Apply for D-Prize Seed Grants for Transforming Poverty Solutions

At D-Prize, we believe in empowering new organizations to distribute proven solutions for poverty alleviation, aiming to scale their impact globally. Are you ready to make a difference?

Our Impact

We award startup grants of up to $20,000 to entrepreneurs launching new organizations. Our mission is to increase the number of social impact organizations across low- and middle-income countries where extreme poverty persists. We support for-profit ventures, NGOs, and charities that can effectively distribute existing products or services designed to improve lives.

How to Apply

To apply, choose one of the D-Prize Challenges that resonate with your vision. Each challenge focuses on high-impact products or services needing greater global access. Our seed support is designed as a launching point for your organization, helping you design an initial test pilot of your larger vision. Submit your concept in our twice-annual competition for a chance to receive funding to launch your initiative.

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D-Prize Challenges

Explore our current challenges below to find a fit for your organization:

Health

• Self-Injectable Contraceptive Challenge: Distribute Sayana® Press to underserved women.
• Oxygen Challenge: Develop a team to service existing oxygen concentrators.
• Maternal Health Challenge: Train birth attendants to administer misoprostol.
• Child Immunization Challenge: Encourage caregivers to bring infants for routine immunizations.

Water

• Clean Access to Water Challenge: Sell ceramic water filters to communities lacking clean water.

Agriculture

• Quality Inputs Challenge: Provide smallholder farmers with high-quality inputs and training.
• Post-Harvest Support Challenge: Offer loans and storage technology to farmers.

Livelihoods

• Poverty Graduation Challenge: Provide business coaching and capital to lift people out of ultra-poverty.

Energy

• Solar Lamp Challenge: Sell pico solar lamps to households without electricity.

Public Services

• Government Transparency Challenge: Monitor data to reduce corruption in public service.

Education

• Teaching at the Right Level Challenge: Implement programs to improve literacy and numeracy among students.

Custom Challenges

• Propose your own challenge based on proven poverty interventions.

Application Process

Eligibility: D-Prize is open to new organizations, particularly first-time entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income countries. We prioritize those who have not yet launched their organization or raised significant funding.

Timeline:

• Global Competition Launch: September 2, 2024
• Early Submission Deadline: October 13, 2024
• Regular Submission Deadline: November 3, 2024
• Extension Deadline: November 24, 2024

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Evaluation Process

1. Round 1: Submit a two-page concept note and resume.
2. Round 2: The top 5% are invited to answer short questions.
3. Final Round: Top entrepreneurs undergo interviews; the top 1% receive up to $20,000 to launch.

Award & Launch

Selected awardees will spend the next few months piloting their ideas and building organizations that can scale effectively.

Ready to Start Making an Impact?

Download the application packet and apply today to join us in transforming lives through innovative solutions!