50 Free Grants You Can Apply for in 2026 (Global Funding for Startups & Entrepreneurs)

Starting a business or growing an existing one can feel almost impossible when funding is limited. Many talented entrepreneurs, creators, innovators, students, and startup founders have powerful ideas but lack the financial support needed to bring those ideas to life.

That is exactly why grants have become one of the biggest opportunities for entrepreneurs in 2026.

Right now, governments, international organisations, NGOs, private foundations, and global tech companies are investing billions of dollars into startups, innovation projects, small businesses, agriculture, technology, education, sustainability, and social impact ventures around the world.

And the best part?

Unlike loans, grants usually do not require repayment.

Whether you are building a tech startup, launching an online business, creating a social impact project, running a nonprofit organisation, or searching for funding to scale your existing business, there are grant opportunities available for different industries and countries.

Unfortunately, many people never hear about these opportunities until the deadlines have already passed. Others struggle because they do not know where to find legit funding programs or how to identify grants they are eligible for.

To help you save time and avoid misinformation, I have carefully compiled this detailed list of 50 legit upcoming grants for entrepreneurs worldwide in 2026.

Inside this guide, you will discover:

• Startup grants for entrepreneurs

• International innovation funding opportunities

• Grants for women and youth entrepreneurs

• Agriculture and rural development funding

• Tech and AI startup grants

• NGO and nonprofit funding opportunities

• Creative industry and sustainability grants

• Government-backed startup support programs

More importantly, each grant includes:

• Eligible countries or citizens

• Application deadlines

• Funding amounts

• Required documents

• Official application links

This makes it easier for you to quickly identify the best opportunities that match your business idea, startup stage, or organisation.

Even if you are a beginner with little or no funding, do not underestimate what these opportunities can do for your future. Many successful businesses today started with a single grant, fellowship, or startup competition.

So instead of spending countless hours searching randomly online, you now have a complete resource packed with some of the best funding opportunities available globally.

Take your time, explore the grants carefully, and apply strategically.

Your next breakthrough could start with just one successful application.

Table of Contents

Startup & Innovation Grants

1. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs from African countries	Application deadline: Usually March annually Funding amount: $5,000 seed funding Required documents: Business plan, ID, proposal	Apply Here
Startup founders in Africa	Application deadline: March each year Funding amount: $5,000 capital support Required documents: Business profile, pitch	Apply Here
Early-stage African entrepreneurs	Application deadline: Annual cycle Funding amount: $5,000 plus mentorship Required documents: Business idea, identity verification	Apply Here

2. Google for Startups Black Founders Fund

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Black founders globally	Application deadline: Varies yearly Funding amount: Up to $100,000 equity-free Required documents: Pitch deck, company details	Apply Here
Tech startups in Africa, US, Europe	Application deadline: Regional announcements Funding amount: Up to $100k plus Google Cloud credits Required documents: Startup information, founders profile	Apply Here
Black-led tech companies	Application deadline: Annual program cycle Funding amount: Funding plus mentorship support Required documents: Business pitch, financial overview	Apply Here

3. Y Combinator Startup Funding Program

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Startup founders worldwide	Application deadline: Winter & Summer batches yearly Funding amount: $500,000 investment Required documents: Startup application, pitch deck	Apply Here
Early-stage tech startups	Application deadline: Twice yearly Funding amount: $500k plus accelerator support Required documents: Founder details, company information	Apply Here
Startup teams globally	Application deadline: Batch-based deadlines Funding amount: Seed funding and mentorship Required documents: Startup pitch video, product description	Apply Here

4. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Innovation Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Innovators worldwide	Application deadline: Depends on grant round Funding amount: Up to $100,000 Required documents: Project proposal, CV	Apply Here
Researchers and startups globally	Application deadline: Announced per funding call Funding amount: Early-stage innovation funding Required documents: Research concept note	Apply Here
NGOs and social innovators	Application deadline: Periodic opportunities Funding amount: Variable grant support Required documents: Innovation proposal	Apply Here

5. European Innovation Council Accelerator Program

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
EU startup founders	Application deadline: Several yearly calls Funding amount: Up to €2.5 million grant Required documents: Business plan, pitch deck	Apply Here
Deep-tech innovators in Europe	Application deadline: Announced annually Funding amount: Grant plus equity investment Required documents: Technical proposal	Apply Here
SMEs in EU member countries	Application deadline: Multiple rounds annually Funding amount: Up to €10 million blended finance Required documents: Financial projections	Apply Here

6. UNICEF Innovation Fund

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Tech startups in developing countries	Application deadline: Periodic funding rounds Funding amount: Up to $100,000 Required documents: Startup proposal, demo product	Apply Here
Entrepreneurs solving global challenges	Application deadline: Announced per round Funding amount: Seed funding plus mentorship Required documents: Product description	Apply Here
Early-stage tech innovators globally	Application deadline: Varies by program cycle Funding amount: Equity-free funding support Required documents: Business proposal	Apply Here

7. Global Innovation Fund

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Innovators worldwide	Application deadline: Rolling applications Funding amount: Up to $15 million depending on stage Required documents: Project proposal	Apply Here
Social entrepreneurs globally	Application deadline: Open year-round Funding amount: Grants for scalable solutions Required documents: Innovation plan	Apply Here
NGOs tackling poverty	Application deadline: Continuous applications Funding amount: Funding based on project stage Required documents: Impact documentation	Apply Here

8. Seedstars Startup Competition

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Startups in emerging markets	Application deadline: Regional competitions yearly Funding amount: Up to $500,000 investment Required documents: Startup pitch	Apply Here
Tech founders in Africa, Asia, LATAM	Application deadline: Annual program cycle Funding amount: Investment plus mentorship Required documents: Company profile	Apply Here
Early-stage startup teams	Application deadline: Depends on region Funding amount: Funding plus global exposure Required documents: Business plan	Apply Here

 

9. Startup Chile Government Startup Grant

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Several yearly rounds Funding amount: Up to $80,000 equity-free Required documents: Startup application	Apply Here
Global startup founders relocating to Chile	Application deadline: Multiple yearly calls Funding amount: Equity-free seed funding Required documents: Pitch deck	Apply Here
Early-stage tech companies	Application deadline: Program cycles annually Funding amount: Funding plus accelerator support Required documents: Business proposal	Apply Here

10. MIT Solve Global Challenges

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Innovators worldwide	Application deadline: Typically June annually Funding amount: Up to $1 million combined funding Required documents: Solution proposal	Apply Here
Entrepreneurs solving global problems	Application deadline: Annual application round Funding amount: Grants plus mentorship Required documents: Impact documentation	Apply Here
Tech startups and social innovators	Application deadline: Yearly competition cycle Funding amount: Prize funding and partnership opportunities Required documents: Startup details	Apply Here

Women & Youth Entrepreneur Grants

11. Cartier Women's Initiative Awards

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Women entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Usually June annually Funding amount: Up to $100,000 Required documents: Business plan, pitch deck	Apply Here
Female startup founders globally	Application deadline: Annual competition cycle Funding amount: $30,000–$100,000 grants     Required documents: Founder profile, proposal	Apply Here
Women-led social enterprises	Application deadline: Mid-year, yearly Funding amount: Grant plus mentorship Required documents: Business documentation	Apply Here

12. Amber Grant Foundation for Women

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Women entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Monthly applications Funding amount: $10,000 monthly grant Required documents: Business description	Apply Here
Female small business owners	Application deadline: End of each month Funding amount: $25,000 annual grant opportunity Required documents: Business summary	Apply Here
Women startup founders	Application deadline: Monthly selection cycle Funding amount: $10k funding support Required documents: Founder details	Apply Here

13. Halcyon Fellowship Program

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Social entrepreneurs globally	Application deadline: Program-specific deadlines Funding amount: Up to $10,000 stipend Required documents: Application form, proposal	Apply Here
Early-stage social startups	Application deadline: Announced per cohort Funding amount: Fellowship funding plus mentorship Required documents: Startup overview	Apply Here
Impact founders worldwide	Application deadline: Annual program rounds Funding amount: Funding plus accelerator training Required documents: Pitch deck	Apply Here

