The Changemakers Innovation Challenge was conceived by ACT Foundation as a response to the impressive work of community non-profits and social enterprises in Africa that leverage technology and digital tools to create social change within their communities.
The ACT Foundation’s Changemakers Innovation Challenge is an impactful initiative aimed at empowering social innovators and entrepreneurs across Africa who are dedicated to solving critical societal challenges. This challenge, organized by the Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, seeks to identify, support, and scale innovative solutions that address pressing issues in health, environment, entrepreneurship, and leadership. By providing funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, the challenge aims to amplify the impact of these changemakers and foster sustainable development across the continent.
The Changemakers Innovation Challenge is open to non-profit organizations and social enterprises operating in Africa. Applicants are required to submit detailed proposals outlining their innovative solutions, the societal problems they address, and the potential impact of their projects. The selection process is highly competitive, with a panel of experts evaluating proposals based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, scalability, sustainability, and the potential for social impact. This rigorous selection ensures that only the most promising and impactful projects receive support.
Winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge receive significant financial grants to implement and scale their projects. These grants provide much-needed resources for organizations to expand their operations, reach more beneficiaries, and enhance their impact. In addition to financial support, the challenge offers winners access to a network of mentors and industry experts who provide guidance on project implementation, strategic planning, and organizational development. This mentorship is crucial for helping organizations overcome challenges and achieve their goals effectively.
Another key aspect of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge is its focus on capacity building. The ACT Foundation organizes workshops, training sessions, and networking events for challenge winners, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge. These capacity-building activities cover a wide range of topics, including project management, financial planning, marketing, and impact measurement. By strengthening the organizational capabilities of participating entities, the challenge ensures that they are better prepared to sustain and grow their initiatives in the long term.
The challenge also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnership. Winners are encouraged to connect with other social innovators, corporate partners, and stakeholders in their respective fields. These connections foster a collaborative ecosystem where ideas and resources can be shared, leading to more effective and integrated solutions to societal problems. The ACT Foundation facilitates these partnerships by organizing networking events and creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration.
The impact of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries of the supported projects. By promoting innovative solutions and empowering social entrepreneurs, the challenge contributes to broader societal change and development. Successful projects often inspire others and create ripple effects, encouraging more individuals and organizations to engage in social innovation and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
The ACT Foundation’s Changemakers Innovation Challenge is a transformative initiative that supports social innovators and entrepreneurs in Africa. Through financial grants, mentorship, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, the challenge empowers organizations to implement and scale innovative solutions to critical societal challenges. By fostering a collaborative and supportive ecosystem, the challenge not only enhances the impact of individual projects but also contributes to sustainable development and positive social change across the continent. The Changemakers Innovation Challenge exemplifies the ACT Foundation’s commitment to driving innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship for the betterment of African societies.
Eligibility Requirements For The ACT Foundation’s Changemakers Innovation Challenge
- The Changemakers Innovation Challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises in Africa. Businesses carrying out innovations that lead to social impact may also apply.
- Organisations must submit social innovations that address challenges in alignment with any of the SDG Goals Click here for more insights on the SDGs
- Organisations that have been awarded funding as winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge in the past are not eligible.
- Non-profits or social enterprises must be registered with the government agency in charge of organizations’ registry in their respective countries.
- All submissions must be innovative solutions that use technology or digital systems as major tools in driving community impact. Evidence of claims must be provided through web links, videos, pictures and any other online presence.
- Organizations must have been in existence for at least two years.
- All social innovations must be at the growth stage and must have been tested or implemented on direct beneficiaries. Evidence of claim must be provided through pictures, news releases, etc
- All social innovations must have been implemented within the past two years. PILOT INNOVATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Requirements
- The challenge is open to non-profits, social enterprises and businesses across Africa that are utilizing various technological and digital tools to develop innovative social solutions.
- Grant funding will be awarded to the top three (3) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, facilitating the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities.
- Furthermore, technical support in form of either software, hardware or capacity-building training will be provided to selected finalists as applicable.
Guideline
- Entry for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge opens on Monday, 24th June 2024 and closes Friday, 12th July 2024. Late entries will not be considered.
- Only one entry will be accepted per organization. Once an entry has been submitted, no further changes will be accepted.
- All entries for this challenge must be submitted in English.
- No entry fee, purchase or payment of any kind is required to apply.
- Grant funding will be awarded to the top three (3) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge towards the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities. Technical support will also be awarded as applicable.
- Winners will be announced and awarded at the annual ACT Foundation Breakfast Dialogue which is scheduled to hold in October 2024. For more details, visit www.actrustfoundation.org.
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