Applications are now open for the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026, an international funding opportunity for young founders developing innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges.
Funding
Selected winners will receive multiple grant awards of up to $15,000.
In addition to funding, selected founders can access learning resources, founder support, a global community of young social leaders, networking opportunities, fellowships, learning experiences and potential paid work opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
The challenge is open to individuals within the following categories:
- Young founders aged 18–30 at the time of application
- Founders with clear decision-making authority within their project or startup
- Youth-led projects or startups addressing a clearly defined social or environmental challenge
- Initiatives that can demonstrate measurable social outputs or impact
- Projects contributing to at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
Geographic Focus
The Social Shifters Innovation Grant’s is open to young impact founders from All over the World.
What Are They Looking For?
Applicants should demonstrate that their initiative is already operating and creating measurable impact, rather than being only an early-stage idea.
The solution should address a real social or environmental challenge and show how it contributes to positive change and one or more Sustainable Development Goals.
Additional Opportunities
Beyond grant funding, selected founders may gain access to
- Free learning resources
- Founder support
- Global networking opportunities
- A community of young social leaders
- Fellowships
- Learning experiences
- Potential paid work opportunities
How to Apply
Young innovative impact founders can apply using the Link provided 👉 Here
Application Deadline
31 August 2026, 5:00 PM UTC
Key Program Dates
Applications close: 31 August 2026
Finalists announced: October 2026
Grant winners announced: December 2026
