The Food Tech Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the most innovative proposals that offer a disruptive approach to Customer Experience or Management. The award has 6 categories: digitalization award for the food and beverage industry; best sustainability project; healthy food; the best innovation project for the packaging industry; the most innovative food tech startup; and the best automation and robotics solution. The FoodTech Innovation Awards are open to all companies, universities, business schools, researchers, journalists, and start-ups from all over the world. The proposal entry deadline is 06 April 2026. Food Tech Innovation Awards
social enterprise
ENGIE Corporate Foundation — Grants for Improved Energy Access
The ENGIE Foundation makes grants in thematic areas that include support for improved energy access by disadvantaged communities. Applicants provide summary information about their organization and its partners; objectives and context of the proposed project; details of the funding request; and how the project will be evaluated. Applications (French, English, Dutch) can be submitted at any time. Link
Arizona State University — Competition for Women Social Entrepreneurs
The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The challenge honors innovative women entrepreneurs, invests in the most inspiring and transformational ideas, and ignites awareness. Awardees will participate in a dynamic pitch competition to present their business for the opportunity to receive a US$20 thousand grant. The competition is open to female entrepreneurs and business leaders from all around the world. Applications are open until 08 March 2026. More information
Fondation Franklinia — Conservation of Globally Threatened Trees
The Foundation Franklinia accepts project proposals focused on in-situ conservation of threatened trees in the Mediterranean basin. Eligibility extends to any organization with well-established expertise and efficiency in plant conservation. Projects must aim at improving the conservation status of globally threatened tree species listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Funding from the Foundation favors conservation projects with reasonable budgets in relation to proposed activities. A minimum of 20-50% of co-funding will be required. The deadline for submission of proposals (English) is 26 March 2026. Tree Conservation
Honnold Foundation — Solar Energy Funding
The Honnold Foundation provides funding to organizations or projects that use solar energy to serve underserved or marginalized communities. Both domestic and international organizations may apply. Grant awards typically range from US$25 thousand to US$150 thousand. Organizations must have 501(c)3 status or equivalent status within their country of operation. The application deadline is 12 February 2026. Solar Energy Funding
Tony Elumelu Foundation — Entrepreneurship Program for Africans 2026
The Tony Elumelu Foundation fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. The TEF Entrepreneurship Program provides mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 01 March 2026. TEF Entrepreneurship Program
Beit Trust — Support for Community and Conservation Projects in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi
The Beit Trust supports projects for health, education, welfare, and the environment in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Themes include wildlife conservation. Additionally, the Trust’s interests in community welfare include drinking water and irrigation water. Grants do not normally exceed £50 thousand. Applications should be submitted by 31 May 2026. About the Beit Trust Grants
NextWorldNow Community Investments — Community Grants 2026
NextWorldNow (NWN) is committed to working with community leaders who are solving difficult social problems. This includes social problems related to water, sanitation, deforestation, smallholder productivity, and food security – among other subject areas. Grants are up to US$10 thousand. To apply, community organizations submit a short “Notification of Interest” to register their intent to submit a formal grant application. NWN will screen the initial requests and forward a full application form to selected community organizations. The 2026 Grant application period begins 01 January 2026 and remains open until 1000 requests have been received or 01 March 2026, whichever comes first. Link
World Food Programme — Innovation Challenge
The World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator supports startups, NGOs, companies, and social enterprises worldwide that are developing innovative solutions to strengthen long-term resilience in fragile and crisis-affected contexts, particularly in areas such as food security, climate resilience, livelihoods, and emergency response. Selected innovators receive up to US$100 thousand in equity-free funding, along with hands-on technical support, and mentorship. The challenge is open to both early-stage and more mature innovations with proven potential for impact. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. WFP Innovation Accelerator
Global Resilience Partnership — Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs
The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs supports innovative, locally grounded solutions that strengthen resilience to climate-driven extreme events such as floods, landslides, heatwaves, droughts, and glacial hazards in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. The call is open to local organizations, NGOs, research institutions, social enterprises, startups, and community-based groups working in or with communities in HKH countries. Selected innovators can receive up to US$100 thousand in grant funding, along with technical assistance, and mentoring. Applications are accepted until 15 January 2026. Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs