Social & Impact Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — November 2026

Indian social and impact startups seeking funding can explore 10 currently open programs, encompassing direct grants, technical assistance funds, and international innovation competitions. These opportunities aim to support projects focused on community development, environmental sustainability, public health, and social equity.

The funding landscape for social and impact ventures in India is characterized by a mix of government-backed initiatives, philanthropic institutional programs, and global awards. Such mechanisms prioritize solutions that address critical societal challenges, often seeking partnerships with local organizations to maximize outreach and efficacy.

Active Social & Impact Grants and Programs

Australia Direct Aid Program (Australian High Commission)

The Australia Direct Aid Program (DAP) Kolkata 2026-27 offers small grants from the Australian Consulate-General in Kolkata. This scheme supports not-for-profit development projects specifically in east and north-east India. Grants typically go up to ₹10 lakh and are intended to cover direct project costs aimed at poverty reduction and community strengthening. The current round accepts applications until 21 November 2026.

Similarly, the Australia Direct Aid Program (DAP) Delhi 2026-27, run by the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, provides grants of up to ₹25 lakh per project. This program targets non-government organisations and social enterprises working on development initiatives in northern India or Bhutan. The High Commission seeks projects that strengthen Australia-India bilateral relations through practical, sustainable outcomes. Applications for this round close on 11 November 2026.

World Diabetes Foundation Project Grant (World Diabetes Foundation)

The World Diabetes Foundation Project Grant provides funding from the independent World Diabetes Foundation. This program supports diabetes prevention and care projects in low- and middle-income countries, including India. Applications are accepted year-round via a concept note, with no fixed deadline. The WDF funds project partnerships with local organisations, focusing on diabetes care and primary prevention, though specific grant amounts are not publicly stated.

Wilde Ganzen Project Grants (Wilde Ganzen Foundation)

The Wilde Ganzen Project Grants are rolling co-funding opportunities from the Dutch Wilde Ganzen Foundation. These grants support community-based organisations in Global Majority (DAC-listed) countries, including India, that work to alleviate poverty. Grant amounts can reach up to €300,000 (approximately ₹3.27 crore) for regular projects, with smaller first grants up to €6,000 (about ₹6.5 lakh). A key requirement is a joint application with a Dutch or Belgian fundraising partner.

SCBF Technical Assistance Grant (Swiss Capacity Building Facility)

The SCBF Technical Assistance Grant comes from the Swiss Capacity Building Facility (SCBF), a public-private platform. This grant co-funds technical assistance for financial products designed for populations underserved by conventional banks. Projects can receive up to CHF 150,000 (approximately ₹1.7 crore) over a maximum of two years. This funding specifically covers expert technical assistance and requires a project partnership with a financial service provider such as a bank, microfinance institution, insurer, fintech, or insurtech.

AI For Livelihoods Hackathon 2026 (IIMA Ventures)

IIMA Ventures, with support from the Gates Foundation, hosts the AI For Livelihoods Hackathon 2026. This hackathon, part of the AI Accelerator for Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) program, invites technology innovators to co-create AI solutions for women entrepreneurs. Solutions should cater to vernacular languages, low literacy, and limited digital access. Prizes up to ₹5 lakh are available, and the deadline for participation is 19 November 2026. The hackathon addresses four key challenges:

• Business Operations – AI tools for day-to-day business management, including registration, inventory, pricing, and vernacular business assistance.
• Enterprise Productivity – AI for production planning, demand forecasting, and enhancing farm and non-farm productivity.
• Market Access & Value Chain – AI solutions to connect entrepreneurs to markets, facilitate sales, and improve value chain efficiency.
• Awareness & Adoption – AI-driven methods to increase awareness, provide training, and promote digital literacy among women entrepreneurs.

Khalifa Early Learning Award 2026 (Khalifa Award for Education)

The Khalifa Early Learning Award 2026 is an international prize from the Khalifa Award for Education in the UAE, in collaboration with HundrED. This award recognizes innovations with significant impact in early learning. Two winners will each receive US$100,000 (approximately ₹95 lakh), along with a trophy, certificate, and international recognition. The application window for this cycle closes on 31 December 2026.

Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize (Curt Bergfors Foundation)

The Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize, administered by the Curt Bergfors Foundation in Sweden, is an environmental award focused exclusively on projects within the food system. The 2026 prize awarded US$1.5 million (approximately ₹14.25 crore) to the winner and US$150,000 (approximately ₹1.43 crore) to each finalist. Nominations are accepted year-round, and self-nominations are permitted for this prize.

WIN WIN Sustainability Award 2027 (WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award)

From Gothenburg, Sweden, the WIN WIN Sustainability Award 2027 is an international prize recognizing outstanding work in sustainability. The main award is SEK 1 million (approximately ₹90 lakh). Nominations for the 2027 round close on 10 January 2027, and self-nominations are allowed for candidates from any country. This award celebrates achievements rather than funding future projects; a separate WIN WIN Youth Award of SEK 100,000 (about ₹9 lakh) is also presented.

Rewild the Future Challenge 2027 (Wageningen University & Research)

The Rewild the Future Challenge 2027 is a student innovation challenge hosted by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands. It invites Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD students globally to design innovative, technology-enabled, and ecologically grounded solutions that enhance rural biodiversity. Finalists compete for €9,000 (approximately ₹9.81 lakh) in prizes. Registration for this student-focused competition closes on 16 November 2026.

Before Applying

Before proceeding with an application, note several specific eligibility and process requirements. The Australia Direct Aid Programs target not-for-profit entities and social enterprises in specific geographic regions of India. The Wilde Ganzen Project Grants mandate a joint application with a Dutch or Belgian fundraising partner, while the SCBF Technical Assistance Grant requires a partnership with a financial service provider for specific technical assistance projects. Furthermore, the Rewild the Future Challenge is exclusively for currently enrolled university students, differentiating it from programs for established startups or NGOs.

Attention to deadlines is important for several programs closing in November 2026. The Australia Direct Aid Program Delhi closes first on 11 November, followed by the Rewild the Future Challenge on 16 November, the AI For Livelihoods Hackathon on 19 November, and the Australia Direct Aid Program Kolkata on 21 November. In contrast, programs like those from the World Diabetes Foundation, Wilde Ganzen, SCBF, and the Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize maintain rolling application or nomination windows, allowing for submissions throughout the year.