The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) invites applications for the Business Partnership Challenge to support sustainable private sector projects in developing countries. The program is open to enterprises, chambers, and non-profit foundations based in Austria, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland that have been in operation for at least three years. Projects must be implemented in partnership with local organizations in low- or middle-income countries and focus on promoting decent work, inclusive growth, and small business development. The grant offers between €500 thousand and €1 million per project, covering up to 50% of the total costs for initiatives lasting three to five years. The deadline for applications is 12 April 2026. Details here
Ilka Westermeyer
Aspire Institute — Leaders Program for First-generation University Students
The Aspire Leaders Program provides academic and professional development resources to students who are from backgrounds of social and financial adversity. All applicants must be between the ages of 18-26, come from a low-income background and be the first generation to attend university. Through the program, students will gain access to fully-funded HarvardX courses and participate in live seminars with Harvard University. Eligibility extends to students from all around the world as long as they are enrolled in an undergraduate program or have recently graduated (within three years). The application deadline is 13 April 2026. Aspire Leaders Program
Bayer Foundation — Women Empowerment Award
The Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award (WEA) recognizes women pioneering in health, nutrition, and related climate-smart solutions. Fifteen female entrepreneurs will get the chance to join the 6-month Accelerator Program and receive €25 thousand in support of their business. To qualify, applicants must center their solutions around health or food security related challenges. The award seeks to support women entrepreneurs driving impactful solutions in the Asia Pacific region, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. The application deadline is 13 April 2026. Women Empowerment Award
World Food Prize Foundation — Innovate for Impact Challenge 2026
The World Food Prize Foundation hosts the Innovate for Impact Challenge to accelerate agricultural technology solutions that address global food security. Early-stage, for-profit AgTech startups from any country are eligible to apply. The winner receives a US$50 thousand grand prize, while second and third-place finalists receive US$10 thousand and US$5 thousand respectively. All three finalists gain international exposure by pitching their innovations live at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa. The deadline for applications is 15 April 2026. Innovate for Impact Challenge
Earth Journalism Network — Reports on Renewable Energy in India
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) provides grants to support the production of in-depth text and video reports on the transition to renewable energy in India. The program aims to improve public awareness of clean energy progress, infrastructure challenges, and community-led solutions. Eligibility is open to India-based journalists and content creators from print, digital, and broadcast media who have a track record of reporting on environment or energy issues. For text-based reports, selected applicants receive up to ₹1 lakh, while video projects of approximately eight minutes in length may receive up to ₹2.75 lakh to cover reporting and production costs. The deadline for applications is 15 April 2026. Know more
Google.org — Impact Challenge: AI for Science
Google.org invites applications for its AI for Science Impact Challenge, a US$30 million global initiative to accelerate scientific breakthroughs using artificial intelligence. The program focuses on two primary domains: health and life sciences, and climate resilience and environmental science. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, academic and research institutions, and for-profit social enterprises with a clear social impact purpose. Selected organizations will receive grants ranging from US$500 thousand to over US$3 million, alongside participation in a six-month Google.org Accelerator providing pro bono technical expertise and Google Cloud credits. The deadline for applications is 17 April 2026. Link to the Impact Challenge
Climate Curve — Climate Curve Prize: Methane
Climate Curve invites applications for the Climate Curve Prize: Methane to support global solutions for methane mitigation in food and waste systems. The program targets five categories: mitigation, social and cultural pathways, monitoring and verification, and finance. The prize is open to applicants worldwide, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit companies. Eight laureates will each receive US$25 thousand to support their work, with winners announced during New York Climate Week. The deadline for applications is 17 April 2026. Info
Biomimicry Institute — Accelerator Program
The Biomimicry Institute seeks applications for its Ray of Hope Accelerator. The institute supports high-impact nature-inspired startups from all over the globe. Each selected startup receives US$15 thousand in non-dilutive funding and over US$50 thousand worth of in-kind services. The program includes tailored coaching, investor introductions, and a 4-day Nature Retreat. The application deadline is 24 April 2026. Know more
Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship — Training for Social Entrepreneurs
The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship accepts applications for an accelerator program focused on social enterprises working on women’s economic power and/or climate resilience. The program is designed for established social entrepreneurs who directly serve people living in poverty who suffer disproportionately from climate change. Climate resilience falls into one of the following three categories: sustainable energy, availability of sustainable management of water and sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture. Non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid social enterprises that have a clear commitment to an earned revenue model with the potential for scale are all encouraged to apply. There are no geographical limitations. The application deadline is 27 April 2026. Link
African Business Heroes — Business Heroes Competition 2026
African Business Heroes aims to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities by working to solve the most pressing problems. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages. Ten finalists will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money. All Finalists win grant funds from US$100-300 thousand. The applicant must be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company. Applications close on 28 April 2026. African Business Heroes