TrustLaw is the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono legal program. The pro bono network works with legal teams and lawyers who provide free legal support to NGOs and social enterprises. Interested organizations apply for a free membership, explain their project and specific needs and lawyers can volunteer to work on projects that interest them. New applications are accepted on a continuous basis. More about TrustLaw
Ilka Westermeyer
EnAccess Foundation — Innovations for Energy Access
The EnAccess Foundation funds Innovation Pilot projects and Moonshot concepts focusing on providing energy access. EnAccess provides up to US$250 thousand for projects that are ready to be built and prototyped (e.g., hardware, software, business models) and US$50 thousand for ambitious research ideas in the conceptual stage (e.g., analysis and modeling). Eligibility extends to start-ups, companies, non-profits, individual innovators, investors, and researchers. Moonshot concepts and Innovation Pilot proposals can be submitted anytime. Energy Access
Network for Social Change — Development and Environment
The Network for Social Change supports socially progressive projects in the UK and developing countries. Supported projects include some in the area of environment, natural resources, and related fields. The Network does not accept unsolicited funding applications. However, the Network is willing to receive project ideas from outside of its membership via its Project Noticeboard. About
Gray Matters Capital — coLABS Impact Investing Fund
coLABS seeks scalable social enterprises that have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of women and girls around the world. coLABS strategically funds entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures that leverage women, and their critical role in the community through revenue-share investment capital. Seed investment ranges from US$100 thousand to US$250 thousand. Focus regions are South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Pre-screen forms can be submitted on a rolling basis. Details
Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation — Youth Actions Challenge
The 1 Million Youth Actions Challenge supports youth-led initiatives related to clean water and sanitation, responsible consumption and production, climate action & biodiversity. Youth between 15 and 24 years from all around the world are invited to submit their solutions and projects. Selected projects will receive financial support up to C$5 thousand each and technical support. The call is open until 15 August 2025. Youth Actions Challenge
Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation — Changemakers Innovation Challenge
The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation seeks applications for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge. The challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises across Africa who are using technological/digital tools to create innovative social solutions. Focus areas include health, environment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Proposed projects must have a maximum life cycle of 12 months and benefit African communities. The challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises across Africa. The application deadline is 22 August 2025. Changemakers
Food and Agriculture Organization — Data for Farm Value Global Challenge
The UN FAO Data for Farm Value Global Challenge 2025 invites early-stage startups worldwide to propose scalable, data-driven solutions that empower smallholder farmers. Eligible startups must be registered companies with at least two team members. Selected participants will receive workshops, one‑on‑one mentoring, and the winner earns a €5,000 cash prize. Applications close on 25 August 2025. Know more
Africa Earth Observation Challenge — Addressing Development Challenges
The Africa Earth Observation Challenge (AEO Challenge) is an open innovation competition aimed at fostering African early‑stage businesses across all sectors that leverage Earth Observation data to tackle pressing development challenges—such as climate change, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, natural resource monitoring, sustainable development, and healthcare. Eligible applicants must be based anywhere in Africa. Finalists and winners receive a comprehensive support package including cash prizes totaling up to US$10 thousand distributed among the top three teams. The application deadline is 29 August 2025. Africa Earth Observation Challenge
Global Resilience Partnership — TECH4Resilience Challenge
The Global Resilience Partnership launches the TECH4Resilience Challenge to accelerate seed‑level AI innovations that bolster climate-related emergency preparedness—focusing on solutions for low- and middle-income countries. Both not-for-profit and for-profit innovators are eligible, and selected projects will receive tailored leadership mentoring, communications support, investor pitch preparation, and funding of up to US$50 thousand to further develop and scale their solutions. The challenge closes on 31 August 2025. TECH4Resilience Challenge
World Bank — Africa Visiting Scholars Program
The AERC–World Bank Visiting Scholars Program invites researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa to apply for four to six-month research placements at the World Bank, where they will enhance their work on development-relevant topics. Up to three scholars will be selected and must submit an expression of interest by 01 September 2025. Link to AERC