As the calendar turns to October, so does the spotlight on bold thinkers and builders shaping the future. In a rapidly shifting world, meaningful support for innovation and social impact remains essential. This October, a series of high-value programs — many offering funding, mentorship, and global platforms — are now open for application. Whether you’re developing digital tools, restoring ecosystems, or leading community-based solutions, the following opportunities may define your next chapter. The clock is ticking — explore, prepare, and apply early.
John Z. Duling Grant Program [Deadline: October 1]
The TREE Fund’s John Z. Duling Grant Program supports early-stage research and technology-transfer projects that can improve the everyday work of arborists and tree professionals. It encourages novel disciplinary or interdisciplinary methods in urban forestry.
Who can apply: Researchers, practitioners, and institutions proposing new inquiries into arboriculture, tree biology, or related domains.
Program Benefits:
-
Seed funding (typically up to USD 25,000)
-
Opportunity to pilot new techniques or testing methodologies
-
Access to the TREE Fund’s research network and publication channels
Orange Corners South Sudan – Cohort 4 [Deadline: October 5]
A six‑month, in-person incubation program designed to empower young changemakers in Juba with business skills, mentoring, networking, and seed capital.
Who can apply: Entrepreneurs between 18 and 35 from Juba or South Sudan, with early-stage ventures seeking growth and sustainability.
Program Benefits:
-
Hands-on business training and mentorship
-
Access to investor networks and local markets
-
Seed funding and support to refine go‑to-market strategies
-
Opportunity to join a community of fellow innovation leaders
Uganda Climate Innovation Fund (UCIF) [Deadline: October 5]
Uganda Climate Innovation Fund supports innovations in agricultural resilience, sustainable land management, and climate-smart products in Uganda. It provides pilot, incubation, and acceleration support to scalable agritech solutions.
Who can apply: Entrepreneurs or startups with climate-smart agricultural solutions or technologies.
Program Benefits:
-
Grants or matching capital for the pilot stage
-
Incubation and technical coaching
-
Exposure to agricultural networks and government linkages
-
Opportunities to scale pilot solutions within Uganda’s agricultural sector
Wege Prize 2026 [Deadline: October 5]
An annual global competition designed for university students to ideate economic solutions grounded in a circular economy framework.
Who can apply: Teams of five students (minimum three disciplines, two institutions) currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate program.
Program Benefits:
-
Cash awards totalling $65,000 (USD)
-
Mentorship from circular economy experts
-
Platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration and exposure
-
Access to global support and incubation networks
QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards [Deadline: October 8]
This new Commonwealth Trust initiative honours young changemakers under 35 who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and impact in their communities.
Who can apply: Innovators, social entrepreneurs,and community leaders from any Commonwealth country.
Program Benefits:
-
Recognition by QECT and partner institutions
-
Capacity building and access to global networks
-
Visibility and amplification of project work
WomenLift Health East Africa Leadership Journey [Deadline: October 10]
A 12-month hybrid program for mid-to-senior women leaders in health across East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Ethiopia). It seeks to deepen leadership capacity and drive systemic change.
Who can apply: Women with significant experience in health systems, policymaking, management, or leadership roles.
Program Benefits:
-
Two immersive in-person residencies (international or regional)
-
Peer mentoring and one-on-one coaching
-
Virtual modules in leadership, strategy, and execution
-
Implementation of a self‑directed health leadership project
-
Networking opportunities with regional and global health experts
-
Fully funded (travel, lodging, materials)
Orange Corners Designs Incubation Programme (South Africa) [Deadline: October 10]
A 12-month incubation program for entrepreneurs in Cape Town and Johannesburg who contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals through innovation in sectors like circular economy, digital services, agriculture, and creative industries.
Who can apply: Young South African founders with scalable businesses aligned with SDGs.
Program Benefits:
-
Grants or loans for prototyping (up to R1,000,000)
-
Individual mentorship and business development support
-
Workshops, peer network, and investor exposure
-
Access to the Orange Corners Innovation Fund and market opportunities
Commonwealth Foundation Grants Programme 2025/2026 [Deadline: October 23]
The Commonwealth Foundation is offering grants of up to £60,000 to support civil society organisations (CSOs) that promote participatory governance and foster constructive engagement with decision-makers across the Commonwealth.
Funding Priorities:
-
⚖️ Health Justice
-
🗣️ Freedom of Expression
-
🌱 Climate Justice
Who can apply:
-
Not-for-profit CSOs registered in eligible Commonwealth Member States
-
Organisations with a minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience in participatory governance and advocacy
-
Projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s thematic priorities
-
Activities must be scheduled to begin between 1 August and 30 September 2026
Program Benefits:
-
Grant funding up to £60,000
-
Opportunity to contribute to inclusive policy processes
-
Enhanced visibility and credibility within regional and Commonwealth networks
WSA Young Innovators Award [Deadline: October 31]
This award seeks digital solutions driving social good, developed by young innovators under the age of 26. The solution must be live and have a measurable impact.
Who can apply: Founders or teams with digital products (e.g. apps, web, IoT) already on the market.
Program Benefits:
-
International recognition and media exposure
-
Mentorship and access to global WSA networks
-
Possibility of sponsorship or support to scale
UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development [Deadline: October 31]
A prestigious biennial prize supporting outstanding contributions in teaching and learning, funded by the Hamdan Foundation and UNESCO.
Who can apply: Teachers, educators, institutions, and innovators in education who have demonstrated excellence or innovation in pedagogy.
Program Benefits:
-
Total award of USD 300,000 divided among three laureates
-
Global recognition, media exposure, and networking
-
Support from UNESCO’s education networks
Van Doorn Stichting Vocational Training Project Funding [Deadline: October 31]
The Van Doorn Stichting Foundation funds vocational training projects benefiting disadvantaged youth in East and Southern Africa.
Who can apply: Recognized educational institutions or nonprofit organizations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, or Zambia with track records in vocational training.
Program Benefits:
-
Grants up to €5,000 per project
-
Support for training materials, workshops, and capacity building
-
Partnership and scale-up potential across East and Southern Africa
