Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge
Grant funding & free support for young impact founders.

Grant funding awards of up to $15,000 (USD) / free-to-access founder and project support / access to our global opportunity network!

We are supercharging young impact founders.
Young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs everywhere are rising up to take action on the social and environmental issues that matter to them most.
If you’re a young founder (18-30 years) leading a project or startup with a focus on social impact – our Global Innovation Challenge is for you.
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE!
WHY ME, WHY NOW?
1) GRANT FUNDING AWARDS
Multiple grant awards available – from $3,000 to $15,000 USD – one submission makes you eligible for multiple award opportunities.
2) FREE Founder & Project Support
We’ll help founders to develop a strong submission, provide access to exclusive learning materials and a pitch coach to all finalists.
3) GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES NETWORK
Applicants gain exclusive access to all-year-round opportunities including more grants, paid work and training opportunities.
The Sustainable
Development Goals
To enter the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge your idea must contribute to at least one of the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals.

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Stay in the loop with real-time Global Innovation Challenge updates, insider info and exclusive opportunity sharing.
MEET OUR
PREVIOUS WINNERS.
Your 2025 Challenge Journey
FROM 1st MAY
Pre-register for to access our program EXTRAS!
JUNE 2ND
Submissions Open
JULY
Get your submissions in!
AUG 29TH
Submissions Close
FROM SEPT
Social Shifters Global Opportunities Network
SEPT
Submission Scoring Begins
OCT
Submission Scoring Ends
OCT
Finalists Announcement + Pitch Coaching Begins
NOV
FINALS! Pitching Begins
DEC
Winning Projects Announced
AM I ELIGABLE?
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is designed to give young impact founders a platform; providing project funding, unique leadership learning, and exclusive exposure through some of the worlds biggest brands.
To be eligible for this program your social startup must be:
100% YOUTH-LED – Founders leading the startup or project must be between 18 and 30 years old and have clear decision making authority.
IMPACT FOCUSED – Startups and projects must address a clearly defined social or environmental issue and have measurable social outputs and impact.

Our incredible
Partners
Social Shifters is supported by some of the worlds leading businesses. Thanks to all of the forward thinking organizations that help us to supercharge the work of young impact founders.


ABOUT SOCIAL SHIFTERS
We exist to support the next generation of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs – young people everywhere taking action on the social and environmental issues that matter to them most.
We operate on a non-profit basis to provide unique learning experiences, guidance and grant funding for young impact founders.
Learn more about Social Shifters.