14. Ashoka Fellowship

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Social entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Rolling nominations Funding amount: Stipend support varies Required documents: Nomination form	https://www.ashoka.org
Nonprofit innovators globally	Application deadline: Continuous selection Funding amount: Financial support plus mentorship Required documents: Innovation proposal	https://www.ashoka.org
Founders solving social issues	Application deadline: Rolling application process Funding amount: Long-term fellowship funding Required documents: Impact documentation	https://www.ashoka.org

15. Commonwealth Foundation Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Citizens of Commonwealth countries	Application deadline: Varies by program Funding amount: Up to £200,000 project grants Required documents: Project proposal	Apply Here
NGOs in Commonwealth nations	Application deadline: Funding rounds announced yearly Funding amount: Project development grants Required documents: Organisation documentation	Apply Here
Civil society organisations	Application deadline: Periodic calls Funding amount: Grant funding for development initiatives Required documents: Project concept note	Apply Here

Environmental & Sustainability Grants

16. Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
NGOs in developing countries	Application deadline: Varies by country Funding amount: Up to $50,000 Required documents: Project proposal	https://www.thegef.org
Environmental organisations globally	Application deadline: Periodic country calls Funding amount: Small project grants Required documents: Environmental project plan	https://www.thegef.org
Community development groups	Application deadline: Program-specific deadlines Funding amount: Funding for sustainability projects Required documents: Proposal and budget	https://www.thegef.org

17. Climate Innovation Fund

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Climate tech startups globally	Application deadline: Depends on program round Funding amount: Variable funding support Required documents: Climate innovation proposal	Apply Here
Entrepreneurs solving climate challenges	Application deadline: Announced per program Funding amount: Investment and grants Required documents: Startup pitch deck	Apply Here
Sustainability innovators worldwide	Application deadline: Rolling or periodic rounds Funding amount: Funding plus mentorship Required documents: Technology proposal	Apply Here

18. National Geographic Society Explorer Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Researchers worldwide	Application deadline: Multiple annual cycles Funding amount: $20,000–$100,000 Required documents: Research proposal	Apply Here
Environmental explorers globally	Application deadline: Announced annually Funding amount: Funding for research projects Required documents: Project documentation	Apply Here
Conservation scientists	Application deadline: Several calls yearly Funding amount: Research grants for exploration Required documents: Project proposal	Apply Here

19. World Wildlife Fund Conservation Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Conservation NGOs worldwide	Application deadline: Program specific Funding amount: Varies by project Required documents: Conservation proposal	Apply Here
Environmental researchers globally	Application deadline: Periodic opportunities Funding amount: Funding for wildlife protection projects Required documents: Project documentation	Apply Here
Organisations protecting biodiversity	Application deadline: Announced per grant cycle Funding amount: Conservation project grants Required documents: Impact proposal	Apply Here

20. Green Climate Fund Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Developing countries worldwide	Application deadline: Rolling opportunities Funding amount: Millions in project funding Required documents: Climate project proposal	Apply Here
NGOs addressing climate change	Application deadline: Program-specific calls Funding amount: Large-scale climate funding Required documents: Environmental documentation	Apply Here
Governments and development organisations	Application deadline: Continuous project submission Funding amount: Major climate investment support Required documents: Technical proposal	Apply Here

Agriculture & Food Innovation Grants

21. Food and Agriculture Organization Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Agricultural entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Varies by program Funding amount: Project-based funding Required documents: Proposal, budget plan	Apply Here
NGOs in agriculture sector	Application deadline: Announced per call Funding amount: Funding for food security projects Required documents: Project documentation	Apply Here
Farmers and agri-innovators globally	Application deadline: Periodic opportunities Funding amount: Grants for agricultural innovation Required documents: Innovation proposal	https://www.fao.org

22. World Bank Agriculture Funding Programs

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs in developing countries	Application deadline: Rolling or project-based Funding amount: Large-scale project funding Required documents: Business proposal	https://www.worldbank.org
Agritech startups globally	Application deadline: Varies per program Funding amount: Grants and financial support Required documents: Startup documentation	https://www.worldbank.org
NGOs and rural organisations	Application deadline: Program-specific Funding amount: Funding for agricultural development Required documents: Project plan	https://www.worldbank.org

