A Comprehensive Guide to Grants for Social Enterprises

Grants for social enterprises can be a game-changer, providing the necessary funding to make a meaningful impact in the community.

There are various types of grants available, including those that focus on specific issues like education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

Social enterprises can also explore government grants, which are often competitive but can provide significant funding opportunities.

To increase your chances of securing a grant, it's essential to develop a solid business plan and articulate your organization's mission and goals clearly.

There are numerous grants and funding opportunities available for social enterprises. The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) provides funding for innovations that target the poorest people in developing countries. GIF supports innovators at all stages of development through grants, loans, and equity investments.

DBS has supported over 100 social enterprises in Asia since 2012 with grant funding. Their Social Enterprise Grant Programme enables social enterprises to develop a prototype of their idea, improve existing processes, and achieve sustainability.

AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN.

The Roddenberry Foundation's Catalyst Fund grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to early-stage, unconventional ideas that have the potential for disruptive change and address urgent challenges. The fund accepts applications on a continuous basis with no deadlines.

RSF Social Finance provides funding each year to social enterprises in North America that are working to create long-term social and ecological benefit. Their broad areas of expertise include food and agriculture, education and the arts, and ecological stewardship.

The Social Enterprise Jobs Fund was committed in 2024–25 to continue building the capability and capacity of the sector. Under this fund, funding was available for growth grants for eligible organisations.

Here are some key details about the grants and funding opportunities mentioned above:

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports early-stage, high-impact social enterprises through early funding and rigorous support. They have already invested in 142 social enterprises with the support of 50 donor partners.

The Soest Third World Group Foundation supports local initiatives to improve the social and economic situation of those in the Third World and supports small-scale development projects. They inform the people of Soest about the problems of people in developing countries by providing information to schools and associations, women’s groups, and church organizations.

The Well Aware organization provides innovative and sustainable solutions to water scarcity and contamination in Africa. They fund and implement life-saving water systems to drive economic development and build self-sufficient communities.

The Pollination Project makes small grants every day to community change makers working on important social change issues. They have numerous projects, including the East Africa Leadership Program.

The TATA Social Enterprise Challenge is a national level challenge to find India’s most promising social enterprises. It is also aimed at raising awareness about social entrepreneurship through encouraging the youth to become the next generation of social entrepreneurs.

The Australian High Commission Nigeria's Small Grants Direct Aid Programme (DAP) is a flexible small grants programme run by the Australian High Commission in Abuja. The programme accepts proposals from community groups, reputable local, international or Australian NGOs, private sector entities, academic institutions, research bodies, and other organisations engaged in development activities on a non-profit basis.

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The Genesis Charitable Trust provides grants for public benefit to help individuals and communities within developing countries to improve their standards of living. They have broad objectives and an interest in projects that provide sustainable, long-term income generation and self-sufficiency.

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.

The African Innovates for the SDGs award is open to innovators from Africa who have exceptional ideas and initiatives linked to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This award was launched by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana and co-chair of the Group of Eminent Advocates for the SDGs.

Winners of the African Innovates for the SDGs award will receive funding, as well as have their work showcased at an international level.

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The D Prize Distribution is a unique award that focuses on expanding access to poverty alleviation interventions in the developing world.

The programme aims to create 'distribution entrepreneurs' or social entrepreneurs who start new ventures that distribute proven life-enhancing technologies to millions of people living in extreme poverty.

The award is designed to significantly increase access to life-enhancing technologies in the developing world.

It encourages young entrepreneurs to focus their talent on the developing world, which is a crucial step towards creating sustainable solutions.

The D Prize award is given in the amount of up to 20,000 USD.

This award is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to make a real difference in the lives of people living in poverty.

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The Commonwealth Innovation Awards are a great way to recognize and support innovators who are making a positive impact in their communities. These awards celebrate outstanding innovators and innovations that are helping Commonwealth countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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The awards are designed to recognize innovations that are advancing sustainable development in Commonwealth countries and highlight the innovative potential across the Commonwealth. Each year, 15 winners will receive a certificate and prize money.

The awards are given on the basis of level of impact or demonstrable potential of innovation as well as quality of achievement so far. This means that the winners are chosen based on how well their innovation is working and how much potential it has to make a difference.

The Commonwealth Innovation Awards are a great opportunity for innovators to get recognition and support for their work. Winners will have their work showcased at an international level, which can be a great way to get their ideas out to a wider audience.

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Echoing Green offers a range of programs to support social entrepreneurs, including its Fellowships and leadership development initiatives. These programs identify emerging leaders and invest in their success, providing over $4.6 million in funding and strategic support each year.

The Community Social Enterprise Development Grants program provides funding to non-profit organizations to grow their social enterprises and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged Queenslanders. Eligible groups include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, migrants and refugees, people with disability, and more.

The Soest Third World Group Foundation supports small-scale development projects that promote local economic and social development, particularly in areas where women are actively involved. The foundation also informs local communities about the challenges faced by people in developing countries.

Foundation ENGIE finances projects that promote inclusion, particularly for children and young people in need. They also support projects led by women that promote social inclusion and access to energy for all.

The Pollination Project makes daily grants to community change makers working on social change issues. They have supported projects in East Africa, providing grants to local leaders who then identify new projects to support.

Here are some examples of groups supported by these programs:

Echoing Green identifies tomorrow’s transformational leaders today through its Fellowships and leadership initiatives, spotting emerging leaders and investing in their success.

Every year, they fund a new class of fellows and provide more than 4.6 million USD in unrestricted seed-stage funding and strategic foundational support.

They believe in investing in and supporting the right people as well as their business plans, which is why their social entrepreneurship fellows work all over the world addressing a broad range of issues.

Their focus areas include economic development, racial and gender equity, environmental sustainability, and more, making them a comprehensive resource for social change.

EnAccess is a foundation that focuses on providing energy access, and they fund projects that are ready to be built and prototyped with up to $250 thousand. They also support ambitious research ideas in the conceptual stage with up to $50 thousand.

Eligibility for EnAccess funding extends to start-ups, companies, non-profits, individual innovators, investors, and researchers. This broad range of eligibility makes it a great opportunity for many types of organizations.

EnAccess has two main types of funding: Moonshot concepts and Innovation Pilot projects. Moonshot concepts and Innovation Pilot proposals can be submitted anytime, making it a flexible and accessible application process.

EnAccess provides funding for hardware, software, business models, and other types of projects that aim to provide energy access.

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The ENGIE Foundation supports projects that promote inclusion through culture, education, health, and sport, with a focus on children and young people in need.

They've been doing this for 25 years, mobilizing energies to help the most vulnerable.

Their projects aim to increase access to energy for sustainable development and provide emergency aid.

The ENGIE Foundation also supports projects led by women that promote the social inclusion of children.

They believe in working together to find solutions for the future in a world facing challenges like global warming, migration, and access to energy.

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The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme 2019 is a significant initiative that empowers African entrepreneurs to drive social and economic development on the continent.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation is the largest African philanthropic initiative devoted to entrepreneurship, investing in empowering African entrepreneurs since 2010.

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must have business ideas that are feasible, and demonstrate an understanding of the market, customers, and competitors, as well as leadership potential and entrepreneurial skills.

The programme combines mentoring, training, and alumni for individuals proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in Africa.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation values entrepreneurs as the catalyst for social and economic development in Africa, recognizing their potential to drive positive change.

The programme provides a platform for African entrepreneurs to access funding, training, and networking opportunities, helping them to grow their businesses and create jobs.

The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme 2019 is a great opportunity for African entrepreneurs to access the resources and support they need to succeed, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

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The Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program is a two-month, fully cost-covered boot camp open to individuals who want to create, start, and operate an effective charity. This program covers management, fundraising, impact analysis, and hands-on knowledge of established non-profit organizations.

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Applicants will have access to seed grants of up to US$200 thousand, legal support, and connections to donors, mentors, and potential employees. There is no geographical restriction for applicants, making it a great opportunity for anyone interested in starting a charity.

The deadline for applications is 21 September 2025, so mark your calendars and get ready to apply. This program is a fantastic chance to learn from experienced professionals and gain the skills and support needed to start a successful charity.

Here are some key details about the Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program:

The delivery schedule for various grant programs is a crucial aspect to consider. The Social Enterprise Growth Grants 2024–25 is set to open on August 12, 2024, and close on October 3, 2024.

To give you a better idea of the grant program timelines, here's a breakdown of the opening and closing dates for each program: