challenges via Kabakoo Local Innovation Projects (KLIPs), applying skills in agroecology, circular economy, construction and crafts. Partnerships have been critical to implementation:

• Governmental: Collaboration with Mali’s national TVET (technical and vocational education and training) system to digitise curricula.
  
• International organisations, including the European Union, OIF, LuxDev, UNESCO and the African Union, have recognised and supported Kabakoo’s innovation.
  
• Tech sector: Collaborations with Miro, Twilio, Airtable, Notion and others to provide digital tools.
  
• Community mentors: Local artisans, entrepreneurs and professionals mentor learners alongside the AI system, ensuring that knowledge is both locally grounded and globally informed.

Impact and results

Kabakoo has delivered measurable and lasting outcomes:

• Economic impact: Learners report income increases ranging from three to eight times compared to pre-training levels. An independent evaluation found a 71% income increase 18 months post-training. Return on Investment analysis shows every $1 invested yields $6.30 in net economic benefit within three years.
  
• Mindset shift: Growth mindset increased by 23% among learners, with long-term improvements in self-confidence (47% increase) and learning habits.
  
• Employment and entrepreneurship: 42% of participants secured job opportunities or client projects within six months; at 18 months, this figure rose to 46%. Many graduates launched businesses in areas such as regenerative construction, circular economy and agro-processing.
  
• Inclusion: 22% of Kabakoo learners did not finish high school and 30% are women. The community actively promotes gender equity, with 40% of mentors being female.
  
• Scale and recognition: With more than 34,000 registered users, Kabakoo’s model has been recognised as a “School of the Future” by World Economic Forum and highlighted by UNESCO, the African Union and global media.

Lessons and next steps

Kabakoo demonstrates that addressing Africa’s youth employment crisis requires more than conventional schooling or short-term skilling. Key lessons include:

• Hybrid models are critical: Blending mobile access with community engagement ensures both scale and contextual relevance.
  
• Mindset matters as much as skills: Growth mindset, storytelling and value creation modules empower learners to become innovators, not just job seekers.
  
• Indigenous knowledge is a resource, not a relic: By merging ancestral practices with digital tools, Kabakoo delivers solutions that are sustainable, climate-resilient and culturally grounded.
  
• Evidence builds credibility: Using rigorous data collection, including randomised designs, Kabakoo strengthens its case for scaling.
  

Looking forward, Kabakoo plans to:

• Expand its AI mentor with improved Bambara data and multilingual capabilities.
  
• Scale XR storytelling and regenerative architecture training across the Sahel.
  
• Grow partnerships with governments and TVET systems to integrate highdigenous curricula.
  
• Explore circular migration pathways that prepare youth for both local innovation and regulated global opportunities.
  
• Build a Highdigenous Innovation Campus as a flagship hub radiating knowledge to millions through digital platforms.

References

https://www.kabakoo.africa/news/kabakoo-digital-upskilling-monthly-update-05-2025 

https://azuritfoundation.org/case-studies/kabakoo/

https://www.kabakoo.africa/news/kabakoo-monthly-update-special-edition-04-2025

https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Schools_of_the_Future_Report_2019.pdf  

The post AI for Social Good: Kabakoo appeared first on SEWF.

This year’s International Women’s Day arrives at a moment of acute global uncertainty. Armed conflict, deepening inequality, the accelerating climate crisis and the relentless pressure on civil society are shaping the conditions in which social entrepreneurs work every day. For people in the social enterprise movement, those who have built their working lives around putting people and planet first, that weight is felt acutely, professionally and personally.

Social enterprise is one of the few sectors where women lead at scale. Globally, “one in two social enterprises are women-led, compared to one in five conventional businesses”. The people likely to be running organisations that address the world’s hardest problems are women. To reflect that gender balance, SEWF is committed to ensuring that women’s voices in social enterprise are equally heard with all SEWF events featuring 50% or more speakers who identify as women. Meet all the female speakers from SEWF’s 2025 events here.

So this year, we reached out to some of the recent speakers from across our 2025 events – SEWF25 in Taipei, the Policy Forum and the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering –  and asked them a question that felt more important than ever: how do you protect your mental health, and where do you find the motivation to keep going?

The responses came from every corner of the world with advice including reconnecting with nature, the radical act of rest and the role of spirituality.

1. Going back to why you started

When the scale of global problems feels unmanageable, many of the leaders we spoke to find themselves returning to their roots: the people whose lives have changed because of their work and why they started in the first place.

“Always keep in mind why you started this initiative and how hard you’ve been working to influence your recipients. It makes no difference how many beneficiaries there are. The important thing is that you actually changed someone’s life. Because of what you said or did, he or she might feel better. When you experience failure, you learn from it and improve for your next beneficiary. We all fail, too. Similar to how you must first experience the darkness in a tunnel before you can emerge from it.”
– Catherine Wing-Chee So, Science and Technology for Autism Remediation (STAR) (Hong Kong)

“As the Chief Medical and Research Officer of Bioniks, I frequently come across deeply heartbreaking stories, patients who have lost their limbs in devastating accidents, war injuries and other life-altering circumstances. Bearing witness to that pain gets emotionally heavy. (…)What keeps me truly motivated are the post-prosthetic empowerment stories of our beneficiaries. Watching someone stand, walk, drink, eat, return to work, or hug their child again after receiving a prosthetic limb reminds me why we do what we do. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, I choose to focus on restoration, resilience and possibility. That is what keeps me sane, motivated and deeply committed to our mission.”
– Ayesha Zulfiqar, Bioniks (Pakistan)

“Remembering that meaningful change is built through consistency and clarity, not urgency, helps me protect my mental health. It gives me the quiet grit and resilience to keep going.”

– Ambika Sangaran, Mereka (Malaysia)

“In an ever-shifting world, I’ve learned that protecting my mental health begins with looking inward. When everything around us feels uncertain or overwhelming, coming back to my core beliefs grounds me. I remind myself what I stand for, what truly matters to me and the values that shaped why I started this journey in the first place. To stay motivated, I hold on tightly to my “why.” I revisit the very beginning – the reason I chose this path, the people I hope to serve and the change I want to contribute to. When the world feels heavy, purpose becomes an anchor.”

– Sandy Lin, DaFon Environmental (Taiwan)

2. Find your people

If there is one thing that comes up at every SEWF event, in every discussion, in every corner of the social enterprise movement, it is the importance of community. The leaders we spoke to were no different. Whether leaning on colleagues who understand the particular pressures of the sector, friends who offer perspective, or fellow founders who just get it, community wasn’t something they stumbled into, it was something they actively and deliberately chose.

“When I’m overwhelmed, I lean into my people – the ones trying to bend systems toward something better. There’s nothing more grounding than being with folks who understand the weight of caring this much. I also make time to zoom out and remember why I signed up for this. Being in community. Talking to social entrepreneurs building incredible things with duct tape and audacity. Those moments reset me. They remind me that small, purposeful acts create ripples. You may not see the wave yet, but it’s already in motion.”
– Chelsey MacNeil, The Purposeful Group (Canada)

“When the world feels heavy, I don’t try to be strong alone. I return to my circle of women. I protect my mental health by leaning into my family and friends, by staying connected, asking for support without guilt and offering that same support in return. Because empowered women do not compete, we strengthen one another and we rise together.”
– Uliantie Sarjuni, Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC) (Malaysia)

“I engage with others and never stop asking questions so as to stay true to my calling – knowing trusted collaborations will outlast the chaos.”
– Tatiana Glad, Impact Hub Network (The Netherlands)

“In today’s challenging world, I stay motivated by focusing on our mission and the positive impact of our work. Building relationships with like-minded individuals restores my faith, while personal practices like meditation and spending time with loved ones help maintain balance. Recognising our collective power to amplify our voices further fuels my resilience.”
– Roopa Mehta, Sasha Association for Craft Producers (India)

“The social enterprise sector by its nature is full of optimistic, driven people, that’s an added benefit and one that is very helpful to tap into when you need exposure to positivity.”
– Lorraine Corcoran, Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI) (Ireland)

3. Reconnecting with nature, body and spirit

When you spend your days fighting for people and planet, it is important to remember that you are also part of that world. Perhaps it is no surprise that so many of the leaders we spoke to find their way back to the natural world when they need to reconnect with themselves and their purpose.

“In these times, I protect my energy by anchoring into simple but nourishing rituals that recharge me – a walk by the water to clear my head, cooking a plant-based meal that fuels my body, or sketching out a quick pitch deck that lights up a vision I have. I stay motivated by focusing on what gives me vitality, while at the same time viewing it all through a systemic change lens to zoom out and understand how breakdowns are openings for regenerative models.“
– Tatiana Glad, Impact Hub Network (The Netherlands)

“I love to observe nature and feel the body in harmony with nature, such as bird watching, appreciating plants, walking in the forest. By seeing those lovely creatures created by God or the Oneness, I feel recharged and expect myself to make some positive contributions to this beautiful world. Nature also reminds me that everything in the universe follows the natural rhythm or the ancient wisdom of Taichi. Things will turn around when they reach their extremes. We should always keep faith and try to make change little by little.”
– Shelley 張瑾文  Chinwen Chang, MeetAngel 好馨晴綠生活 (Taiwan)

“Good mental health begins with strong physical health. As women, our physical health can take a toll as we age. Be kind to your body. Be aware of its evolving needs. Practice asking for help. It’s critical to have strong support at home, in whatever ways available to you. Only then can we upkeep the energy it takes to uphold our work, our homes and our communities. Keep up the good work! Or as we say in Taiwan, ‘Add Oil!’”
– Emily Y. Wu, Ghost Island Media (Taiwan)

“Step away from the noise, empty the mind and reconnect with our deepest intuition and passion. Everyone is running a different race on a different track, do not feel you are behind in this high speed world. Stay true to your own pace, your greatest strength is found in a clear, focused and quiet mind.”
– Penny Pei Wen Lai MUVE NPO (Taiwan)

“My daily reset is a walk, with friends, alone or with headphones, but I avoid newsfeeds! Almost everything feels a bit better after getting outside and moving.”
– Lorraine Corcoran, Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI) (Ireland)

“When I start feeling demotivated or even apocalyptic because of the news out there, I try to pause and observe. Am I laughing enough lately? Am I making space to connect with myself? Am I spending enough time in nature? Am I being fully present with my son and my family? I realise that when I start going to the dark side, it’s often because I’ve become disconnected from the simple things that bring me joy, disconnected from what awakens love within me. Pausing, noticing the good, connecting with people I deeply resonate with, having profound conversations with friends and speaking with people from different corners of the world who are doing amazing things for the common good fuels me with the energy to keep going. And no matter what the outcome may be, or how the world might end up, today, here, now, it is completely worth it.”
– Jessica Oyarbide, EKHOS (Argentina)

“I know from experience that I function and contribute best when I act from self love. This means focusing on what most intrigues and excites me – helping people pursue their boldest dreams, focusing business on the common good, supporting creative people because life is not worth living without their contributions. Making time and space to allow deep intuition to emerge, because it has wisdom well beyond our distracted self-interested minds. Honouring what nourishes me most: hiking, art making, reading great literature and mentoring younger people. Finally, I trust that the Cosmos strives for balance via a wisdom we cannot fully fathom: she solves for creativity, connection, compassion and coherence on her own terms and she will outlast human dysfunctionality.”
– Cindy Carpenter, The Bread & Butter Project (Australia)

4. Faith, family, motherhood and building a better world

Several of the leaders we spoke to described how the personal and the political are inseparable. For some, faith and family are what keep them grounded when the work gets hard. For others, becoming a mother has sharpened their sense of purpose and made the work feel more urgent than ever.

“For me, number one is God and prayer. Number two is family time, nature and looking at the smile of my son. All of this helps to ground me and remind me that this too shall pass.”

– Sasibai Kimis, Earth Heir (Malaysia)

“Motherhood raised the stakes. It’s made me more tender and more ferocious, more committed to building a world my kid can actually live in. And I’ve stopped pretending I have it all figured out. Some days the most radical thing I can do is to keep showing up, keep trying hard and keep believing in one another. Stay connected. Stay rooted in purpose. Stay human. That’s not just resilience, that’s endurance.”
– Chelsey MacNeil, The Purposeful Group (Canada)

“Being a female leader also comes with its own set of added pressures and challenges. And as a mother of two children under the age of three, life is beautifully chaotic and, at times, overwhelming. To protect my mental health, I’ve learned to be intentional. I write to process my emotions. I exercise and practice yoga to ground myself. I paint and read motivational books to nourish my mind. I consciously take breaks from screen time and reconnect with nature and with my loved ones. Most importantly, I counsel myself to shift my perspective to look for the brighter, more hopeful side of every situation.” 

– Ayesha Zulfiqar, Bioniks (Pakistan)

5. Giving yourself permission to rest

In a sector where the stakes feel so high and resources are rarely enough, the pressure to always be motivated, always be productive, always be pushing forward can be relentless. Several of the leaders we spoke to were quite direct about pushing back against it.

“I release the pressure to be constantly motivated. I allow myself slow mornings, quiet pauses, unfinished tasks. I understand now that rest is not a detour from my path, it is part of the path.”

– Azima Dhanjee, ConnectHear (Pakistan)

“For years, I saw myself as a resilient tree on a mountain. But when the world felt increasingly fractured, I felt frozen and lost. My healing came unexpectedly when I reunited with Ms. Nhung, a founder of a traditional craft social enterprise we supported years ago. Amidst my own doubt, she appeared with a radiant smile, proudly sharing her new collection that had just won a major international award. In that moment, her success warmed my heart and reminded me that the human values we pursue are a living pulse, they always find a way to flow. To protect my mental health and stay motivated, I have shifted from the rigidity of a warrior to the fluidity of water. Nurturing inner strength – I practice 30 minutes of daily meditation, non-violent communication and unconditional love to build resilience from within, rather than depending on external resources. Embracing ‘laddership’ – I’ve moved from leading to supporting, focusing on supporting my community from the edges with love. Intentional simplicity – by embracing a lean, volunteer-based model and focusing on small, flexible ripples of support, I have found true freedom and happiness in being the change. I no longer wait for the world to provide answers; I choose how I live.

– Phạm Kiều Oanh, Centre for Social Initiatives Promotion (CSIP) (Vietnam)

“There will always be noise – expectations, comparisons, external pressures – but clarity comes from within. I protect my mental health by creating space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with my purpose. That might look like quiet mornings, movement, journaling, or simply stepping away from the constant stream of information. Progress does not always have to be loud or fast. Sometimes staying motivated simply means continuing – gently but consistently – in alignment with who you are. On challenging days, I remind myself: we cannot control the world’s pace, but we can choose how we respond to it. And that choice, again and again, is where strength lives.”
Sandy Lin, DaFon Environmental (Taiwan)

Reading through these responses, what strikes us is that the advice is not about pushing harder – the kind of relentless drive so often celebrated in business culture. It’s about something quieter and arguably more radical. The leaders we spoke to have found their own ways of going inwards – back to the source – and trusting their intuition. Whether that is the work itself, the people they love, faith, or simply themselves. Water doesn’t force its way through. It finds the path. And so the ripples of change created by the social enterprise movement continue.

We hope the wisdom shared here by social enterprise leaders from around the world helps you stay motivated in your work. How do you protect your mental health, and where do you find the motivation to keep going? Share your response with the SEWF community on social media using #IWD2026

You may also be interested in last year’s feature: Women to women: What advice would you share with others in social enterprise?

Not yet part of the SEWF community? Subscribe here to stay connected with social enterprise leaders from around the world and follow SEWF on social media.

The post Women to women: How women in social enterprise protect their mental health when the world feels increasingly challenging appeared first on SEWF.

Global

GSEF elects new board and names Maricá Brazil as 2027 host city 

Source: Social Economy News

At its General Assembly on 15 January 2026, GSEF elected a new board of directors for the 2026-2028 period following amendments to its statutes adopted at the Bordeaux GSEF2025 gathering. The 20-member board now includes continental co-presidencies across Africa, Asia, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe with the City of Maricá in Brazil confirmed as host of GSEF 2027. The renewed governance reflects GSEF’s expanded global representation across cities, networks and thematic bodies.

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Schwab Foundation names 21 social entrepreneurs and innovators as 2026 awardees

Source: Schwab Foundation

The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has named 21 award winners across four categories at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2026 recognising social entrepreneurs, corporate social innovators, public social innovators and collective social innovation awardees from around the world. Awardees include leaders working on emergency medical services in Ethiopia, human trafficking prevention in Romania, sustainable footwear in France and microfinance and the social and solidarity economy in Senegal. This year’s cohort joins a community of over 500 social innovators whose collective work has reached close to a billion lives since the Foundation was established in 1998.

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UN and ILO launch joint brief positioning social economy as path out of poverty

Source: UNTFSSE

On World Day of Social Justice, 20 February 2026, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy and the ILO-led Global Coalition for Social Justice jointly launched a policy brief on advancing the human rights economy through the social and solidarity economy. The brief explores how SSE entities including cooperatives, mutual societies, foundations and social enterprises promote decent work, equitable resource distribution, gender equity and climate resilience while prioritising social purpose over profit. It identifies practical policy levers for governments and development partners and contributes to the UN’s broader Roadmap for Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth.

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Africa

Ethiopia formally recognises social enterprise in national entrepreneurship policy 

Source: Entrepreneurship Development Institute Ethiopia

On 19 February 2026, Ethiopia’s National Entrepreneurship Policy and Strategy was approved, formally recognising social enterprise as a government-supported sector for the first time. The milestone follows eight years of advocacy by Social Enterprise Ethiopia, the country’s national membership body, working alongside the Entrepreneurship Development Institute and the Ministry of Labor and Skills. The recognition is expected to unlock tax incentives and improved access to resources for social enterprises working to address poverty, unemployment and environmental challenges across the country.

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Africa’s 2.18 million social enterprises generate $96bn and support 12 million jobs 

Source: Business Report

A landmark report released by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship in partnership with the World Economic Forum, the African Union Commission and others estimates that Africa is home to 2.18 million social enterprises collectively generating at least $96 billion in annual revenue and supporting 12 million jobs directly. More than 55% of the social enterprises surveyed are women-led and one in three is led by a founder under 35. The report identifies access to finance as the single biggest barrier to growth and recommends enabling ecosystems, expanded capital access and improved data collection as priorities.

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Asia

ASEAN launches five-year roadmap to align social economy with development goals 

Source: ASEAN SDG-SSE Roadmap

On 27 January 2026, ASEAN formally presented its Roadmap for integrating the Social and Solidarity Economy into the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The document is a five-year action plan developed through a participatory process in which SSE and SDG practitioners contributed to defining its structure and priorities. The roadmap aims to strengthen the role of the social and solidarity economy as a driver of sustainable development across Southeast Asia through to 2030.

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Japan survey finds record awareness of impact investing but most consumers still unfamiliar 

Source: Pioneers Post

A new survey by the Japan Social Innovation and Investment Foundation found that more than a fifth of Japanese consumers are now aware of impact investing, a record high since the annual survey began in 2019, while the country’s impact investing market reached ¥17.3 trillion (approximately US$115 billion) in 2024, a 50% increase on the previous year. The survey of over 4,000 consumers found that younger generations show the greatest interest and that more than 80% of those intending to invest would seek market-rate returns or above. The findings point to growing mainstream awareness while also underscoring that the majority of consumers globally have yet to encounter the concept.