23. International Fund for Agricultural Development Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Rural entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Varies by region Funding amount: Development funding programs Required documents: Project proposal	https://www.ifad.org
Farmers in developing countries	Application deadline: Announced per project Funding amount: Grants for rural agriculture Required documents: Agricultural plan	https://www.ifad.org
Agribusiness startups globally	Application deadline: Periodic calls Funding amount: Funding for food production initiatives Required documents: Business documentation	https://www.ifad.org

24. Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
African farmers and entrepreneurs	Application deadline: Varies yearly Funding amount: Agricultural funding support Required documents: Project proposal	https://agra.org
Agribusiness startups in Africa	Application deadline: Program-based Funding amount: Grants for farming innovation Required documents: Business plan	https://agra.org
NGOs supporting agriculture in Africa	Application deadline: Announced per grant Funding amount: Funding for food systems Required documents: Proposal documentation	https://agra.org

25. AgriFin Accelerate Funding Programs

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Agritech startups globally	Application deadline: Program cycles yearly Funding amount: Funding plus technical support Required documents: Startup proposal	Apply Here
Fintech innovators in agriculture	Application deadline: Announced per cohort Funding amount: Grants for financial innovation Required documents: Business model	Apply Here
Startups improving farming technology	Application deadline: Periodic rounds Funding amount: Funding and mentorship Required documents: Pitch deck	Apply Here

Startup Accelerator & Investment Grants

26. Techstars Startup Accelerator

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Startup founders worldwide	Application deadline: Multiple yearly cohorts Funding amount: Up to $120,000 investment Required documents: Startup application, pitch	Apply Here
Early-stage tech startups	Application deadline: Cohort deadlines yearly Funding amount: Funding plus mentorship Required documents: Company profile	Apply Here
Entrepreneurs globally	Application deadline: Announced per program Funding amount: Seed funding and training Required documents: Pitch deck	Apply Here

27. 500 Global Accelerator Program

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Startup founders worldwide	Application deadline: Rolling applications Funding amount: Up to $150,000 investment Required documents: Startup application	https://500.co
Early-stage startups globally	Application deadline: Program-based intake Funding amount: Seed funding plus mentorship Required documents: Pitch deck	https://500.co
Tech entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Cohort cycles Funding amount: Funding and accelerator support Required documents: Company profile	https://500.co

28. Seedstars Startup Program

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Startups in emerging markets	Application deadline: Regional deadlines yearly Funding amount: Up to $500,000 investment Required documents: Startup pitch	https://www.seedstars.com
Entrepreneurs in Africa, Asia, LATAM	Application deadline: Annual competition Funding amount: Funding plus global exposure Required documents: Business plan	https://www.seedstars.com
Early-stage founders worldwide	Application deadline: Depends on region Funding amount: Investment and mentorship Required documents: Startup documentation	https://www.seedstars.com

29. Start-Up Chile Government Grant

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Several yearly rounds Funding amount: Up to $80,000 equity-free Required documents: Startup application	https://startupchile.org
Founders willing to relocate to Chile	Application deadline: Multiple calls annually Funding amount: Seed funding and support Required documents: Pitch deck	https://startupchile.org
Early-stage startups globally	Application deadline: Program cycles yearly Funding amount: Funding plus accelerator benefits Required documents: Business proposal	https://startupchile.org

30. Startup India Funding Scheme

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Indian startup founders	Application deadline: Ongoing registrations Funding amount: Government funding support Required documents: Business registration	https://www.startupindia.gov.in
Entrepreneurs in India	Application deadline: Rolling applications Funding amount: Grants and tax benefits Required documents: Startup documentation	https://www.startupindia.gov.in
Early-stage startups in India	Application deadline: Continuous program Funding amount: Funding plus incubation support Required documents: Business plan	https://www.startupindia.gov.in

International Development & Innovation Grants

31. United Nations Development Programme Innovation Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs in developing countries	Application deadline: Varies by country/program Funding amount: Project-based funding Required documents: Proposal, project plan	https://www.undp.org
NGOs and innovators globally	Application deadline: Announced per call Funding amount: Grants for development projects Required documents: Impact documentation	https://www.undp.org
Social impact startups worldwide	Application deadline: Periodic opportunities Funding amount: Funding plus technical support Required documents: Business proposal	https://www.undp.org

