Application Deadline:
15 December 2025
About Organisation
Welthungerhilfe (WHH) is one of Germany’s leading non-governmental organisations dedicated to achieving a world without hunger. Since 1962, WHH has supported communities in more than 70 countries to strengthen food security, develop resilient agriculture, and promote the human right to food through programmes in humanitarian aid, development cooperation, and innovation. In 2025, WHH assumed operational leadership of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge — a large-scale innovation competition originally launched by the Seeding The Future Foundation — to scale game-changing solutions that make safe and nutritious food accessible and sustainable. In this next phase, WHH is combining its broad field-level expertise with global innovation networks to catalyse systemic change in food systems.
About the Grant
The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge supports breakthrough innovations that transform food systems—particularly in the Global South—by awarding competitive grants at three levels: Seed Grants (~US $25,000), Growth Grants (~US $100,000), and Grand Prizes (~US $250,000).
Innovations must operate at the intersection of three domains: (1) safe and nutritious food for healthy diets; (2) sustainable and regenerative practices enabling food systems to remain within planetary boundaries, including reducing food loss and waste; and (3) equitable access to food that is affordable, appealing, and trusted.
Awardees receive mentoring, networking support, and opportunities to scale their innovation. The 2025 challenge applications opened on 15 October and close on 15 December 2025.
Who can Apply?
Eligible organisations include registered non-profits or non-governmental organisations, academic or research institutions, and early-stage or social enterprises from any country not under international sanctions.
Applicants must present a clear innovation with a prototype or proof of concept for Seed Grants, or a demonstrably scalable solution for Growth and Grand Prizes. Projects should address at least one of the challenge’s three key domains and demonstrate measurable impact, scalability, and sustainability.
Ineligible applicants include individuals, political campaigns, large commercial operations, and initiatives that are purely theoretical or lack implementation potential.
How to Apply?
Applicants should submit a short CV (max. 1 page) and a story/research pitch (up to 300 words). Up to two pitches may be submitted, with one being selected for development.
Application Deadline
Applicants must complete the online application form with details of their organisation, innovation, proof of concept, project plan, budget, and timeline. Submissions must be made by the official deadline, selecting the appropriate award category based on project readiness.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
