LEAP Africa invites applications for its Social Innovators Programme. This nine-month fellowship supports early-stage social entrepreneurs by providing them with mentorship, capacity-building training, and access to investors to help scale their ventures. To be eligible, applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of an African nation, between 18 and 35 years old, and the founder or co-founder of an impact-driven social venture located within an African community. No direct cash prize or grant amount is specified, but fellows gain strategic visibility and opportunities to pitch their enterprises to potential funders. The deadline for applications is 12 June 2026. Social Innovators Program
Africa
Charles Hayward Foundation — Livelihoods Support in Africa
The Charles Hayward Foundation invites applications for its overseas main grants to support development projects in the Commonwealth countries of Africa. The program funds initiatives focused on clean water and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods linked to environmental conservation, and agricultural training for income generation. UK-registered charities with an annual income between £150 thousand and £4 million are eligible to apply. The foundation provides one-off, one-year grants of up to £15,000 to cover grassroots project expenses delivered alongside local partners. The deadline for proposals is 18 September 2026. Link
Melania Development Foundation — Support to Grassroots Womens’ Groups
Melania focuses on self-help projects that contribute to the improvement of the social, economic, and cultural position of women in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Projects have to focus on income-generating activities, which may include agriculture (e.g., chicken farming, beekeeping, aquaculture, etc.) and several others. Melania invites and reviews project applications. Melania selects and proposes some of these projects to Dutch women’s groups for requested financial support. There is no calendar deadline. Find support
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Angola
The Government of Canada invites proposals for small-scale, high-impact projects in Angola through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The program provides funding to local non-governmental organizations and community groups for initiatives focused on inclusive governance, gender equality, and environmental action. While typical grants range from CAN$25 thousand to CAN$50 thousand, some projects may receive larger amounts depending on the scope. Applications must be submitted by 14 May 2026. Link
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Mozambique
The Government of Canada invites proposals for small-scale, high-impact projects in Mozambique through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). This program provides funding to local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and other non-profits for initiatives focused on inclusive governance, gender equality, and environmental action. Most grants range from CAN$30 thousand to CAN$50 thousand to support projects with a maximum duration of two years. The deadline for applications is 14 May 2026. CFLI Mozambique
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Eswatini
The Government of Canada invites proposals for small-scale, high-impact projects in Eswatini through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). This program provides funding to local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and other non-profits for initiatives focused on inclusive governance, gender equality, and environmental action. Most grants range from CAN$30 thousand to CAN$50 thousand to support projects with a maximum duration of two years. The deadline for applications is 14 May 2026. CFLI Eswatini
Pulitzer Center — Rainforest Investigations Network
The Pulitzer Center invites applications for the Rainforest Investigation Network Fellowship to support investigative reporting on tropical forests. The program offers full-time fellowships to seasoned journalists who will collaborate on cross-border stories exploring the intersection of climate change, corruption, and governance in the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. Both staff reporters and freelance journalists are eligible to apply, provided they have a proven track record of complex investigative projects and a strong proposal for data-driven or investigative reporting. The fellowship covers a professional salary and provides additional support for travel and research costs. Applications must be submitted by 22 May 2026. Rainforest Investigation Network Fellowship
Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership — Art4Change Storytelling Fellowship 2026
The Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership (AEIP) invites applications for the Art4Change Storytelling Fellowship 2026. This fellowship is open to storytellers, digital artists, and creative professionals from Africa and Europe who focus on the intersection of art, technology, and social impact. Participants will engage in a collaborative program designed to highlight innovative solutions through diverse media formats. The program provides a grant of €3 thousand to each fellow to support the development and dissemination of their creative projects. The deadline for applications is 29 May 2026. Link
Fonds Pierre Castel — Agricultural Entrepreneurship in Africa
The Fonds Pierre Castel invites applications for the Pierre Castel Prize to support agricultural entrepreneurship in Africa. The program targets entrepreneurs between 18 and 45 years old who lead businesses in the agriculture, agrifood, or circular economy sectors. Applicants must be residents and nationals of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The prize offers €15 thousand for the first-place winner and €10 thousand for the second-place winner in each country, along with mentorship and professional coaching. Applications must be submitted by 30 May 2026. Pierre Castel Prize
Africa Centre for Energy Policy — Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge 2026
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) invites applications for the Future Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge. The program is open to young African innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are developing sustainable energy solutions to address energy poverty and climate change across the continent. Selected participants receive technical mentorship, access to industry networks, and a grant of US$5 thousand to pilot or scale their innovations. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and residents of an African country. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2026. Energy Innovation Challenge