The SAB Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2026 Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards, offering grants of R300,000 to R1.3 million to South African innovators developing practical, scalable solutions to pressing social and disability-related challenges. In addition to funding, awardees receive tailored business development support and mentorship to accelerate impact and sustainability. Applications close on 16 March 2026 at midday.
This annual programme prioritises solutions that directly benefit women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural communities—groups historically excluded from economic opportunity.
Focus Areas: Solving Real Problems with Proven Concepts
The awards are open to two streams:
- Social Innovation Awards: For early-stage ventures with working prototypes addressing issues like poverty, education, health, or unemployment
- Disability Empowerment Awards: For innovations that enable persons with disabilities to access jobs, training, assistive tech, or income-generating opportunities
Applicants must demonstrate that their solution has moved beyond the idea stage—showing evidence of prior investment in prototyping, testing, market research, or pilot implementation.
What Winners Receive: Beyond Grant Funding
Selected awardees will receive:
- Non-repayable grant funding between R300,000 and R1.3 million
- Customised mentorship aligned with their venture’s stage and needs
- Business development support in areas such as financial management, scaling strategy, and impact measurement
- National visibility through the SAB Foundation’s network and awards ceremony in Johannesburg
The support is designed to build long-term viability—not just short-term relief.
Eligibility and Applicant Profile
The programme is open to:
- South African citizens aged 18+
- Individuals, teams, social enterprises, NGOs, or university departments
- Innovators who have not previously received support from the SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme
All applicants must submit a certified copy of their ID and complete the online application form. Solutions must be original and demonstrate clear potential for social impact and commercial sustainability.
Related opportunity: GEP Manufacturing Support: Up to R5M for Gauteng SMMEs
Key Dates and Application Process
- Applications open: 10 February 2026
- Applications close: 16 March 2026 at 12:00 (midday)
- Shortlisting & site visits: April–May 2026
- Finalist workshop & pitch: June–August 2026
- Awards ceremony: October 2026
To apply, visit the official portal:
Apply Now: SAB Foundation Awards 2026
For full details, download the official brochure:
SAB Foundation 2026 Awards Brochure
Contact and Support
For inquiries:
Email: sabfoundation@za.ab-inbev.com
web: www.sabfoundation.co.za
Early submissions are strongly encouraged. The SAB Foundation seeks bold, practical ideas that can transform lives—and with this support, turn vision into lasting change.
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