Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 D-Prize Challenge, an opportunity for emerging social entrepreneurs to receive up to US$20,000 in seed funding to launch organizations that distribute proven solutions to poverty. The challenge is designed for entrepreneurs who want to take interventions that are already known to work and expand their reach among communities that need them most.

The D-Prize Challenge primarily supports new organizations, with many successful applicants being first-time entrepreneurs who have not yet launched their ventures or secured significant external funding. Entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income countries are particularly encouraged to apply. Existing organizations may also be considered where their primary purpose is the distribution of an established, evidence-based solution to poverty.

Organizations that have been operating full-time for more than 18 months or have already raised more than US$30,000 will generally not be supported. The program is intended primarily for early-stage entrepreneurs who are at the point of turning a promising idea into an organization capable of reaching more people.

The selection process is highly competitive, with more than 3,000 applications typically received during each competition. In the first stage, applicants submit a two-page concept note together with their résumé or résumés. The strongest applicants, representing approximately the top 5 percent, progress to a second round where they answer a series of short written questions within two weeks. Finalists then participate in phone and email interviews, after which approximately the top 1 percent of entrepreneurs are selected to receive funding.

Selected entrepreneurs can receive up to US$20,000 to pilot their proposed organization, test their distribution model and begin building an organization with the potential to scale. Following the award, successful applicants are expected to spend the initial months putting their idea into practice and developing a pathway toward reaching significantly more people with the selected poverty intervention.

The 2026/2027 Global Competition launches on 14 September 2026. Applicants who want to take advantage of the early submission opportunity must submit their applications by 25 October 2026 at midnight Pacific Time. The regular application deadline is 15 November 2026 at midnight Pacific Time, while the final extension deadline is 6 December 2026 at midnight Pacific Time.

The D-Prize Challenge is particularly suited to aspiring social entrepreneurs who have identified an opportunity to distribute a proven poverty-fighting intervention but need early funding to establish and test their organization.

Scroll down for more information and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity