SEED GRANT PROGRAM · UP TO $20,000We seed new organizations distributing proven poverty solutions, all aiming to scale.
Millions of people still lack access to products already proven to save lives: oral rehydration salts, insecticide-treated bednets, off-grid solar, improved cookstoves. The barrier isn't the technology. It's distribution. Not enough organizations exist to close the gap.
D-Prize awards startup grants to entrepreneurs launching new organizations — for-profit ventures, NGOs, and charities — in any low- or middle-income country where extreme poverty still exists. We back pilots designed to grow far beyond their first grant.
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Proven poverty solutions already exist
There are many products and services known to reduce extreme poverty that are in need of greater global access.
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Design a new delivery organization
We award startup grants of up to $20,000 to entrepreneurs launching new organizations in low- or middle-income countries.
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Scale impact
If selected, you'll receive seed funding to launch your organization, with the expectation you start fundraising from others to scale if your pilot is successful.
D-Prize Challenges
Expand the categories below to view high-impact products and services in need of greater global distribution.
Application Process
Eligibility
New organizations only. Most awardees are first-time entrepreneurs who have not yet launched or raised outside funding.
We especially encourage applicants from low- and middle-income countries.
Orgs with more than 18 months of full-time operations or more than $30,000 USD raised typically not supported.
Existing organizations considered only if your core focus is distributing an existing, evidence-based poverty intervention.
Timeline
SPRING 2026: Global Competition launches
Applications open.
Sign up to be the first to know the day we launch.
Evaluation Process
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Round 1
Submit your two-page concept note and resume(s). We receive 3000+ submissions per competition.
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Round 2
Top 5% of entrepreneurs are invited to answer short written questions. You will have two weeks to draft and submit.
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Final Round
Top entrepreneurs have phone and email interviews. The top 1% receive up to $20,000 to launch.
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Award & Launch
Spend the next few months piloting your idea and building an organization that soon grows to a large scale.
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