Deadline: March 16, 2026
The SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious South African initiative provides vital support to early-stage innovators, entrepreneurs, and organisations developing solutions that address critical social challenges.
Each year, the awards recognise and fund innovative ideas that have the potential to improve the lives of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and people living in rural communities.
About the SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2026
The SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2026 is an annual programme that seeks to identify, support, and scale social innovations making a measurable difference in communities across South Africa.
It comprises two main categories:
- Social Innovation Awards: These focus on solutions that address pressing social issues such as education, health, livelihoods, energy, water, sanitation, and financial inclusion.
- Disability Empowerment Awards: These celebrate innovations that empower persons with disabilities, including assistive technologies, inclusive employment, accessibility, and improved participation in the economy.
The Foundation supports projects that have moved beyond the conceptual stage, showing evidence of prototype testing, pilot implementation, or existing market engagement.
Goals and Objectives
The programme aims to accelerate social impact through innovation by:
- Supporting entrepreneurs developing sustainable, market-driven solutions to social problems.
- Enabling inclusion and empowerment of marginalised groups.
- Providing funding and mentorship to help scale impactful innovations across South Africa.
Benefits and What Winners Receive
Successful applicants stand a chance to receive:
- 💰 Grant funding ranging between R300,000 and R1.3 million (non-repayable).
- 🧭 Tailored mentorship and business support, including technical guidance, business coaching, and leadership development.
- 🌍 National exposure and networking opportunities, with participation in innovation workshops and a grand awards ceremony held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
These benefits are designed to help winners refine their models, scale their reach, and increase their social and economic impact.
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to:
- Individuals, teams, social enterprises, non-profit organisations (NGOs), and university departments.
- South African citizens aged 18 years and above.
- Innovators who have moved beyond the idea stage, with a prototype, pilot, or early implementation evidence.
- Applicants who have not previously received support from the SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
- A credible and original innovation that tackles a social or disability-related challenge.
- Clear potential for social impact on target groups including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
- Evidence of progress beyond the conceptual stage — such as prototypes, pilot programmes, or market testing.
- A sustainable model with prospects for commercial viability.
- The ability to submit complete documentation, including certified identification, through the online application portal.
Key Dates to Remember
- Applications Open: 10 February 2026
- Deadline: 16 March 2026 (midday)
- Shortlisting and Site Visits: April – May 2026
- Finalist Workshops and Pitches: June – August 2026
- Awards Ceremony: October 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their entries well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
How to Apply
Applications are made online via the official SAB Foundation portal. Interested individuals or organisations should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and prepare all necessary supporting documents before submission.
For detailed guidelines and submission instructions, please follow the links provided below.
Apply Now
Read More About the Programme
Need Help?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to improve your chances of success in the SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2026.