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Taiwan advances circular economy agenda with new laws, funding and AI partnerships 

Source: Eco-Business

Taiwan is advancing its circular economy through new legislation, a TW$10 billion (US$318 million) green growth fund and an AI partnership with Taiwan AI School to upgrade industrial capabilities. The country’s circular economy sector is growing at roughly 9% annually and officials project the sector could expand to approximately TW$500 billion within a decade. The government is pursuing development across four areas including institutional coordination, legislation, technology deployment and financing with the goal of establishing Taiwan as a regional hub for resource-efficient industry.

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Europe

Northern Ireland reports significant growth in social enterprise but lacks social value law 

Source: Agenda NI

A newly published Northern Ireland government report shows the social enterprise sector has grown significantly since 2018 with the number of social enterprises rising from 843 to at least 1,225 and employment increasing from 14,400 to at least 17,300 jobs while cautiously estimated combined turnover holds at just under £1 billion. The sector outperforms mainstream business on gender leadership with 44% of social enterprises led by women and 97% having women in leadership roles. Northern Ireland remains the only UK region without Social Value legislation though a Social Value Bill is being prepared for introduction.

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Scotland passes legislation to embed community wealth building across local authorities 

Source: Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament has passed the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill completing all three parliamentary stages on 10 February 2026 with Royal Assent still required before it becomes law. The Bill requires Ministers to publish a national community wealth building statement and guidance while obliging each local authority to produce an area action plan in collaboration with local public bodies such as health boards. Community wealth building is an approach to economic development that seeks to ensure wealth is generated, circulated and retained within local communities.

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Spain commits €15 million to country’s largest social impact venture capital fund 

Source: COFIDES

Spain’s state-managed Social Impact Fund has committed €15 million to the first closing of BSocial Impact Fund II, a venture capital fund managed by Ship2B Ventures that has reached €65 million and is targeting a final size of €80 million. The fund will invest in start-ups focused on improving quality of life for older people and vulnerable groups as well as industrial decarbonisation and ecosystem regeneration. Backed by the European Investment Fund, major Spanish financial institutions and family offices, the fund incorporates a first-loss tranche designed to attract additional private capital.

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Spain publishes major report calling for expanded worker ownership and economic democracy

Source: Report on Democracy at Work

Spain’s Vice President Yolanda Díaz has launched a 400-page expert report on economic democracy setting out proposals to deepen worker participation and ownership in companies across Spain and the EU. Key recommendations include mandatory worker representation on company boards, expanded employee ownership schemes and new public investment tools to support worker buyouts and democratically governed enterprises. The report frames its proposals as a response to growing inequality and instability in democratic institutions.

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UK sector bodies challenge £428bn impact economy report over treatment of co-operatives

Source: Co-op News / Social Enterprise UK

A New Philanthropy Capital report estimating the UK impact economy at £428 billion has prompted pushback from Co-operatives UK, Social Enterprise UK and the Employee Ownership Association who argue that democratically owned structures legally required to prioritise public benefit should be included in the impact economy by default rather than assessed case by case. Social Enterprise UK Chief Executive Peter Holbrook called for the Government’s new Office for the Impact Economy to include a dedicated Democratic Ownership Window contending that the current definitional approach risks favouring investor-compatible models such as B Corps over worker co-operatives and community benefit societies. NPC has acknowledged the feedback and committed to updating the report.

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Latin America

Impact Fund Denmark backs early-stage Latin American impact fund

Source: fundsforNGOs News

Impact Fund Denmark has committed USD 4 million to the Acumen Latin America Early Growth Fund II (ALEG II), managed by ALIVE Ventures. The fund provides long-term capital to early-stage companies in sectors including energy, financial services and agriculture, with the aim of delivering essential products and services to low-income communities across the region. The investment is the first fund commitment from Impact Fund Denmark’s Venture Capital team.

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NESsT Lirio Fund surpasses USD 20 million in disbursements across Latin America

Source: NESsT

The NESsT Lirio Fund has crossed USD 20 million in total disbursements through 37 loans, supporting enterprises in Brazil, Colombia and Peru that have collectively contributed to the preservation of over 1.5 million hectares of land and positively impacted 16,000 lives. The fund focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises in the Andes-Amazon region that create income opportunities for low-income communities while promoting sustainable land management. Backed by investors including Kiva, the Inter-American Development Bank and others, the milestone reflects growing momentum for patient capital in the region.

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Oceania

Australia commits additional AU$3.9 million to extend social enterprise development programme 

Source: Impact Investing Australia

The Australian Government has committed an additional AU$3.9 million to extend the Social Enterprise Development and Investment (SEDI) programme. Full details of the extension are yet to be announced. Updates will be available through the Department of Social Services website.

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New programme to equip support organisations to better serve autistic social entrepreneurs 

Source: Community Capacity Builders

A new pre-pilot programme launching on 25 February 2026 aims to equip disability service providers, social enterprise support services and business support organisations with the knowledge to better assist autistic social entrepreneurs. The three-unit Programme for Supporting Autistic Social Entrepreneurs covers foundational autism awareness, autistic approaches to innovation and entrepreneurship and the development of collaborative local ecosystems to support autistic-led enterprises. The programme is grounded in a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming framework.

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Aotearoa New Zealand Social Investment Fund opens second funding round 

Source: Social Investment Agency

Aotearoa New Zealand’s Social Investment Fund has opened Round Two of its New Investment pathway from 9 February 2026 as part of a wider government effort to test and scale the social investment approach. The Fund channels outcome-based contracts to charities and not-for-profit organisations working with priority population groups including children whose parents have been in prison and children who have experienced the care system. The approach emphasises data-sharing, evidence-based evaluation and outcome-focused contracting as mechanisms for improving social service delivery.

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The post SEWF social enterprise news roundup – March 2026 appeared first on SEWF.

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

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. 

Read more and apply →

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.

Read more and apply →

The post March 2026 funding and opportunities for social enterprises appeared first on SEWF.

Background

Kenya’s education system faces multiple challenges, including high dropout rates, gender disparities, lack of access to quality teaching and inadequate infrastructure in both urban and rural areas. By Grade 4 (aged 9-11), more than 40% of students who began school have already dropped out, while only 20% of secondary school graduates are prepared for university. Refugee populations from neighbouring countries face further barriers. With 77.5% of Kenyans lacking internet connectivity but widespread access to basic mobile phones, there is a clear opportunity to leverage SMS as a medium for accessible education. Against this backdrop, M-Shule (“mobile school” in Swahili) was founded in 2017 to provide inclusive and personalised learning solutions through mobile technology.

The AI solution

M-Shule integrates artificial intelligence with SMS technology to deliver personalised, curriculum-aligned micro-courses in literacy, numeracy, financial literacy and vocational skills. Using adaptive learning technology and item response theory, the system adjusts content difficulty based on learner performance, ensuring that each user progresses at their own pace. AI-driven analytics track learner proficiency, strengths and weaknesses, with dashboards providing real-time insights to teachers, parents and programme partners. Importantly, the system works without internet or smartphones, making it affordable and accessible for low-income households.

Implementation and partnership

M-Shule collaborates with a wide range of organisations, including Tusome, Xavier Project, Aga Khan Foundation, Education Design Unlimited, Oxfam, VSO International, Danish Refugee Council and Jacaranda Health. Key projects include:

• Refugee training: In partnership with the Danish Refugee Council, M-Shule delivered SMS-based micro-courses on entrepreneurship and financial literacy to over 600 refugees in English, Swahili and Somali.
• Disability inclusion: Partnering with Light for the World, M-Shule trained youth with physical, hearing and visual impairments in employability skills through SMS and Telegram.
• Community advocacy: Supporting Oxfam, the platform delivered Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) awareness campaigns in English and Ng’aturkana.
• Remedial learning: Across East Africa, M-Shule has supported primary school learners in maths, English and Kiswahili, with results showing 7–20% higher exam scores compared to peers.

To date, M-Shule has reached over 23,000 learners directly and impacted more than 20,000 households across 30 counties in Kenya, as well as in Uganda and Tanzania.

Impact and results

• Learning outcomes: Students using M-Shule improved their exam performance by 7–20%. Many reported greater self-confidence, problem-solving skills and digital literacy.
• Reduced dropout rates: M-Shule contributed to improved school attendance and higher secondary school enrolment.
• Family engagement: Parents participated in literacy learning alongside their children, fostering a culture of education within households.
• Teacher and institutional benefits: Teachers reported improved classroom planning, reduced administrative tasks and better data-driven decision-making.
• Community-level change: Adult learners applied financial literacy lessons to create saving plans and improve household incomes.

Recognition of M-Shule’s work includes awards from the Mastercard Foundation, Google.org, Cisco, the World Summit Awards, the Global EdTech Startup Awards and the Next Billion EdTech Prize.

Lessons and next steps

M-Shule’s work highlights the importance of meeting learners where they are by leveraging widely available technologies like SMS rather than relying on internet-dependent tools. However, challenges remain:

• Strategic challenges: Contextualising curriculum and addressing varying levels of digital literacy across different communities.
• Accessibility challenges: Expanding reach requires sustained partnerships with telecom companies to ensure sufficient mobile phone penetration and network support.

Looking forward, M-Shule aims to scale into regions with higher mobile penetration, deepen government partnerships to align with national curricula and enhance AI capabilities with natural language processing for richer learner engagement.

References

https://www.mshule.com/

https://www.uil.unesco.org/en/litbase/m-shule-sms-learning-training-kenya 

The post AI for Social Good:M-Shule appeared first on SEWF.

India AI Impact Summit 2026

Date: 16-20 February 2026
Location: New Delhi, India
Tickets: From ₹20,000

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, startups, investors and youth innovators to explore how AI can advance inclusive growth, sustainability and social impact. The summit features flagship events including the India AI Impact Expo, AI for ALL: Global Impact Challenge, AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge, YUVAi – Global Youth Challenge and a Research Symposium, providing a platform for collaboration, learning and innovation in AI for social good.

FLII 2026

Dates: 24-26 February 2026
Location: Mérida, México
Tickets: From $1,206
FLII 2026 brings together investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers committed to creating positive social and environmental impact. This 16th edition, themed “Unlocking the Impossible”, explores bold solutions for humanity, the planet and innovation, showcasing how creativity, collaboration and capital can drive lasting change. Participants will engage in global dialogue, network with like-minded leaders and explore actionable pathways to scale social and environmental impact.

Sankalp Africa Summit 2026

Dates: 25-26 February 2026
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Tickets: From $250
Africa’s largest convening on entrepreneurship and impact investing, this annual summit brings together entrepreneurs, impact investors, development finance institutions (DFIs), ecosystem builders and thought leaders to explore solutions to sustainable development challenges and unlock capital and partnerships. The 2026 edition, under the theme South–South Rising, deepens collaboration across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

The Social Enterprise Conference (SECON 2026)

Dates: 28 February-1 March 2026
Location: Cambridge, MA, USA
Tickets: From $40
Student-run conference focusing on social enterprise and impact in a world of AI, climate change and evolving global development. Features keynotes, panels, workshops, documentary screening and a pitch competition with $5,000+ prizes.

MWC Barcelona 2026

Dates: 2-5 March 2026
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Tickets: From €989
MWC Barcelona 2026 brings together leaders in mobile, tech and connectivity to explore “The IQ Era,” uniting innovation, human insight and intelligent infrastructure. Attendees will access keynote thought leadership, industry insights and networking opportunities with global executives, policymakers and tech pioneers, including CEOs from SpaceX, Blizzard Entertainment, Rakuten and more. This event is ideal for professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of digital transformation and societal impact through technology.

International Conference On Social Entrepreneurship And Impact Investing (ICSEII-26) 

Dates: 3-4 March 2026
Location: Quezon City, Philippines (hybrid)
Tickets: From $163
International conference on social entrepreneurship and impact investing. Offers research presentations, workshops, debates and networking opportunities for students, educators, researchers and industry professionals. Abstract submission deadline: 11 Feb 2026.

Resilience in Action: Mainstreaming the Social Economy – Euclid Network Impact Summit 2026

Date: 11-12 March
Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Tickets: From €95
Description: The Euclid Network Impact Summit 2026 brings together impact-driven leaders, social economy practitioners, networks, foundations, impact investors, corporate innovators, academics and policymakers. The summit will focus on resilience in the social economy, offering keynote conversations, panel discussions and in-person meetups to share knowledge, exchange ideas and explore how social economy actors can adapt, sustain impact and strengthen their role in building a socially inclusive and sustainable society.

The Impact Journey India 2026

Date: 23 March – 1 April 2026
Location: India 

The Impact Route India 2026, led by EKHOS, is an immersive journey for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of impact, social enterprise and purpose-driven business. Participants will visit social enterprises, engage with India’s active impact ecosystem, explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and innovation, connect with peers and reflect on their professional leadership. Limited places available.

The post Social enterprise events – February 2026 appeared first on SEWF.

Deadline: 4 February 2026
Region: Africa

The UNHCR x Fuzé Challenge Kampala 2026 is a tech start-up programme supporting refugee-led enterprises in Uganda and neighbouring countries. The challenge is open to founders who demonstrate refugee leadership, including real involvement in decision-making and governance.

Selected participants will receive mentoring, exposure to investors and ecosystem partners and support to scale their impact-driven solutions. The programme prioritises ventures led by refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, or internally displaced people, helping strengthen inclusive entrepreneurship in the region.

Slingshot Challenge

Deadline: 6 February
Region: Global

The Slingshot Challenge invites young innovators aged 13-18 to submit a 1-minute video presenting solutions to pressing environmental issues, including climate change, waste reduction, nature protection, air pollution and ocean restoration. Funded by the National Geographic Society and Allen Family Philanthropies, the competition awards USD 10,000, USD 5,000 and USD 1,000 prizes, along with special recognition awards for standout entries. Participants can enter individually or in teams of up to six, with videos accepted in English or Spanish. Winners receive support to advance their ideas and gain visibility for their solutions.

StepForward: Essential Innovation Challenge

Deadline: 6 February 2026
Region: Global (regional selection across Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America, Middle East & Africa and North America)

The StepForward: Essential Innovation Challenge, led by the S&P Global Foundation in partnership with MIT Solve, seeks non-profit solutions that equip youth aged 18-24 with the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate an AI-powered future. The challenge focuses on expanding inclusive AI literacy while strengthening human-centric skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication and ethical reasoning.

The challenge is open to non-profit organisations at pilot or growth stages that are delivering community-rooted, culturally relevant learning approaches, including low-tech, hybrid, or AI-enabled models. Six selected organisations (one per global region) will each receive USD 200,000 in grant funding, along with participation in a Demo Day and access to expert feedback from S&P Global. Priority is given to organisations designing and delivering solutions within the regions where they operate.

Future of Work Accelerator

Deadline: 6 February 2026
Region: United States

The Future of Work Accelerator, led by HP Inc. and the HP Foundation, supports organisations working to close the digital divide and expand access to technology and future-ready skills in an AI-driven economy. The programme focuses on solutions serving youth, on-demand workers and small businesses that are most vulnerable to economic disruption.

The 2026 Accelerator is open to U.S.-based non-profits and mission-driven for-profit organisations that have moved beyond the idea stage and are actively delivering programmes. Five selected organisations will receive USD 100,000 in funding, HP technology and solutions valued at USD 100,000 and take part in a six-month virtual accelerator designed to strengthen organisational capacity and scale impact. Applicants must be legally registered in the U.S., primarily operate domestically and reach an average of 25,000 people annually.

International Climate Protection Fellowship

Deadline: 10 February 2026
Region: Global (citizens of a non-European developing or transition country)

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s International Climate Protection Fellowship supports prospective leaders and postdocs from non-European developing and transition countries to conduct climate-focused research projects in Germany. Projects may focus on climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, ecosystem and biodiversity preservation, sustainable resource use, or urban development.

Fellows receive financial support (EUR 2,500-3,000 per month plus benefits), mentorship, networking opportunities and access to German host institutions, including universities, research institutes and NGOs. Applicants should have prior leadership experience, relevant academic or practical experience and very good English or German skills. The programme encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups and provides a strong alumni network for long-term collaboration.

AU‑EU Youth Cooperation Grants

Deadline: 12 February 2026
Region: Africa and Europe

The AU‑EU Youth Cooperation Grants provide EUR 50,000 for consortia of youth-led organisations from eligible African and European countries to implement collaborative advocacy projects addressing global and local challenges, including climate change, inequality and education. Eligible applicants must be legally registered NGOs, CBOs, or similar, with young people aged 18-35 leading both the organisation’s governance and project implementation. The grants support cross-continental partnerships that empower youth to influence policy at local, national and international levels.

Call for Bold Ideas in Plastic Circularity 2026

Deadline: 15 February 2026
Region: Africa

This Call for Bold Ideas invites innovators, researchers and early-stage ventures across Africa to develop scalable, science-driven solutions to tackle plastic waste. Selected participants will receive venture-building support, mentorship, access to networks and catalytic funding of up to USD 120,000 to transition their concepts into market-ready solutions with measurable environmental and social impact.

Applications must include a video submission (max 5 minutes) and demonstrate potential for circular plastic solutions that can be implemented across African contexts.

Ocean Leaders Fellowship

Deadline: 15 February 2026
Region: Global

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship, run by the Sustainable Ocean Alliance in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, supports 40 early-career ocean and climate leaders each year. Fellows gain tactical skills, mentorship and access to high-level networks to strengthen their impact and advance the 30×30 roadmap, aiming to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030.

The programme runs from 26 March –  5 December 2026, combining weekly virtual sessions with an immersive in-person leadership institute in June. It is open to applicants aged 18-35 working in ocean or climate action, with C1 English proficiency and availability for international travel. Fellows work in peer leadership pods, engage in community and policy initiatives and develop campaigns to drive systemic change in ocean conservation.

Education Innovation Awards

Deadline: 16 February 2026
Region: Global

Theirworld’s Education Innovation Awards support non-profits ready to scale pilot-stage education innovations using digital technology. The programme provides up to 10 winners with a combination of mentoring, masterclasses, leadership coaching and grants of up to GBP 50,000 to expand impact and reach more learners.

Applicants should have reached at least 2,000 learners in the past year and focus on improving education outcomes for marginalised students, teachers, or caregivers. The programme emphasises community-led organisations and helps teams develop the skills, capacity and evidence base needed to grow their innovations sustainably.

Alliance for Youth Organising Explore Fund

Deadline: 16 February 2026
Region: UK

The Alliance for Youth Organising is offering five grants of GBP 15,000 to support projects that explore gaps in youth organising and political education across the UK. Using an action learning approach, grantees will test new ideas, document lessons learned and share these insights with the wider field. Collaborative applications are encouraged, with at least one organisation actively involved in youth organising and a lead organisation managing the grant.

