If you are 18–30 and already running a project or startup creating social or environmental impact, here's a funding opportunity worth looking at.
Applications are open for the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026, which offers multiple grant awards of up to US$15,000 for youth-led projects and startups.
The deadline is 31 August 2026 at 5pm UTC.
At a glance
Deadline: 31 August 2026, 5pm UTC
Age: 18–30
Who: Founders of youth-led social or environmental projects or startups
Stage: Your project must already be operating and demonstrating measurable impact
Funding: Multiple grants of up to US$15,000
Geography: Global
Apply: Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026
Who can apply?
The challenge is aimed at founders aged 18–30 who are leading an existing social startup or project.
This isn't primarily a competition for an idea you might develop someday. Applicants need to be leading a project or startup that is already addressing a defined social or environmental problem and demonstrating measurable social outputs or impact.
Young founders must also have clear decision-making authority within the initiative, and projects must contribute to at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
What can you receive?
Multiple grant awards of up to US$15,000 are available.
Applicants can also access free learning resources to help develop their submissions, while finalists receive additional founder support and opportunities to connect with a global network of young social entrepreneurs.
There are also specialised challenges connected to the main competition.
$55,000 for education solutions
The Fitch Group x Social Shifters Global Education Challenge has a total grant pool of US$55,000, with a maximum of US$15,000 available to an individual project.
The challenge is looking particularly for youth-led social startups improving access to free, high-quality education, including solutions addressing literacy and numeracy, financial inclusion, access in rural and remote communities and gender disparities.
The programme is also interested in solutions that can grow and potentially be replicated in different places.
€10,000 for responsible technology and nature
For young founders in Europe and the UK, the TCS goIT Responsible Tech Challenge offers a €10,000 grant for youth-led technology solutions focused on nature and biodiversity.
Projects could use technologies such as AI, data analytics, IoT or blockchain to monitor ecosystems, improve food and land use, protect water systems, green cities or help communities protect nature.
Importantly, the challenge asks applicants to think not only about what technology can do, but also about ethics, privacy, equity and unintended consequences.
Funding for climate resilience
For founders in Europe, the UK, Canada and the UAE, there is also a dedicated Climate Resilience Challenge supported by the QBE Foundation.
Three grants of €10,000, €5,000 and €3,000 are available for solutions helping communities adapt to climate risks.
There is a particular focus on approaches that put disadvantaged and marginalised communities at the centre. Applicants need to demonstrate existing impact as well as the potential to reach more people.
Why this opportunity stands out
There are plenty of competitions asking young people to come up with new ideas. This one is particularly relevant for young founders who have already moved beyond the idea stage.
Maybe you have started a community initiative, built a social enterprise or developed a solution to an environmental problem and are now trying to reach more people.
The Global Innovation Challenge could provide the funding and support to take that next step.
And even if you aren't eligible yourself, you may know someone who is.
Applications close at 5pm UTC on 31 August 2026.
Apply for the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026
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