D-Prize Global Competition 2026: USD 20,000 Launch Grants for First-Time Founders

D-Prize is funding first-time founders with up to USD 20,000 to start an organization that delivers a proven solution to people living in extreme poverty. Applications for the 2026 Global Competition close on 15 November 2026 at midnight PT (Pacific Time). Applicants who register in advance can use an extension deadline of 6 December 2026.

This is not a Morocco-specific call. It is open to applicants of any nationality, and the money is meant for organizations that serve people in developing countries with extreme poverty. For Moroccan founders and diaspora entrepreneurs, the first question is therefore where the organization would operate.

At a glance

Who is eligible?

These rules come from D-Prize’s competition page and FAQ:

• You must be 18 or older. You do not need to be a citizen of the country where you work, but you should plan to live and work there long term.
• The organization should be new. D-Prize typically does not support organizations with more than 18 months of full-time operations or more than USD 30,000 raised from outside funders.
• An established organization qualifies only if its core focus is distributing an existing, evidence-based poverty intervention.
• Solo founders are welcome, and no registered company or NGO is required.
• Low- and middle-income countries are specifically encouraged.
• One idea per competition.

What do winners receive?

Up to USD 20,000 to launch the organization. It is a ceiling, and D-Prize does not publish how many awards will be made in this competition. Its pages describe the final stage as an award and launch phase, where winners pilot the idea and grow it toward scale. No other benefits are listed.

The proposal must fit one of the listed challenges, such as childhood diarrhea treatment, reading glasses, water filters, quality agricultural inputs, road safety or government transparency. A custom intervention is also accepted if it is proven and evidence-based.

How to apply

1. Review the challenges on the competition page.
2. Get the application packet.
3. Prepare a concept note of up to two pages (three for a custom intervention) and a resume for each founder, as PDFs under 4 MB.
4. Submit before 15 November 2026 at midnight PT. For the later deadline, register on the extension page first and submit by 6 December 2026 at midnight PT.

Next, the top 5 percent of entrants answer short written questions over two weeks, then the strongest entrepreneurs are interviewed by phone and email. D-Prize aims to answer every proposal within 16 weeks of the final deadline.

Advice from the Moroccopreneur team

• Decide the country of operation before writing. The program funds work in developing countries with extreme poverty, so say clearly where you would deliver and why the need exists there.
• Write in English from the start. D-Prize does not penalize minor grammar errors, so a plain, precise note is enough. Founders who work in French should budget time for a careful translation instead of leaving it to the last day.
• Work from the packet. The concept note answers specific prompts, and the two-page limit leaves no room for background.
• Diaspora founders in Europe or North America can apply if they plan to relocate or work long term in the operating country.

FAQ

Can a Moroccan founder apply?

Yes. D-Prize accepts applicants of any nationality. The organization must operate in a developing country with extreme poverty, so check that your target setting fits.

Is there an application fee?

D-Prize’s pages do not mention one.

Can I submit after 15 November 2026?

Only until 6 December 2026, and only if you registered for the extension beforehand.

Can I enter more than one idea?

No. D-Prize allows one idea per competition.

Sources

D-Prize: Global Competition | D-Prize: FAQs