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Unlocking Global Funding Opportunities for Innovative Projects with Rolling and December Deadlines

Finding the right funding and grants can be a challenge for entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders around the world. Many opportunities come with strict deadlines, but some programs offer rolling applications or deadlines toward the end of the year, providing flexibility and multiple chances to apply. This post highlights key global and regional funding sources with rolling or December cutoffs, helping you plan your applications and increase your chances of success.



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Global and Multi-Region Funding Sources


Several organizations provide microgrants and larger funding options open to applicants worldwide. These grants often support volunteer-led projects, social impact initiatives, and innovative startups.


  • Awesome Foundation — $1,000 microgrants, monthly, worldwide. Awesome Foundation


  • The Pollination Project — daily microgrants (rolling, 365 days/year) for volunteer-led projects. The Pollination Project


  • Roddenberry Catalyst Fund — $2.5k–$15k, no deadline, anyone/anywhere. Roddenberry Foundation


  • Open Technology Fund: Rapid Response — emergency funding, no deadlines (rolling). docs.opentech.fund


  • Digital Defenders Partnership — rapid response & resilience grants (rolling). Walmart Foundation


  • USAID Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) — open year-round to test/scale impact solutions. National Endowment for the Arts


  • Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs — cross-border exchange for founders, rolling intake. erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu


  • EU CERV programme — multiple calls with December 2025 deadlines; see portal (filter by “Open for submission”). European Commission


  • MSCA COFUND (Horizon Europe) — Dec 2, 2025 deadline. European Commission


  • REINFORCING open call — up to €60k; deadline Dec 2, 2025. Reinforcing


Funding Opportunities in the United States


Entrepreneurs and nonprofits in the U.S. can access a variety of grants with rolling or year-end deadlines:


  • Walmart Local Community Grants — up to $5,000; closes Dec 31, 2025. The National Lottery Heritage Fund


  • Verizon Small Business Digital Ready grants (via LISC/Verizon) — closes Dec 10, 2025. Open Society Foundations


  • DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund — closes Jan 6, 2026 (open through December). National Geographic Society


  • Amber Grant (WomensNet) — $10k awarded monthly (plus year-end awards). WomensNet


  • Ben & Jerry’s National Grassroots Organizing Program — apply anytime (rolling). Ben & Jerry's Foundation


  • Cisco Global Impact Cash Grants — accepts applications year-round. Cisco


  • Faire Small Business Grant — applications accepted until Dec 31, 2025. choosecalvert.com


  • The Freed Fellowship — $500 monthly microgrant (rolling). GrantExec


United Kingdom Funding Options



Canada


  • SSHRC Partnership Engage Grants — Dec 15, 2025 deadline (research–nonprofit partnerships). The Pollination Project


  • Ottawa Community Foundation — rolling Community Grants cycles across Fall/Winter 2025. LEAP Africa



Australia & New Zealand (spotlight Australia)


  • FRRR Strengthening Rural Communities — Small & Vital stream; closes Dec 4, 2025. frrr.org.au


  • FRRR Strengthening Rural Communities — Prepare & Recover stream; closes Dec 4, 2025. frrr.org.au


  • City of Melbourne Business Growth & Impact Grants — closes Dec 1, 2025 (start-up/expansion/social impact/shopfront). melbourne.smartygrants.com.au



Africa (continent-wide)


  • Création Africa 2025 (French Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs) — creative & cultural industries; closes Dec 7, 2025. carib-export.com


  • Orange Corners Innovation Fund — South Africa GROW window open Nov 6–Dec 31, 2025 (for 2026 cohort). cdicapital.co.za


  • Orange Corners Innovation Fund (programme overview; multi-country rounds) — multiple windows through 2030. Overheid.nl


  • IYBA WE4A (Women Entrepreneurship for Africa) — open Oct 6, 2025; closes Jan 25, 2026 (open through December). The Tony Elumelu Foundation


  • Orange Corners Nigeria — Cohort 14 currently open; deadline Dec 17, 2025. Opportunities for Youth



Caribbean


  • Caribbean Export “BRIDGE” Grant Programme — extended to Dec 2, 2025. carib-export.com


  • Caribbean Export DAGS (programme info; periodic export grants—watch for open calls) — standing scheme with timed windows. carib-export.com



Extra EU (good for NGOs/universities/startups in consortia)


  • CERV calls via EU Funding & Tenders Portal — several topics open with Dec deadlines (filter “Open” & “Deadline: December 2025”). European Commission


  • MSCA COFUND — Dec 2, 2025 deadline. European Commission


  • REINFORCING open call — Dec 2, 2025. Reinforcing




Tips for Applying to Rolling and December Deadline Grants


Applying for grants with rolling or year-end deadlines requires strategic planning:


  • Track deadlines carefully. Use a calendar or grant management tool to monitor rolling deadlines and December cutoffs.


  • Prepare your materials in advance. Have your project description, budget, and supporting documents ready to submit quickly when opportunities arise.


  • Tailor your application. Customize each proposal to match the funder’s priorities and guidelines.


  • Leverage smaller microgrants. Programs like Awesome Foundation and The Pollination Project offer smaller amounts but can provide crucial early-stage support.


  • Stay informed. Regularly check funder websites and portals for updates on open calls and new opportunities.




Final Thoughts on Accessing Funding and Grants


Accessing funding and grants with flexible deadlines opens doors for many entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders worldwide. Rolling applications and December cutoffs provide multiple chances to secure support for your project. By understanding the landscape of available opportunities and preparing strong applications, you can increase your chances of success and bring your ideas to life.


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