Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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$50,000-$100,000 (grants); Pre-seed/seed equity via Ventures funds (amounts vary)
Mercy Corps runs multiple Africa-focused economic programs through its investment arm, Mercy Corps Ventures, and field operations. Programs include equity-free grants ($50K-$100K) for early-stage startups via specific calls for proposals (AI for Financial Resilience, Crypto for Good Fund), pre-seed/seed equity investments via Fund I and Fund II, and microfinance/capacity-building programs in crisis-affected communities.
Equity-Free Grants
Up to $50,000-$100,000 depending on program (AI for Financial Resilience, Crypto for Good Fund)
Venture Investment
Pre-seed and seed-stage equity investment via Fund I (Evergreen) and Fund II (Resilient Future)
Technical Assistance
Venture Lab co-designs and tests promising technologies with portfolio companies
Network Access
Access to Mercy Corps' global network across 40+ countries
Founders with deep understanding of the communities they serve, delivering solutions for those most exposed to climate and economic instability. Focus on adaptive agriculture and food systems, inclusive climate fintech, and climate-smart technologies. Evidence of strong product-market fit in emerging markets.
Venture Lab co-design and testing support, reporting guidance, capacity building, access to peer learning network and Mercy Corps field presence across Africa.
Record represents multiple programs — check individual program deadlines; Mercy Corps renaming to Prosper Global in September 2026; USAID funding uncertainty may affect some programs
Mercy Corps Ventures runs specific calls for proposals (CFPs) periodically rather than accepting rolling applications. Monitor mercycorpsventures.com for new CFPs. Leverage Mercy Corps' extensive field presence in crisis-affected areas as a differentiator. The Venture Lab track is best for very early companies needing co-design support.
1979
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
Multiple grantees via AI for Financial Resilience program; 10 startups per round via Crypto for Good Fund; Portfolio companies across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia