The D-Prize Global Competition 2025 is now officially open, offering ambitious social entrepreneurs a chance to receive startup grants of up to $20,000 to launch organizations that fight extreme poverty in low- and middle-income countries.
Targeting first-time entrepreneurs and early-stage innovators, D-Prize funds the launch of evidence-based ventures—whether nonprofit, for-profit, or charitable—that deliver high-impact products and services to underserved communities.
“We’re not asking you to invent a new solution—we’re asking you to help scale what already works,” D-Prize states. “There are countless proven poverty interventions. The challenge is in getting them to the people who need them most.”
What You’ll Do
D-Prize typically funds at least 15 proposals per cycle across any of the following challenge tracks: Health, Water, Agriculture, Livelihoods, Energy, Public Services, Education, or a Custom challenge based on a proven poverty solution needing scale.
The goal is to design a test pilot of a distribution model—your first step in building an impactful, scalable organization.
Who Can Apply
D-Prize is open to anyone, anywhere—individuals or teams. There are no restrictions based on nationality, academic background, or business model. The only exception is that members of the judging panel and their immediate families may not apply.
The competition is especially focused on new and unlaunched ventures:
- Most applicants are first-time entrepreneurs
- Preference is given to organizations that have not yet launched, have been operating less than 18 months full-time, and have raised less than $30,000 in outside funding
- Applications from low- and middle-income countries are strongly encouraged
Application Process
To apply, download the official Application Packet from the D-Prize website and follow the steps below:
Round 1:
Submit a two-page concept note and résumé(s) by one of the three deadlines. Over 3,000 submissions are expected.
Round 2:
The top 5% of applicants will be invited to submit written responses to short questions within two weeks.
Final Round:
The strongest applicants will undergo phone and email interviews. The top 1% will receive up to $20,000 to pilot their idea.
Award & Launch:
Winners will begin executing their pilot projects, aiming to grow into full-scale operations that tackle poverty at its root.
Deadlines
- Early Submission: May 18, 2025
- Regular Submission: June 8, 2025
- Extension Deadline: June 29, 2025 (must register for an extension)
All deadlines are at midnight PT (Pacific Time).
Apply here: https://d-prize.org/
