10 Funding Resources for Humanitarian Innovators.
Humanitarian innovation has become critical in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from natural disasters to social inequality. However, these efforts often require substantial financial backing to develop sustainable solutions.
Accessing funding for humanitarian innovation is essential for scaling projects that have the power to transform lives. These 10 resources, from the Ford Foundation to the Skoll Foundation, represent critical avenues for innovators to explore.
With billions of dollars allocated annually to social impact ventures, these organizations enable individuals and organizations to create sustainable, innovative solutions to global challenges. Several funding resources exist to help innovators turn their ideas into impactful projects.
10 funding sources that humanitarian innovators should consider tapping into
1. Global Innovation Fund (GIF)
The Global Innovation Fund is a well-regarded source of funding for projects aiming to improve the lives of people in developing countries. GIF provides grants, loans, and equity investments to support early-stage innovations. To date, the fund has backed over 70 projects and has a portfolio of more than $300 million in investments.
They specifically target innovative solutions addressing poverty and global development. GIF focuses on sectors like health, education, and energy, and they emphasize scalable solutions that can deliver substantial impact. According to GIF’s executive director, Mark Nelson, “Investing in innovation is key to creating long-term solutions for the world’s poorest populations.”
2. The Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation is one of the largest and most influential philanthropic organizations, with an emphasis on social justice. It has committed over $13 billion in grants to support human rights, poverty alleviation, and educational equity. The foundation offers financial backing for innovative solutions that address systemic inequality, with a focus on marginalized groups.
The Ford Foundation’s annual reports highlight their strategic initiative to fund transformative innovations. Their partners include both grassroots organizations and larger humanitarian efforts, enabling scalable solutions across multiple sectors. This financial support has been instrumental in enabling significant global impact, with an average increase of 15% in grant allocations in recent years.
3. Hewlett Foundation
Focused on international development and social justice, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation supports innovation in various humanitarian sectors. Their annual grants program allocates around $600 million to projects that foster human rights, environmental sustainability, and population health.
A significant portion of their funding is dedicated to innovative approaches in global development, such as technology-driven solutions for education and poverty reduction. The foundation backs efforts to promote gender equality, providing crucial support to women-led innovations. According to Foundation President Larry Kramer, “Innovation in human development is the key to shaping a more just and equitable future for all.”
4. The Rockefeller Foundation
For innovators working on climate resilience, health, and economic mobility, the Rockefeller Foundation provides invaluable funding and resources. With a mission to promote the well-being of humanity, the foundation channels hundreds of millions of dollars annually into high-impact programs. It specifically funds projects that use innovative methods to alleviate poverty and build resilience in vulnerable communities.
Their commitment to innovation is evident, as they have supported projects in over 60 countries worldwide. In 2023, the foundation announced a new focus on expanding access to renewable energy in Africa, offering up to $50 million in grants. Their investments have helped transform local communities, improving access to essential services.
5. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Arguably one of the most recognized funding bodies in the world, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed over $55 billion to global health, development, and education initiatives. The foundation funds groundbreaking work in sectors like vaccine development, poverty alleviation, and sanitation.
With a focus on impact and scalability, the Gates Foundation works closely with innovators to ensure their projects are sustainable in the long term. In 2022 alone, the foundation awarded grants totaling over $6 billion. According to Bill Gates, “Innovation is the most effective tool we have to fight inequality, poverty, and disease.”
6. The World Bank Group
The World Bank Group is another key player in funding humanitarian innovation, particularly in developing nations. Through its various arms, such as the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank provides grants, loans, and technical expertise to support large-scale projects. The World Bank is deeply involved in funding initiatives that address the interconnected challenges of poverty, climate change, and healthcare.
In 2021, the World Bank committed over $90 billion to support development projects across sectors. They are particularly keen on financing innovative solutions that have the potential for significant social and environmental impact. One notable example is their ongoing investment in affordable clean energy solutions for rural communities.
7. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The UNDP is a key resource for innovators focused on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Their funding support is designed to accelerate progress on issues like climate change, gender equality, and sustainable agriculture. The UNDP runs a variety of innovation labs and programs, providing seed funding and technical assistance to high-potential projects.
Since 2015, the UNDP has invested over $2.3 billion in innovation for development. They collaborate with a wide range of partners, including governments and the private sector, to bring innovative solutions to life. According to UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, “Innovation is central to advancing human development in a rapidly changing world.”
8. The European Commission (Horizon Europe)
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s primary funding mechanism for research and innovation. With a budget of over €95 billion for the 2021-2027 period, the program funds initiatives that drive social change and address global challenges. A key area of focus is on technologies and innovations that can tackle humanitarian crises, including sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and digital solutions for healthcare.
Innovators can apply for Horizon Europe funding through competitive calls for proposals that support both research and scaling. In 2024, the program allocated over €15 million for humanitarian technology innovations alone. This makes it one of the most substantial funding resources available to innovators working in humanitarian contexts.
9. Echoing Green
Echoing Green supports social entrepreneurs and innovators who are tackling systemic inequalities and environmental challenges. Their Fellowship Program offers up to $90,000 in seed funding for early-stage social impact ventures. Echoing Green has supported over 700 organizations globally, many of which have grown into globally recognized institutions.
Their focus on scalable, innovative solutions has led to significant impact in areas like education, health, and climate change. The organization has a strong track record of identifying high-potential innovators early on, with many past fellows securing follow-on funding. “We invest in visionary leaders with bold ideas that have the potential to change the world,” said Cheryl Dorsey, president of Echoing Green.
10. Skoll Foundation
The Skoll Foundation is committed to supporting innovators who drive social change, offering both funding and strategic resources. With a focus on accelerating the work of entrepreneurs, Skoll provides grants, equity investments, and connections to global networks. Over the years, the foundation has allocated over $600 million to social innovators.
Their investments span key sectors like health, education, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability. One of their signature initiatives, the Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship, recognizes groundbreaking solutions that tackle urgent social issues. “At Skoll, we believe that social entrepreneurship is critical to achieving the changes needed for a better world,” says founder Jeff Skoll.