Grantees will participate in online community convenings at the start, middle and end of the project, with additional funding available for any in-person meetings. Projects may share learning creatively – through reports, videos, audio, or other media – and the Alliance will help amplify the findings. The fund is intended for groups that actively organise young people, experiment with new approaches and embrace transparency, collaboration and reflection as part of a learning community.

Digital Freedom Fund

Deadline: 17 February 2026
Region: Global

The Digital Freedom Fund (DFF) provides grant support for projects advancing digital rights, including litigation and pre-litigation research. Applications are considered through open calls and applicants first complete an eligibility check before submitting a full application.

Eligible applications are evaluated by a group of community peers, who recommend grants for final approval by the DFF Board. Decisions are announced in June 2026, following a three-month review period. The programme emphasises participatory decision-making and while many strong applications are received, only a portion can be funded. Applicants are encouraged to participate in Ask Us Anything sessions and review guidance materials in advance.

Young Nature Leaders Grant

Deadline: 20 February 2026
Region: Canada

Nature Canada’s Young Nature Leaders Grant supports youth under 30 in creating community-based projects that celebrate and protect nature. Winners receive CAD 1,000 to implement their projects, mentorship from Women for Nature members and opportunities for media exposure. Submissions can be a two-page essay or short video and are evaluated on impact, public engagement, creativity, effective use of funds and inclusion of diverse communities.

Urban Leaders Fellowship 2026

Deadline: 20 February 2026
Region: USA

The Urban Leaders Fellowship offers a paid summer programme for U.S.-based professionals who want to drive change in their communities. Fellows spend half their time working on a critical policy project alongside an elected official and the other half collaborating with a partner organisation-from non-profits to start-ups-focused on social justice and community impact.

Participants receive leadership and career coaching, mentorship and support to shape their career paths. Applicants should have at least two years of professional experience, strong communication skills and a commitment to personal growth and community transformation. International applicants must hold a valid U.S. work or student visa; DACA individuals are eligible.

Venture For ClimateTech Global Climate & Impact Accelerator

Deadline: 20 February 2026
Region: Global (start-ups must show potential impact in New York State)

Venture For ClimateTech is a global accelerator supporting early-stage climate tech start-ups with up to USD 50,000 in non-dilutive funding, mentorship and hands-on guidance to bring innovations to market. Cohort 6 focuses on decarbonising Buildings, Transportation, Grid and Industry, with special attention to solutions that benefit underserved communities. Start-ups at TRL 4-7 from anywhere in the world are eligible, committing 8-12 hours per week to customer discovery, business development and pilot programs.

Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition

Deadline:  20 February 2026
Region: Global
The Blue Ocean Competition is the world’s largest virtual entrepreneurship contest for high school students, inviting participants from across the globe to pitch innovative “blue ocean” business ideas. Students gain mentorship, practical entrepreneurial experience and feedback from seasoned entrepreneurs, with opportunities to win cash prizes for themselves and their schools all without needing an existing start-up.

Generation Regen Challenge

Deadline: 23 February 2026
Region: Canada and USA

The Generation Regen Challenge supports young leaders (18-35) running non-profits, charities, or social enterprises in Canada and the U.S. with USD 200,000 to implement regenerative and sustainable agriculture projects. The Challenge provides funding to projects that restore ecosystems, improve soil and water health, enhance biodiversity, strengthen local farming, support Indigenous and cultural practices and improve food security for underserved communities.

Applicants should demonstrate a robust project plan, innovation and the ability to deliver measurable impact. Projects may be at any stage of innovation, from prototyping to scaling or changing systems. Only projects based in Canada or the U.S., led through an eligible organisation and aligned with regenerative agriculture principles will be considered.

Catalyst: Accelerating Wireless Innovation

Deadline: 24 February 2026
Region: United States

Catalyst is a competitive grants programme run by the CTIA Wireless Foundation that supports social entrepreneurs developing mobile-first solutions powered by wireless and 5G technologies to strengthen American communities. The programme focuses on innovations that improve how people live, learn, connect and access care, particularly in underserved or marginalised communities.

The opportunity is open to U.S.-based non-profit organisations, mission-driven for-profits and B Corporations with solutions beyond the ideation stage and with demonstrated proof of concept. Awardees will receive unrestricted grant funding ranging from USD 25,000 to USD 100,000, with additional honourable mention grants of USD 10,000. Selected organisations also gain non-financial support including pitch coaching, communications assets, storytelling support and access to the Catalyst alumni network.

Black Impact Web Grant 

Deadline: 28 February 2026
Region: Global

The Black Impact Web Grant by Bombshell Impact Design Agency provides one Black-led social impact organisation worldwide with a fully custom website at no cost. Designed for non-profits, social enterprises and mission-driven initiatives, the grant includes brand identity, professional website development, content strategy, SEO and training-helping organisations amplify their story, strengthen credibility and scale their digital presence.

YOU(th) CARE 

Deadline: 28 February 2026
Region: Europe & Mediterranean

The YOU(th) CARE project, funded by the EU DEAR Programme, invites youth-led and youth-focused initiatives to apply for its Second Call for Proposals. The call supports projects across two areas – Beyond Borders: International Networking, funding alliances and joint actions between youth initiatives from at least two countries (EUR 10,000-15,000 per grant) and Making Space, funding national-level initiatives that reclaim or create safe civic, physical, or virtual spaces for youth (EUR 6,000-8,000 per grant). Eligible applicants must be partnerships of youth-led or youth-focused civil society organisations in one of 12 countries across Europe and the Mediterranean: Spain, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Italy, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Albania, Serbia, Morocco and Tunisia. Projects must align with the CARE Approach, intersectional gender perspectives and sustainable social, economic and environmental impact.

Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme 2026

Deadline: 1 March 2026
Region: Africa

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has opened applications for its 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme, supporting Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs with funding, training and mentorship. Successful applicants will receive USD 5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, access to intensive business training, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and entry into Africa’s largest entrepreneurship network.

Applications are open to founders from all 54 African countries through TEFConnect. This programme is ideal for ambitious, early-stage entrepreneurs seeking the support and networks to scale their businesses and create meaningful impact across the continent.

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Google for Startups Accelerator

Deadline: Varies by region
Region: Global
A global programme supporting top growth-stage start-ups with tailored technical, product and leadership training. Cohorts of 10-15 start-ups receive dedicated mentoring, deep-dive workshops on product design and customer acquisition, early access to Google AI products, Google Cloud credits and TPUs and hands-on support for technical challenges. Eligible teams are Seed to Series A stage, building scalable products and committed to active participation from technical leaders. 

