Grants

The 2027 European Prize for Women Innovators, run jointly by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), celebrates women founders and innovators turning groundbreaking ideas into businesses that create positive economic, social or environmental impact.
Here’s what you can expect:
Up to €100,000 in cash
Women Innovators prizes of €100,000, €70,000 and €50,000
Rising Innovators prizes of €50,000, €30,000 and €20,000
EIT Women Leadership prizes of €50,000, €30,000 and €20,000
Nine monetary prizes available across three categories
Europe-wide recognition for successful innovators and entrepreneurs
Opportunities to showcase innovative businesses and their impact.
Who can apply?
Women founders and co-founders
Applicants from the EU and countries associated with Horizon Europe
Entrepreneurs behind innovative businesses
Rising Innovators must be under 35
EIT Women Leadership applicants must have a direct link to the EIT Community
Applicants can apply to one category only.
Deadline: 1 December 2026 at 17:00 CET.

The UK-Singapore Collaborative R&D 2026 competition supports UK and Singapore businesses working together on innovative research and development projects with strong commercial potential.
Here’s what you can expect:
Up to £900,000 in UK grant funding per project
Collaborative research and development funding
Support for developing innovative products, processes and services
Projects addressing major technological and commercial opportunities
Collaboration between UK and Singapore organisations
Funding designed to accelerate commercially viable innovations
Support through the UK’s International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF)
Who can apply?
UK-registered businesses
Singapore-registered businesses
Projects must involve collaboration between organisations in both countries
The UK side must be led by a UK-registered business
UK universities, research organisations and other eligible organisations can participate as collaborators
Projects must demonstrate significant innovation
Applicants should demonstrate a clear route towards commercialisation and market impact
Deadline: 16 December 2026 at 11:00am UK time.

Cisco’s Global Impact Cash Grant Program supports nonprofits and NGOs developing innovative, technology-enabled solutions that can scale and improve opportunities for underserved communities worldwide.
Here’s what you can expect:
Up to $100,000 for first-time grant recipients
Funding for technology-enabled social impact programmes
Crisis response and critical human needs
Education and skills development
Economic opportunity, employment and entrepreneurship
Climate resilience
Projects with potential to scale and be replicated
Support for programmes with measurable and sustainable impact.
Who can apply?
Nonprofit organisations and NGOs
US applicants recognised as 501(c)(3) public charities
International organisations able to demonstrate equivalency to a US public charity
Organisations operating nationally or internationally
Programmes where more than 65% of beneficiaries are economically underserved
Organisations with overhead generally no higher than 25%
Programmes aligned with at least one of Cisco’s four priority sectors
Individuals aren't eligible
Healthcare-focused programmes, research programmes, schools, scholarships and most events aren't eligible.
Applicants first complete an eligibility assessment and Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Strongly aligned organisations may then be invited to submit a full proposal.
Deadline: Rolling – applications accepted year-round

The Baobab Network Accelerator backs early-stage, tech-enabled African startups with investment and intensive support to help founders find product-market fit, increase traction and prepare for future fundraising.
Here’s what you can expect:
$100,000 USD investment
Funding paid as a single lump sum
Baobab receives 12.5% equity
Intensive accelerator support
Hands-on venture and strategic support
Product-market fit and growth assistance
Fundraising preparation and investor introductions
Access to follow-on investment opportunities
No programme fees
No Baobab board seat
Lifetime access to its founder and investor network.
Who can apply?
For-profit startups
African-led founding teams
Startups based in or with a presence in Africa
Tech or tech-enabled businesses
Early-stage companies with the potential to scale rapidly
Businesses with an MVP and early traction are preferred
Idea-stage startups may be considered if they can demonstrate validated market demand
Solo founders can apply, although teams are generally preferred
Startups from most sectors are considered
Nonprofits aren't eligible.
Deadline: Rolling – applications

The City of Melbourne Youth Climate Action Grants 2026, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, provide microgrants for climate and sustainability projects designed and led by young people aged 15–25. The City of Melbourne has recently confirmed the round is open.
Here’s what you can expect:
A$1,500–A$7,500 per project
Climate education and awareness projects
Urban greening and biodiversity initiatives
Waste reduction and circular-economy projects
Sustainability initiatives
Environmental research and data collection
Climate resilience and adaptation
Sustainable food and agriculture projects
Sustainable transport
Community engagement and youth climate initiatives
Funding for eligible costs such as materials, equipment, workshops, events and training.
Who can apply?
Incorporated associations
Charitable foundations
Schools
Universities and TAFE institutions
Social enterprises
Other eligible organisations working with young people
Projects must be led by young people aged 15–25
At least two young people must lead the project
Individuals cannot receive the funding directly
An eligible organisation must receive and manage the grant
Projects must be delivered within the City of Melbourne municipality.
Deadline: 28 September 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.

The Biffa Award Main Grants Scheme supports not-for-profit organisations improving community spaces, recreational facilities, cultural facilities and nature recovery. Funding comes through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Here’s what you can expect:
£10,000–£75,000 in grant funding
Community building improvements
Recreational facilities and spaces
Cultural facilities
Nature recovery and habitat improvements
Total project costs must not exceed £200,000 including VAT
Projects must provide clear benefits to the wider community
A 10% Third Party Contribution must be identified
If Biffa isn't fully funding the project, at least 75% of the remaining funding must already be secured.
Who can apply?
Fully constituted charitable organisations
Not-for-profit organisations with no share capital
Projects located near qualifying landfill operations
Community Buildings, Recreation and Cultural Facilities projects generally need to be within 5 miles of a significant Biffa operation, or 10 miles of an active Biffa landfill
Nature Recovery projects can be within 15 miles
Projects must also be within 10 miles of a licensed landfill site
Projects generally need at least 104 days of full public access each year
Local authorities, schools, colleges, hospitals, hospices and several other organisation types aren't eligible.
Deadline: Rolling

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is offering funding for a university-led team to develop a new sector-specific guide that improves how creative-industries research from UK universities is turned into commercial ventures, spin-outs, partnerships and other business models.
Here’s what you can expect:
Up to £250,000 in grant funding
100% of full economic costs funded
£250,000 total fund available
Funding for staff and project-management costs directly involved in producing the guide
Workshops, roundtables and stakeholder consultation
Travel and subsistence for project activities
Development and dissemination of the final commercialisation guide
Work exploring areas such as founding equity, licensing, intellectual property, investment and university commercialisation processes
No institutional matched funding requirement.
Who can apply?
Organisations meeting UKRI's standard eligibility requirements
The project must be university-led
Partnerships should include organisations with proven experience commercialising creative-industries research
Investors or investment-facing organisations with relevant sector experience must be involved
Teams should demonstrate experience supporting spin-outs, founders, investment and other creative-industry commercialisation models
Applicants need the networks and credibility to consult universities, investors, founders and wider creative-industry stakeholders.
Deadline: 15 October 2026 at 4:00pm UK time.

See the full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service.
UK registered government research organisations can apply for grants from £50,000 up to £250,000 to move viable public sector knowledge assets towards commercial readiness. This funding is provided by the Government Office for Technology Transfer.
Eligibility summary
This competition is open to single applicants. Grants shall be awarded to, and administered by, the applicant organisation.
To lead a project your organisation must be a UK registered:
Public Sector Research Establishment (PRSE), UKRI wholly owned institute or;
other public sector bodies that meet GOTT standard eligibility criteria, for example, arms length bodies (ALBs), that undertake research as a primary function

See the full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service.
Organisations can apply for a share of up to £30 million exclusive of VAT, for collaborative discovery phase projects that meet the round five challenges.
This funding is from the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund.
Eligibility summary
This competition is open to collaborations only.
To lead a discovery phase project, you must be an Ofgem licensed:
electricity or gas distribution network transmission operator National Energy System Operator

Apply for funding to establish a Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSI) to address strategic regulatory science priorities through sustained programmes of research.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for Medical Research Council (MRC) funding.
CERSIs will be funded for up to five years, your award will initially last for three years, with a further two years dependent on government spending review and budget allocation.
We expect to fund four CERSIs.

Apply for funding to research the long-term impact and legacy of major sporting and cultural events in the UK, focusing on running a live experimental evaluation of a major event that fills gaps in existing methodologies.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding.
The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1.32 million. AHRC will fund 80% of the FEC.
Projects will be funded up to a maximum of 34 months and must start on 1 May 2027 and must be completed by 31 March 2030.

Apply for funding to research the development of novel data-intensive approaches for capturing engagement data from unticketed cultural, heritage, and sporting events, activities and locations, demonstrated through a deployable tool in at least one Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) sector.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding.
The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1.32 million. AHRC will fund 80% of the FEC.
Projects will be funded up to a maximum of 34 months and must start on 1 May 2027 and must be completed by 31 March 2030.

See the full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service.
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £25 million to support innovation in battery grade material technologies for electrification.
This funding is from the battery innovation programme.
Eligibility summary
This competition is open to collaborations only.
To lead a collaborative project your organisation must be a UK registered business.
The consortium must contain at least one UK registered micro, small or medium sized enterprise claiming grant funding on this application.

See the full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service.
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £25 million to support innovation in battery grade material technologies for electrification.
This funding is from the battery innovation programme.
Eligibility summary
This competition is open to collaborations.
To lead a collaborative project your organisation must be a UK registered business.
The consortium must contain at least one UK registered micro, small or medium sized enterprise claiming grant funding on this application.

This invite-only funding opportunity is designed to support the Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence (ESCoE). This funding will support ESCoE’s high-quality research to improve economic measurement, enhance the production of key statistics, and address challenges related to economic measurement, including the following objectives:
to provide research that helps modernise economic data collection, processing and analysis to support the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in shaping global economic measurement standards working with researchers and statistical agencies in the UK and abroad The award must start by 1 April 2027 and last 36 months.

The Towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) for Healthcare call will fund work preparing for the next generation of frontier AI models for healthcare, including research into how existing foundation models can be combined and expanded to support healthcare and personalised medicine.
Here’s what you can expect:
Around €2.9 million in EU funding
€2.9 million total budget for the topic
One project is expected to be funded
Coordination and Support Action (CSA)
Work exploring next-generation frontier AI models for healthcare
Mapping approaches for training and evaluating advanced healthcare AI
Exploring combinations of foundation models across life sciences and healthcare
Support for trustworthy and responsible AI approaches
Work connecting healthcare AI with European AI Factories, health-data infrastructure, biobanks and other relevant research infrastructure.
Who can apply?
Universities and research organisations
Healthcare and medical research organisations
Technology and AI organisations
Other eligible legal entities
Collaborative consortia meeting Horizon Europe requirements
Participation for this topic is restricted to legal entities established in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
Deadline: 22 September 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time.

The Towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) for Healthcare call will fund work preparing for the next generation of frontier AI models for healthcare, including research into how existing foundation models can be combined and expanded to support healthcare and personalised medicine.
Here’s what you can expect:
Around €2.9 million in EU funding
€2.9 million total budget for the topic
One project is expected to be funded
Coordination and Support Action (CSA)
Work exploring next-generation frontier AI models for healthcare
Mapping approaches for training and evaluating advanced healthcare AI
Exploring combinations of foundation models across life sciences and healthcare
Support for trustworthy and responsible AI approaches
Work connecting healthcare AI with European AI Factories, health-data infrastructure, biobanks and other relevant research infrastructure.
Who can apply?
Universities and research organisations
Healthcare and medical research organisations
Technology and AI organisations
Other eligible legal entities
Collaborative consortia meeting Horizon Europe requirements
Participation for this topic is restricted to legal entities established in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
Deadline: 22 September 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time.

