D-Prize Challenges Global Competition (Startup grants up to $20,000)

D-Prize is an annual global competition dedicated to combating extreme poverty by catalyzing the launch of new social impact organizations. With a vision to make proven, high-impact poverty solutions universally accessible, D-Prize awards startup grants of up to $20,000 to bold entrepreneurs and teams who design, pilot, and scale solutions that address some of the world’s most urgent development needs.

Eligible applicants including South African founders and organizations are invited to select from a range of challenge categories: health, water, agriculture, livelihoods, energy, public services, education, or submit a custom proposal. The goal is not to invent new products, but to distribute existing, evidence-based interventions where they are most needed, closing critical gaps in access and impact.

Projects should begin as focused pilot initiatives, with the capacity and ambition to grow into scalable, sustainable ventures. D-Prize especially encourages first-time founders, for-profit startups, NGOs, and charities operating in low- and middle-income countries to apply. Most successful applicants have not previously launched or received outside funding. Existing organizations may participate only if their primary focus is on expanding distribution of proven interventions, have operated for less than 18 months full-time, and have raised less than $30,000 USD in external funding.

Applicants proceed through a competitive, multi-round evaluation: submitting a concept note and resume, answering program questions, and, for finalists, participating in interviews. Awardees receive seed funding and support to launch their pilot and build a foundation for long-term growth. The only restriction is for individuals or their immediate family who serve on the judging panel they cannot participate.

D-Prize’s model is built on evidence, innovation, and a commitment to empowering local leadership. By reducing barriers to initial funding, the program helps emerging founders address distribution gaps in life-improving products and services, collectively working to reduce and eventually eliminate extreme poverty.

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