Deadline 23 November 2025
The D-Prize offers a unique opportunity for changemakers to create lasting impact by launching new social ventures focused on expanding access to proven solutions in low- and middle-income countries.
We award startup grants of up to $20,000 to entrepreneurs launching new organizations. We believe the world needs more social impact organizations, and we seed for-profit ventures, NGOs, and charities. We support organizations in any low-or-middle income country where extreme poverty still exists.
We believe social impact organizations are uniquely positioned to distribute an existing product or service known to improve lives where need still exists. View the D-Prize Challenges below and select one of the high-impact products or services in need of greater global access.
This opportunity is best suited for practical, evidence-driven projects ready to reach underserved communities. Areas of focus include health, water, agriculture, livelihoods, energy, public services, and education. There is also an option for custom challenges, allowing applicants to propose distribution ideas beyond these categories.
Eligibility
D-Prize is for new organizations. Most of our awardees are first-time entrepreneurs. Most have not yet launched their organization, nor have they raised other funding. We especially encourage those from low-and-middle income countries to apply. See who we recently seeded.
We will consider applications from existing organizations only if your core focus is distributing an existing and evidence-based poverty intervention. We typically will not support organizations with more than 18 months of full time operations or that have raised more than $30,000 USD in outside funding.
The grant primarily supports individuals and teams from low- and middle-income countries, especially those who have not yet launched their organizations or secured significant outside investment. Existing organizations may also apply if they can demonstrate a clear focus on distributing effective poverty solutions and meet specific eligibility requirements regarding their funding history and operational experience.
Applicants begin the process by submitting a concise concept note and résumés. Selected candidates are invited to the next stages, which involve more detailed written submissions and interviews. The most promising proposals—those that combine innovation in distribution with a strong potential for impact—are awarded the seed grants.
https://d-prize.org/
Request for Applications: D-Prize Global Challenge
