Deadline: 17-Sep-25
The Good Start Challenge is a €2.6 million global initiative aimed at improving the wellbeing of parents and caregivers of young children living in underserved communities.
The challenge calls on innovators from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Senegal to submit creative and impactful solutions that support caregiver wellbeing during the early years of parenting.
This period is recognized as a time of both vulnerability and great opportunity, making it essential to provide support that strengthens families and promotes healthy child development.
Up to twenty-two selected finalists will each receive an initial grant of €50,000 to further test and refine their solutions.
In addition to funding, they will benefit from a robust support package that includes coaching, mentorship, monitoring and evaluation guidance, and access to local caregiver communities.
Participants will also be introduced to a global network of funders, policymakers, and experts in parenting and social innovation, enhancing their opportunities for collaboration and long-term success.
The challenge will conclude with a global summit in February 2026, to be held in Kenya. This event will bring together participants, partners, and thought leaders to exchange ideas and showcase their progress.
Following this stage, up to six winning teams will be awarded an additional €200,000 to help scale their solutions and increase their reach.
Innovators will retain full rights to their intellectual property, but must agree to terms outlining how funds will be used for implementation.
Eligible applicants include legally registered entities such as startups, social enterprises, nonprofits, and community-based organizations that have a proven connection to the communities they serve. The challenge seeks solutions that are user-centered, scalable, and capable of addressing real issues faced by caregivers.
These include improving mental health, strengthening social networks, enhancing access to services and safe environments, and empowering parents to care for their children with confidence and joy.
Proposals will be judged on several key factors, including potential impact, innovation, feasibility, team capacity, and alignment with ethical standards.
Entries that demonstrate a clear understanding of caregiver needs and deliver practical, culturally relevant interventions will be prioritized. The application window is open from May 22 to September 17, 2025, and interested applicants must submit their proposals online before the deadline.
Finalist announcements will be made in November 2025, and after a dedicated development period, the final winners will be selected in August 2026 based on their progress and impact.
Categories
Latin America: They are looking for teams that can advance innovative solutions to improve the wellbeing of parents and other caregivers of young children (aged 0-6) in disadvantaged circumstances in Brazil, Colombia and/or Mexico.
Southeast Asia: They are looking for teams that can advance innovative solutions to improve the wellbeing of parents and other caregivers of young children (aged 0-6) in disadvantaged circumstances in Indonesia and/or the Philippines.
Sub-Saharan Africa: They are looking for teams that can advance innovative solutions to improve the wellbeing of parents and other caregivers of young children (aged 0-6) in disadvantaged circumstances in Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal and/or Uganda.
Prize Information
- You will receive a €50,000 grant to develop and test your innovation, with the chance to win a €200,000 grant.
Eligibility Criteria
- Latin America:
- Proposed solutions must be tailored specifically for and implemented to the benefit of caregivers of children aged 0-6 in one or more of the following target countries: Brazil, Mexico and/or Colombia.
- You must be established as a legally registered organisation to enter.
- This can include: Non-profit organisation (including charities or other foundations); Private company/enterprise; Educational or research institutions.
- Southeast Asia:
- Proposed solutions must be tailored specifically for and implemented to the benefit of parents or caregivers of young children aged 0-6 in disadvantaged circumstances in one or more of the following target countries: Indonesia and/or the Philippines.
- You must be established as a legally registered organisation to enter.
- This can include: Non-profit organisations (including charities or other foundations); Private company/enterprises; Educational or research institutions.
- Sub-Saharan Africa:
- Proposed solutions must be focused on improving the wellbeing of parents and other caregivers of young children aged 0-6 that are displaced or at risk of displacement in the following target countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, and/or Uganda.
- You must be established as a legally registered organisation to enter.
- If you are proposing solutions in Senegal, the Challenge is open to:
- Non-profit organisations (including charities or other foundations); Private company/enterprises; Educational or research institutions.
- If you are proposing solutions in Uganda, Kenya, and/or Ethiopia, the Challenge is open to:
- Non-profit organisations (including charities or other foundations); Educational or research institutions; “Social Enterprises”.
Ineligibility Criteria
- Government entities are not eligible to apply in any country or region.
For more information, visit Good Start Challenge.