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Borderless Grant for Marginalised and Displaced Communities

Deadline: 12-Jul-2026

The Moonshot Borderless grant is designed for young founders and idea-makers creating community-led solutions for people affected by displacement, conflict, and marginalisation. It focuses on practical, locally grounded work that responds to urgent humanitarian needs.

The grant is built around a “for the people, by the people” approach. That means the strongest projects are likely to be those developed with, and for, the communities they serve.

Key facts

  • Programme type: Social innovation and humanitarian impact award.

  • Target group: Young founders and idea-makers.

  • Age range: 15 to 30 years old by 1 July 2026.

  • Application mode: Individual or team.

  • Grant amount: $5,000 equity-free.

  • Additional support: Possible further funding and a two-year acceleration programme.

  • Ineligible applicants: Governmental organisations.

What the award supports

The grant focuses on solutions for:

  • Refugees.

  • Asylum seekers.

  • Internally displaced persons.

  • Stateless populations.

  • Indigenous communities.

  • Other historically or contemporarily marginalised groups.

It supports projects that address:

  • Displacement.

  • Discrimination.

  • Poverty.

  • Malnutrition.

  • Landlessness.

  • Lack of access to essential services.

The emphasis is on dignity, inclusion, and resilience in crisis-affected settings.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are:

  • Young founders.

  • Idea-makers.

  • Early-stage changemakers.

  • Social innovators with proof of concept or clear progress.

Applicants may apply individually or as part of a team. If the applicant is a minor, the prize may be awarded to a legal guardian or the organisation responsible for the project.

What strong applications should show

A strong application should demonstrate:

  • A clear humanitarian or social problem.

  • Direct relevance to marginalized or displaced communities.

  • Early-stage progress or proof of concept.

  • A locally grounded approach.

  • Measurable community benefit.

  • Potential to scale with additional support.

Award benefits

Selected winners receive:

  • A $5,000 equity-free grant.

  • Possible additional funding.

  • A two-year acceleration programme.

  • Mentorship and immersive camps.

  • Leadership development.

  • Access to world-class mentors and strategic partnerships.

  • International exposure and global platforms.

  • Entry into a lifelong community of young leaders.

These benefits are meant to help promising projects grow from early progress into broader impact.

Why it matters

This award matters because humanitarian challenges often affect communities that are overlooked by larger systems. Supporting young innovators can help surface local knowledge and create solutions that are more responsive to real needs.

It also matters because the programme values dignity and community ownership. That makes it especially useful for projects that are designed with people, not just for them.

How to prepare

  1. Show who your project serves.
    Be clear about the community and the specific need.

  2. Demonstrate local grounding.
    Explain why your solution fits the people and context involved.

  3. Provide proof of progress.
    Include evidence of early implementation or a working prototype.

  4. Highlight impact and dignity.
    Show how the project improves access, inclusion, or resilience.

  5. Explain growth potential.
    Describe how funding and mentorship would help scale the work.

Common mistakes and tips

  • Mistake: Designing a project without direct community involvement.

    • Tip: Show how the affected community informs the solution.

  • Mistake: Focusing only on technology or operations.

    • Tip: Keep the humanitarian impact central.

  • Mistake: Submitting an idea with no evidence of development.

    • Tip: The award is for early-stage projects with some progress or proof of concept.

  • Mistake: Applying as a governmental organisation.

    • Tip: Governmental organisations are not eligible.

FAQ

Who can apply?

  • Young founders and idea-makers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2026.

  • Individuals or teams may apply.

What does the award provide?

  • A $5,000 equity-free grant.

  • A two-year acceleration programme.

  • Mentorship, leadership development, and global exposure.

What kind of projects are eligible?

  • Early-stage projects or social ventures serving displaced and marginalized communities.

  • Projects with proof of concept or demonstrated progress.

Are government organisations eligible?

  • No.

  • Governmental organisations cannot apply.

Can minors receive the prize?

  • Yes, but it may be awarded to a legal guardian or responsible organisation.

Conclusion

The Moonshot Borderless grant is a strong opportunity for young innovators working on displacement, humanitarian response, and community-led resilience. The best applications will show early progress, community relevance, and a clear plan for creating dignified, inclusive impact.

For more information, visit Moonshot Platform.