Deadline: 16-Feb-2026
The Education Innovation Awards 2026 fund non-profits using digital technology to improve education access and outcomes for marginalized learners. Winners receive grants up to £50,000, along with mentorship, masterclasses, and coaching to scale their educational innovations. The programme targets high-potential organisations that have already reached at least 2,000 learners, helping them enhance impact through technology-driven solutions.
Overview
The Education Innovation Awards 2026 support non-profit organisations that leverage digital technology to expand access to quality education for marginalized learners. This initiative helps organisations scale their innovations, improve learning outcomes, and strengthen capabilities through targeted mentorship and funding.
Focus Areas and Objectives
The programme emphasizes:
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Integrating digital technologies into education for marginalized learners
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Improving learning outcomes for students, teachers, and caregivers
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Scaling proven education innovations to reach more learners
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Strengthening organisational capacity and leadership skills
Grant Benefits and Support
Selected organisations receive:
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Financial Support: Grant of up to £50,000 per organisation
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Expert Guidance: Specialised technology expertise and leadership coaching
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Training: Masterclass sessions on scaling education innovations
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Mentorship: One-to-one and group mentoring from industry experts
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Strategic Development: Support to plan next growth stages and optimise team performance
Who is Eligible?
To participate, organisations must:
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Be registered non-profits
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Have reached at least 2,000 learners with their innovation in the past year
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Focus on education for marginalized learners
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Not submit AI-based projects for this 2026 cohort (eligible in 2027)
Why It Matters
Supporting non-profits in digital education helps:
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Expand access to quality learning for underserved communities
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Empower teachers and caregivers with digital tools
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Drive measurable impact on student outcomes
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Scale innovative solutions sustainably
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Build organisational capacity and leadership skills for long-term growth
How to Apply / How it Works
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Eligibility Check: Confirm your organisation meets all requirements
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Prepare Application: Include details of the innovation, impact metrics, and learner reach
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Submit Proposal: Highlight scalability, innovation, and measurable learning outcomes
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Selection Process: Shortlisted organisations are invited to interviews and programme onboarding
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Programme Participation: Attend masterclasses, coaching sessions, and receive mentoring
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Funding Disbursement: Receive grant to implement next phase of innovation
Tips for a Strong Application
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Demonstrate clear impact on learners, teachers, and caregivers
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Showcase scalability potential and sustainability of innovation
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Include measurable outcomes from previous implementation
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Clearly articulate how funding and support will accelerate growth
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Provide evidence of organisational capacity to manage the programme
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much funding is available per organisation?
Up to £50,000.
2. What type of organisations can apply?
Only registered non-profits with proven impact on at least 2,000 learners.
3. Are AI-based applications eligible?
Not for 2026; AI-based projects will be considered in 2027.
4. Who benefits from the programme?
Students, teachers, caregivers, and marginalised learner communities.
5. What kind of support is provided besides funding?
Masterclasses, one-to-one and group mentoring, leadership coaching, and technology expertise.
6. How long is the programme?
Programme duration varies based on the support and mentoring schedule, typically spanning the acceleration period of growth.
7. How will applications be evaluated?
Evaluation is based on innovation potential, scalability, demonstrated learner impact, organisational readiness, and clarity of implementation plan.
Conclusion
The Education Innovation Awards 2026 empower non-profits to scale digital education solutions for marginalized learners, combining funding, expert guidance, and strategic mentoring. By participating, organisations can significantly enhance their impact, strengthen capacity, and extend the reach of proven educational innovations.
For more information, visit Theirworld.