32. UNICEF Innovation Fund

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Tech startups in developing countries	Application deadline: Periodic rounds Funding amount: Up to $100,000 Required documents: Product demo, proposal	https://www.unicef.org/innovation
Early-stage tech innovators globally	Application deadline: Announced per round Funding amount: Equity-free funding Required documents: Startup documentation	https://www.unicef.org/innovation
Entrepreneurs solving global challenges	Application deadline: Varies yearly Funding amount: Seed funding and mentorship Required documents: Pitch deck	https://www.unicef.org/innovation

33. NATO Innovation Fund

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Startups in NATO member countries	Application deadline: Rolling or announced rounds Funding amount: Investment-based funding Required documents: Technical proposal	https://www.nif.fund
Deep-tech innovators in allied countries	Application deadline: Program-based calls Funding amount: Funding for advanced technologies Required documents: Startup pitch	https://www.nif.fund
Defence and security tech startups	Application deadline: Varies per investment round Funding amount: Capital investment support Required documents: Business documentation	https://www.nif.fund

34. European Commission Innovation Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs in EU countries	Application deadline: Multiple yearly calls Funding amount: Grants for research and innovation Required documents: Project proposal	https://ec.europa.eu
Tech startups across Europe	Application deadline: Announced per funding round Funding amount: Innovation funding support Required documents: Technical documentation	https://ec.europa.eu
Research institutions and SMEs	Application deadline: Periodic calls Funding amount: Funding for development projects Required documents: Proposal and budget	https://ec.europa.eu

35. Asian Development Bank Startup Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs in Asia-Pacific region	Application deadline: Program-specific Funding amount: Development funding support Required documents: Project proposal	https://www.adb.org
Startups in developing Asian countries	Application deadline: Announced per program Funding amount: Grants for innovation Required documents: Startup documentation	https://www.adb.org
NGOs and innovators in Asia	Application deadline: Periodic calls Funding amount: Financial support for development Required documents: Project plan	https://www.adb.org

36. African Development Bank Innovation Programs

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs across African countries	Application deadline: Varies by program Funding amount: Development funding support Required documents: Business proposal	https://www.afdb.org
African startups and SMEs	Application deadline: Announced per funding round Funding amount: Grants and investment support Required documents: Startup documentation	https://www.afdb.org
NGOs and innovators in Africa	Application deadline: Periodic calls Funding amount: Financial support for projects Required documents: Project proposal	https://www.afdb.org

37. GSMA Innovation Fund

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Mobile tech startups globally	Application deadline: Announced per round Funding amount: Grants for mobile innovation Required documents: Startup proposal	https://www.gsma.com
Digital startups in developing countries	Application deadline: Program-based calls Funding amount: Funding for connectivity solutions Required documents: Business plan	https://www.gsma.com
Entrepreneurs solving digital inclusion challenges	Application deadline: Periodic opportunities Funding amount: Grant plus mentorship Required documents: Project documentation	https://www.gsma.com

38. European Investment Bank Startup Funding

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs in EU countries	Application deadline: Rolling applications Funding amount: Investment and funding support Required documents: Business plan	https://www.eib.org
SMEs across Europe	Application deadline: Program-based intake Funding amount: Financial support for growth Required documents: Financial documentation	https://www.eib.org
Tech startups in Europe	Application deadline: Continuous opportunities Funding amount: Funding for innovation Required documents: Startup proposal	https://www.eib.org

39. UNESCO Creative Innovation Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Creative entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Announced per program Funding amount: Grants for creative projects Required documents: Project proposal	https://www.unesco.org
Artists and innovators globally	Application deadline: Periodic calls Funding amount: Funding for cultural innovation Required documents: Portfolio, proposal	https://www.unesco.org
Cultural startups worldwide	Application deadline: Program cycles yearly Funding amount: Financial support for creative industries Required documents: Business documentation	https://www.unesco.org

40. NESTA Innovation Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Innovators in the UK	Application deadline: Varies by program Funding amount: Grants for innovation projects Required documents: Proposal, project plan	https://www.nesta.org.uk
Tech startups in the UK	Application deadline: Announced per funding round Funding amount: Funding for research and innovation Required documents: Startup documentation	https://www.nesta.org.uk
Social innovators and nonprofits	Application deadline: Periodic opportunities Funding amount: Financial support for social projects Required documents: Impact proposal	https://www.nesta.org.uk

Additional Global Grants & Funding Opportunities

41. African Development Bank Innovation Programs

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs across African countries	Application deadline: Varies by program Funding amount: Project-based funding support Required documents: Business proposal, ID	https://www.afdb.org
African startups and SMEs	Application deadline: Announced per funding round Funding amount: Grants and investment support Required documents: Startup documentation	https://www.afdb.org
NGOs and innovators in Africa	Application deadline: Periodic calls Funding amount: Financial support for development projects Required documents: Project proposal	https://www.afdb.org

The African Development Bank supports innovation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development projects across Africa. Entrepreneurs working on scalable businesses and impact-driven ideas can benefit from their funding opportunities and support initiatives.

42. GSMA Innovation Fund

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Mobile tech startups globally	Application deadline: Announced per round Funding amount: Grants for mobile innovation Required documents: Startup proposal	https://www.gsma.com
Digital startups in developing countries	Application deadline: Program-based calls Funding amount: Funding for connectivity solutions Required documents: Business plan	https://www.gsma.com
Entrepreneurs solving digital challenges	Application deadline: Periodic opportunities Funding amount: Grant plus mentorship Required documents: Project documentation	https://www.gsma.com

GSMA Innovation Fund focuses on startups solving connectivity, mobile finance, internet access, and digital inclusion challenges, especially in emerging markets and underserved communities.

43. Global Innovation Fund

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Rolling applications Funding amount: Up to $15 million Required documents: Proposal, impact plan	https://globalinnovation.fund
NGOs addressing poverty globally	Application deadline: Continuous intake Funding amount: Stage-based funding Required documents: Project documentation	https://globalinnovation.fund
Startups in developing countries	Application deadline: Open year-round Funding amount: Grants for scalable solutions Required documents: Business plan	https://globalinnovation.fund

The Global Innovation Fund invests in impactful ideas that tackle poverty, unemployment, healthcare access, education, and economic growth in developing nations worldwide.

44. MIT Solve Global Challenges

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Innovators worldwide	Application deadline: Usually June annually Funding amount: Up to $1 million combined Required documents: Solution proposal	https://solve.mit.edu
Social entrepreneurs globally	Application deadline: Annual cycle Funding amount: Grants plus partnerships Required documents: Impact documentation	https://solve.mit.edu
Tech startups solving global issues	Application deadline: Yearly competition Funding amount: Funding and mentorship Required documents: Startup profile	https://solve.mit.edu

MIT Solve connects brilliant entrepreneurs and innovators with investors, mentors, and funding partners to help solve major global challenges using technology and innovation.

45. Hello Tomorrow Deep Tech Challenge

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Deep-tech startups globally	Application deadline: Annual competition Funding amount: Investment opportunities Required documents: Technical pitch	https://hello-tomorrow.org
Scientific innovators worldwide	Application deadline: Yearly program Funding amount: Funding and global exposure Required documents: Project proposal	https://hello-tomorrow.org
Advanced technology founders	Application deadline: Announced yearly Funding amount: Investment and support Required documents: Business documentation	https://hello-tomorrow.org

Hello Tomorrow is ideal for startups building futuristic products in AI, robotics, climate technology, biotechnology, energy, and advanced engineering sectors.

46. NESTA Innovation Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Innovators in the UK	Application deadline: Varies by program Funding amount: Grants for innovation projects Required documents: Proposal, project plan	https://www.nesta.org.uk
Tech startups in the UK	Application deadline: Announced per round Funding amount: Funding for research and development Required documents: Startup documentation	https://www.nesta.org.uk
Social innovators and nonprofits	Application deadline: Periodic opportunities Funding amount: Financial support for social projects Required documents: Impact proposal	https://www.nesta.org.uk

NESTA supports innovators building solutions in education, healthcare, digital transformation, sustainability, and social impact across the United Kingdom.

47. European Investment Bank Startup Funding

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs in EU countries	Application deadline: Rolling applications Funding amount: Investment and funding support Required documents: Business plan	https://www.eib.org
SMEs across Europe	Application deadline: Program-based intake Funding amount: Financial growth support Required documents: Financial records	https://www.eib.org
Tech startups in Europe	Application deadline: Continuous opportunities Funding amount: Innovation funding Required documents: Startup proposal	https://www.eib.org

The European Investment Bank finances innovative startups, SMEs, infrastructure projects, climate innovation, and technology-driven businesses throughout Europe.

48. UNESCO Creative Innovation Grants

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Creative entrepreneurs worldwide	Application deadline: Announced per program Funding amount: Grants for creative projects Required documents: Project proposal	https://www.unesco.org
Artists and innovators globally	Application deadline: Periodic calls Funding amount: Cultural innovation funding Required documents: Portfolio, proposal	https://www.unesco.org
Cultural startups worldwide	Application deadline: Program cycles yearly Funding amount: Financial support Required documents: Business documentation	https://www.unesco.org

UNESCO funds creative and cultural innovation projects that preserve heritage, empower youth, and promote education, arts, and sustainable development globally.

49. Asian Development Bank Innovation Fund

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Entrepreneurs in Asia-Pacific region	Application deadline: Program-specific Funding amount: Development funding support Required documents: Project proposal	https://www.adb.org
Startups solving development challenges	Application deadline: Announced per program Funding amount: Grants for innovation Required documents: Startup documentation	https://www.adb.org
NGOs in Asian economies	Application deadline: Periodic calls Funding amount: Financial support programs Required documents: Project plan	https://www.adb.org

The Asian Development Bank supports innovative businesses and projects focused on sustainability, economic growth, technology, and poverty reduction across Asia-Pacific countries.

50. United Nations Development Programme Accelerator Labs

Eligible Citizens	Grant Details	Apply Link
Innovators in developing countries	Application deadline: Varies by country Funding amount: Project-based funding Required documents: Proposal, concept note	https://www.undp.org
Social impact startups worldwide	Application deadline: Periodic opportunities Funding amount: Innovation funding support Required documents: Business plan	https://www.undp.org
NGOs and entrepreneurs globally	Application deadline: Program-specific calls Funding amount: Financial support for development Required documents: Project documentation	https://www.undp.org

UNDP Accelerator Labs help entrepreneurs and organisations develop innovative solutions for unemployment, sustainability, poverty reduction, education, and economic development challenges.

Conclusion: How to Increase Your Chances of Winning Grants in 2026

At this point, you now have access to one of the most comprehensive lists of upcoming grants for entrepreneurs worldwide in 2026.

But having access to grant opportunities is only the beginning.

What truly separates successful applicants from everyone else is preparation, consistency, and action.

Many people miss out on life-changing funding opportunities because they:

• Apply too late
• Submit incomplete documents
• Ignore eligibility requirements
• Or never apply at all because they assume they won’t qualify

The truth is that many grant organisations are actively searching for passionate entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, NGOs, students, and creators with strong ideas and real impact potential.

Even if your business is still small, you should still apply.

Before submitting any application, make sure you:

     i. Read all instructions carefully

     ii. Prepare a clear business or project proposal

     iii. Keep your documents updated

     iv. Apply before deadlines close

     v. Focus on grants that align with your niche or mission

Remember, you do not need to apply for all 50 grants at once.

Instead:

1. Shortlist the best opportunities for your goals
2. Prepare quality applications
3. Apply consistently throughout the year
4. Improve your proposal after every submission

Many successful founders and entrepreneurs were rejected multiple times before receiving funding. Persistence matters.

Most importantly, never underestimate your idea simply because you currently lack funding.

A single grant can help you:

• Launch your startup
• Scale your business
• Build your product
• Hire a team
• Invest in marketing
• Or completely transform your financial future

If you found this guide helpful, bookmark it, share it with other entrepreneurs, and keep checking HowTub for more business opportunities, startup funding guides, make money online tips, and entrepreneurship resources.

Your next funding opportunity could be the one that changes everything.