Grants to Combat Poverty

The D-Prize global competition supports the launch of new organizations that scale up the deployment of proven solutions to combat poverty in developing countries. Funding is provided in the form of a convertible grant. Prototypes of new solutions are not eligible for funding.

The eligibility criteria and participation requirements of the program include the following:

• Anyone or any team can apply, regardless of organizational or business model (including for-profit and non-profit).
• However, individuals related to members of the judging panel (and their immediate families) are not eligible.

The program targets applicants who:

• have strong entrepreneurial ambition and are ready to launch new ventures;
• are willing to grow their idea into a full-scale organization;
• understand how to transition to working on the project full-time (if applicable).

Key requirement for ideas:

• focus on scaling the distribution of proven solutions, not creating new products;
• strong evidence base (evidence-based interventions).

Additional participation conditions:

• applications must be submitted only via the online form; email submissions are not accepted;
• only one idea per competition can be submitted;
• reapplication is allowed, but changes must be clearly explained;
• ideas outside listed interventions may still be considered if they demonstrate evidence, impact, and scalability.

Within the D-Prize grant program, funding scope and limitations are clearly defined:

• the maximum grant amount is up to USD 20,000 to support a three-month pilot project.

Funding focus:

• priority is given to new organizations distributing proven, evidence-based interventions;
• existing organizations may be considered only if they focus on scaling proven solutions.

Applicant limitations:

• organizations with more than 18 months of operations are generally not supported;
• organizations that have raised more than USD 30,000 in external funding are also typically ineligible;
• even without prior funding, organizations older than 18 months are usually not eligible.

What is not funded:

• manufacturing or development of new products;
• ideas without credible evidence;
• proposals covering multiple interventions where only one is supported;
• individual financial support (e.g., scholarships, school fees);
• general infrastructure projects (e.g., building wells or schools);
• prototypes or unproven interventions.

The program supports activities focused on scaling the distribution of proven solutions with demonstrated social impact.

Key types of supported activities include:

• Expanding and distributing existing products or services with strong evidence of effectiveness.
• Launching and testing these solutions in new contexts through a pilot phase (typically the first 3 months).
• Implementing projects that show measurable impact on improving lives in developing countries.

Additionally:

• Applicants may submit a custom intervention, meaning a proposal that distributes a proven solution not listed among standard program interventions.
• Such proposals must meet criteria for evidence, impact, and scalability.

Content requirements for activities:

• presence of credible external evidence (e.g., from international organizations);
• focus on implementation rather than creating new or unproven ideas;
• clear emphasis on expanding access to already effective solutions.

The roadmap of the grant program outlines key submission milestones:

• competition launch — 7 April 2026;
• early submission deadline — 17 May 2026 at 23:59 (Pacific Time);
• regular submission deadline — 7 June 2026 at 23:59 (Pacific Time);
• extension deadline — 28 June 2026 at 23:59 (Pacific Time).

The process includes multiple submission phases, allowing applicants to choose the most suitable deadline.

The step-by-step application process within the program includes the following:

1. Preparing the application

• The applicant prepares a concept note for the first round.
• The document must follow the application guidelines and is limited to 2 pages (or up to 3 pages for a custom intervention).
• Team resumes must also be prepared.

2. Meeting format requirements

• All materials must be submitted in English.
• Files must be in PDF format and no larger than 4 MB each.
• Only requested documents should be submitted; additional materials will not be considered.

3. Submitting the application

• Applications must be submitted via the online form provided in the application packet.
• Email submissions are not accepted.
• Once submitted, the application cannot be edited.

4. Submission confirmation

• A successful submission is confirmed by an email receipt.
• In case of errors, applicants should check file formats, internet connection, or retry submission.

5. Deadlines

• The application period lasts 12 weeks and includes multiple deadlines (Early, Regular, Extended).
• Applicants may submit to any deadline, but advance registration is required for the Extended deadline.

6. Waiting for results

• Applicants typically receive a response within 12 weeks after the final deadline.
• All submitted proposals are reviewed.

• Concept Note (up to 2 pages).
• CV for each participant (1 page).

• Only one application per person/team;
• additional materials will not be considered;
• no changes will be accepted after submission.