NEF invites applications for the Africa Energy Ideas Competition which aims to accelerate the development of early-stage energy firms across Africa. The competition is open to early-stage energy entrepreneurs from Africa to collaborate with local research institutions or industries. Young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 years from Africa are invited to participate and nominate a relevant local research institution or organization. Winners will pitch their proposed prototype model at the Nigeria Energy Forum and receive a cash prize of up to $10 thousand. The deadline for proposal submission is 15 September 2025. Click here
social enterprise
Earth Company — Impact Hero 2026
Each year, Earth Company selects one Impact Hero that has the potential to transform the future of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Impact Heroes are visionary leaders who tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges and make transformative changes to the communities they serve. Earth Company provides 3 years of support through leadership coaching, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Eligibility extends to everybody and all forms of organizations. Applications have to be received no later than 06 October 2025. Find details here
Thomson Reuters Foundation — Free Legal Services for NGOs
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
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
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
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
African Union Commission — Africa Think Tank Platform
The Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) invites consortia of three to five legally registered African think tanks—with representation from at least two African sub‑regions—to submit proposals for multi‑year funding (~US $10 million per consortium over up to 2½ years). The call supports policy‑relevant, collaborative research addressing at least four of the six priority themes: (economic transformation and governance; climate change; regional trade; food security; human capital; digitalization. Applications must be submitted no later than 24 September 2025. Africa Think Tank Platform
Arab Gulf Programme for Development — Prize for Human Development
The Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development supports efforts aiming at the promotion and enhancement of human development concepts. The objective is to highlight innovative experiences and continuously support distinguished efforts in various fields of development. The 2025 Prize honors projects and initiatives in line with SDG 7 “Affordable and Clean Energy”. Prizes range from US$100 thousand to US$400 thousand. Projects implemented by UN agencies, international or regional NGOs, governmental bodies, social business enterprises, and individuals are eligible. Nominations for the Prize have to be submitted by 30 January 2026. About the Prize
International Finance Forum — Global Green Finance Award
The IFF Global Green Finance Award seeks innovative green finance solutions worldwide. The award targets applicants who offer green financial solutions that promote the transformation of economic growth modes, contribute to pollution prevention, and control and address climate change, as well as improve energy efficiency, energy conservation, and emission reductions. Any institution that carries out activities that foster green finance development and produce real benefits is eligible to apply. The application deadline is 05 August 2025. Visit the International Finance Forum
SEED — Workshop and Support for Eco-Enterprises
The SEED Replicator program offers incubation workshops to identify opportunities for enterprise creation and to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking for partnerships to build an eco-inclusive business model. SEED Starter program guides participants from the early stages of ideation to the generation of a viable business plan. SEED Replicator targets entrepreneurs without a business idea as well as early-stage entrepreneurs who are trying to identify partnership opportunities and grow their impact. SEED Catalyser guides enterprises to refine their business models and optimize their impacts. SEED Accelerator develops the investment readiness and operational excellence of established eco-inclusive enterprises looking to scale up. Successful alumni can apply for a SEED Grant which pays for your immediate necessary activities, measures, or machinery required to establish the new enterprise. SEED programs are currently offered in the following countries: Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Morocco, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and Zambia. Click here for more information