The Alibaba.com CoCreate Pitch 2026 gives entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their business or product to industry judges and compete for substantial funding and Alibaba.com support. The London competition is still accepting applications.
Here’s what you can expect:
Gold Prize: $200,000
Silver Prize: $100,000
Bronze Prize: $50,000
Every other finalist receives $10,000
$1 million+ global prize pool
Prizes are provided 50% as cash and 50% as Alibaba.com credits/coupons
20 finalists will be selected for the London/Europe competition
Finalists pitch their ideas to a panel of entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Who can apply?
Small and medium-sized businesses ready to scale
Early-stage startup founders developing new product ideas
Current students developing next-generation products
Applicants choose from three tracks: General SMEs, 0-to-1 Startup and Student
The London competition forms part of the programme's European opportunity.
Deadline: 5 October 2026 – OPEN.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator has expanded its 2026 programme to support startups and SMEs developing technologies with credible civilian and defence applications. Eligible areas can include AI, quantum technologies, advanced materials and robotics.
Here’s what you can expect:
Up to €2.5 million in grant funding
Additional equity investment can also be available
Support for commercialisation and scaling
Funding for breakthrough technologies with major market potential
Dual-use innovations are now eligible
Technologies can serve both civilian and defence markets
Relevant areas include AI, quantum, advanced materials, robotics and other deep technologies
Successful companies also gain access to EIC Business Acceleration Services, expertise, investors and ecosystem connections.
Who can apply?
Startups
SMEs
Companies developing breakthrough innovations
Businesses developing genuine dual-use technologies
Innovations need a credible business case for both civilian and defence markets
Purely defence-focused companies should instead consider the dedicated EIC STEP Scale Up Defence programme.
Deadline: 4 November 2026

The Vinehill Trust provides one-off grants to charitable, educational and ecclesiastical organisations delivering projects across the UK. Its three main funding areas are health, built heritage and music, with specific priorities within each area.
Here’s what you can expect:
Typically £10,000–£100,000 in grant funding
Funding for specific projects and initiatives
Grants can cover up to 75% of project costs, excluding VAT
Health projects addressing acute conditions and access to essential healthcare
Heritage projects restoring historic buildings, particularly where heritage craft skills and training are involved
Music projects strengthening UK choral and organ traditions
Music programmes involving children and young people
One-off project funding rather than unrestricted/core funding.
Who can apply?
UK charitable organisations
Educational organisations
Ecclesiastical organisations
Registered charities
Nonprofits and CICs where eligible under the relevant programme
Projects must generally take place in the UK
Individuals aren't eligible
Organisations need appropriate governance, financial management and expertise to deliver the proposed project
Applicants should check the additional criteria for their chosen Health, Heritage or Music funding stream.
The Trust's 2027 Health programme is already accepting applications, including projects involving physical rehabilitation and aftercare, green spaces supporting wellbeing, and oral/dental-health outreach. Its permanent health priorities also include pre-hospital care, life-saving interventions and suicide-prevention services.
Deadline: 1 November 2026

The 2026 Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) Call for Proposals, administered in partnership with UNEP, supports developing countries with projects accelerating implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans.
Here’s what you can expect:
Up to $500,000 for single-country projects
Up to $800,000 for multi-country/regional projects
Funding for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity protection
Projects mainstreaming biodiversity into policies, regulations and planning
Support for biodiversity resource mobilisation
Projects addressing genetic resources and digital sequence information
Proposals addressing several of the Fund's thematic areas are viewed favourably
Projects can run for 12–24 months.
Who can apply?
Developing-country Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity
Projects must be co-developed with a participating United Nations organisation
The Fund directly finances the participating UN organisation
NGOs and other non-UN organisations can participate as project sub-partners
Projects need endorsement from the country's CBD national focal point or designated official within the lead ministry
Multi-country proposals require endorsement from each participating country
Involvement of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, women and young people is strongly encouraged.
Deadline: 15 November 2026 at 23:59 – OPEN.

The Morrisons Foundation Connecting Communities Grant supports registered charities with capital projects that improve shared community spaces across England, Scotland and Wales. The aim is to revitalise facilities, bring people together and help important local services remain accessible.
Here’s what you can expect:
Up to £20,000 in grant funding
Funding must fully fund the proposed project rather than contribute towards a larger funding target
No match funding required
Building renovations and repairs
Accessible toilets and changing facilities
Community kitchen improvements
Boilers, heating and insulation
Security systems, doors and windows
Community gardens and outdoor spaces
Inclusive playground and fitness equipment
Sensory rooms and specialist equipment
Projects should create a tangible, long-term benefit for the community.
Who can apply?
Registered charities in England, Scotland and Wales
Charities must have been registered for at least one year
At least one set of accounts must have been filed
Smaller charities with annual income below £1 million are prioritised
Applicants must own the property where the project will take place or hold a lease with at least three years remaining
CICs and organisations that aren't registered charities aren't eligible
Running costs, salaries, rent, utilities and general administration aren't eligible.
Deadline: Rolling – applications accepted throughout the year.

The London Communities Micro Grant Fund, delivered by Groundwork London and commissioned by Thrive LDN with support from the Mayor of London, funds existing community activities that improve wellbeing, resilience and belonging, particularly among marginalised and underserved London communities.
Here’s what you can expect:
Up to £2,000 for organisations with annual turnover below £300,000
Up to £5,000 for organisations with annual turnover below £500,000
Mental wellbeing and resilience activities
Community connection and belonging
Social inclusion and participation
Peer-support and community networks
Arts, culture and creative wellbeing activities
Safe spaces and community events
Payments are made 75% upfront and 25% in arrears
Funding is intended to strengthen existing community activity, rather than launch completely new initiatives.
Who can apply?
Small charities and voluntary organisations
Community groups and networks
Faith-based organisations
Community Interest Companies (CICs)
Mutual-aid and peer-support groups
Informal or unconstituted groups with suitable arrangements to receive funding
Applicants must demonstrate previous delivery or an established track record within their community
Activities must support communities in London.
Deadline: 21 September 2026 at 10am.

The Farm491 Challenge Prize 2026 supports UK companies developing innovative tools, technologies and approaches for nature-friendly, multifunctional land use, particularly solutions that balance food production, renewable energy and biodiversity.
Here’s what you can expect:
£40,000 cash prize for the winner
£20,000 cash prize for the runner-up
12 months of mentoring and business support
Access to Farm491's network and events
Strategic support to help scale the winning innovations
Funding can be used to advance the business and develop its product or service
Winners retain their intellectual property
Funding cannot be used for salaries, living costs or servicing debt.
Who can apply?
UK-registered companies
Companies up to 7 years old
Businesses operating or intending to operate in the land-based sector
Applicants with a working prototype or fully developed product/service model
Businesses able to demonstrate reasonable market demand
Innovations focused on or adaptable to multifunctional land use
Companies from outside the traditional land sector can apply if their technology has a relevant alternative application
Applicants must explain how the prize money would help them reach their next stage.
Deadline: 30 September 2026.

The Techstars Spring 2027 Accelerators give selected early-stage startups capital alongside a three-month mentorship-driven programme, investor connections and access to Techstars’ global founder network.
Here’s what you can expect:
$220,000 investment
$200,000 provided through an uncapped MFN SAFE
$20,000 through a Post-Money Convertible Equity Agreement (CEA)
Techstars receives 5% common equity, plus the future equity resulting from conversion of the $200K SAFE
Three-month accelerator programme
Hands-on mentorship
Fundraising and investor support
Access to Techstars’ global network of founders, investors, mentors and partners
Millions of dollars' worth of partner perks and resources
Lifetime access to the Techstars network.
Who can apply?
Early-stage startups ready to grow and raise funding
Founders across a wide variety of industries
Eligibility varies slightly depending on the individual accelerator
Several programmes accept founders internationally
Companies must meet Techstars' incorporation requirements before investment can be completed.
There are currently multiple Spring 2027 programmes accepting applications, including London, New York City, Boston, Chicago, Anywhere, AI Health Baltimore, Northwestern Medicine Healthcare and USC.
Deadline: 18 November 2026.