Ashoka Fellowship

Deadline: Rolling
Region: Global
Ashoka welcomes nominations of social entrepreneurs whose work demonstrates a new idea, creativity, entrepreneurial quality, ethical fibre and significant social impact – the core criteria used to select candidates for its global Fellowship. Nominators provide information about a candidate’s work and how it aligns with Ashoka’s vision of changemakers driving systemic change. The process is open to anyone who knows a potential Fellow and follows detailed selection criteria to guide nominations.

AJA Foundation Grants

Deadline: Rolling
Region: Global
The AJA Foundation provides grant funding to organisations working on sustainable impact initiatives across water, education and healthcare. Applicants begin by submitting a short Letter of Inquiry (LOI) demonstrating how their programme aligns with one of the foundation’s philanthropic pillars; if invited to proceed, they complete a full proposal with additional documentation. Letters of Inquiry are accepted on a rolling basis and responses typically take around six weeks. Only one funding request per organisation is considered each year and full proposals may take up to six months for review before a funding decision is made.

Her‑Health Research Fellowship 2026

Deadline: 10 January 2026
Region: Global
The Her‑Health Research Fellowship 2026 is a fully remote programme designed to equip young women (aged 18-30) with practical research skills and leadership experience focused on women’s health, public policy and social impact. The fellowship blends structured online coursework, collaborative research labs and mentorship to help participants frame meaningful research questions, gather and analyse data, interpret evidence and produce research‑ready outputs such as policy briefs or recommendations. It is suitable for students, recent graduates and early‑career professionals with or without prior research experience and aims to build competencies that support future academic or impact‑oriented careers. The programme culminates in research showcases and provides networking opportunities with mentors and peers.

Zensurance Small Business Grant 

Deadline: 11 January 2026
Region: Canada (excluding Quebec, Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut)
The Zensurance Small Business Grant provides funding of up to CAD 25,000 or CAD 1,000 grant boost to help Canadian small businesses and start-ups grow, launch new initiatives, or improve operations. Applicants must be registered Canadian companies with annual revenues under CAD 1 million, complete the application form, get a free insurance quote, follow one of our social media channels. A shortlist of six finalists is selected and the public votes on the final winner.

Create+AI Challenge

Deadline: 12 January 2026
Region: Global (Stanford affiliation required)
The Create+AI Challenge, hosted by the Stanford Accelerator for Learning with support from Google.org, invites educators, researchers, designers, technologists and students to develop artificial intelligence solutions teaching, earning, or career opportunities – with projects focused on how AI can enhance connections, participation, learning outcomes, mentoring and pathways to meaningful work. The challenge offers a total funding pool of USD 400,000 across multiple awards, mentorship and connections with Stanford faculty and collaborators, visibility at the AI+Education Summit in February 2026 and the potential for selected teams to continue development in a summer 2026 cohort at Stanford.

Truist Foundation Fellowship

Deadline: 12 January 2026
Region: USA (selected States only)
A fully-funded venture and leadership programme for small business owners, entrepreneurs and non-profit founders building solutions for underbanked or underserved communities. Fellows receive mentorship, technical assistance, access to capital, business and leadership workshops, Basecamp facilitation experience, pitch training and long-term alumni support. The hybrid 16-week programme runs March-June 2026 with weekly sessions, in-person Immersives, regional gatherings and a final Summit. Eligible applicants’ small businesses or organisations must have been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees, located across select regions in the US. 

JPMorganChase Fellowship Program 2026

Deadline: January 12–13, 2026 (multiple deadlines)
Region: USA (selected States only)
The JPMorganChase Fellowship Program 2026 is a five-week, paid, full-time summer programme aimed at undergraduate sophomore students from diverse backgrounds. It provides hands-on exposure to financial services, leadership training and professional development through a project-based curriculum. Participants gain practical skills in problem-solving, teamwork and industry knowledge and are supported with mentorship and networking opportunities. Tracks include Global Technology, Asset and Wealth Management, Commercial and Investment Banking, Consumer and Community Banking and Human Resources.

The NGO Whisperer® Global Fellowship Programme 2026

Deadline: 16 January 2026
Region: Global
The NGO Whisperer® Global Fellowship Programme is an accredited, seven-month virtual leadership programme for founders and leaders of NGOs and social enterprises, with a particular focus on leaders from low- and middle-income countries. It provides one-to-one mentorship and leadership coaching, online masterclasses delivered by an international faculty, access to a global peer and alumni network, an all-access pass to The NGO Whisperer® Global Summit and opportunities for visibility through the organisation’s magazine and podcast.

Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge

Deadline: 30 January 2026
Region: Global
A global open innovation challenge by Enterprise Singapore inviting start-ups and innovators to develop and pilot scalable sustainability solutions with corporate partners. The programme focuses on themes including renewable energy, offshore wind, greener industries, sustainable agrifood, green buildings and sustainable materials. Selected innovators can access paid pilots, in-kind support, mentorship and industry networks, with over SGD 3 million in pilot funding available. One Discovery Track participant will also receive an SGD 100,000 prize sponsored by Hexagon Group.

Prosperous Future Grant Programme

Deadline: 30 January 2026
Region: Nordic-Baltic region
The Prosperous Future programme by the Nordic Council of Ministers supports civil society cooperation across the Nordic-Baltic region, fostering green, democratic and resilient societies. Eligible projects may focus on democracy, human rights, capacity building, education, gender equality, youth, culture, sustainable development, innovation, or digitalisation. Civil society organisations from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Åland Islands, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland can apply, in partnership with organisations linked to Ukraine or democratic partners connected to Belarus or Russia. Grants range from EUR 45,000 to EUR 65,000 per project, usually lasting one to 1.5 years.

Mozilla Fellowship

Deadline: 31 January 2026
Region: Global
The Mozilla Fellowship supports technologists, researchers, creators and advocates working on public-interest technology, including AI accountability, data governance, digital rights, privacy, climate justice and open internet infrastructure. Fellows lead a 12-month project beginning in May 2026, either embedded within a civil society organisation or independently. The programme provides between USD 100,000– 125,000 investment (depending on track) in combined stipend and project funding, alongside professional development, mentorship and access to Mozilla’s global network and platforms.

Fighting Hunger Grants

Deadline: 31 January 2026
Region: United States and Canada
The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation provides  grants of up to USD 10,000 are awarded to U.S. and Canadian non-profit organisations whose mission is related to hunger relief, food rescue, or providing meal assistance to children, families, seniors and communities in need. Eligible applicants must be U.S. 501(c)(3) or Canadian NPO organisations with annual revenue of USD 10 million or less. 

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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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