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Funding for innovation

We channel resources to innovators across UNHCR and displaced communities through thematic funds and accelerator support — enabling ideas to grow, adapt, and make an impact.

Supports colleagues to explore, test, and scale environmentally sustainable solutions with communities.
Learn about the Environment and Climate Action Innovation Fund
Empowers teams to develop responsible, data-driven solutions that improve decision-making and accountability.
Learn about the Data Innovation Fund
Supports projects that use technology to expand access to protection, services, and inclusion for displaced communities.
Learn about the Digital Innovation Fund

Funding ideas, driving change

Innovation does not happen in a vacuum — it requires support, risk-taking, and resources. At UNHCR Innovation, our grant funding portfolio empowers teams, communities, and organizations to test, grow, and refine solutions that address real humanitarian needs.

Our funding is structured around thematic and functional areas: Digital Innovation, Data Innovation, Environment & Climate Action Innovation, Refugee-Led Innovation, and our Innovation Accelerator. Each funding stream is tailored to different actors — whether UNHCR staff teams or refugee-led organizations.

Through grants, mentorship, monitoring, and partnerships, we aim to lower barriers, de-risk experimentation, and create space for learning. Applications, timelines, and eligibility vary by fund — explore below to find your opportunity.

Get Funded

Our Accelerator

Application closed
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The UNHCR Innovation Accelerator helps scale proven solutions that improve the lives of forcibly displaced and stateless people by providing funding, technical support, and partnerships to turn successful pilots into sustainable, system-level impact across humanitarian contexts.

Learn about the Our Accelerator

Refugee-led Innovation Fund | Incubator

Application closed
external

The Refugee-Led Innovation Fund champions the creativity of displaced and stateless people. It provides direct, holistic support so communities can lead solutions that matter.

Learn about the Refugee-led Innovation Fund | Incubator

Environment and Climate Action Innovation Fund | Incubator

Application open
internal

The Environment and Climate Action Innovation Fund supports UNHCR colleagues to explore, test, and scale environmentally sustainable solutions with communities that ensure protection, adaptation, and resilience, while helping preserve and rehabilitate the environment. Beyond funding, the Fund emphasizes learning, collaboration, and locally led climate action.

Learn about the Environment and Climate Action Innovation Fund | Incubator

Data Innovation Fund | Incubator

Application open
internal

The Data Innovation Fund supports UNHCR colleagues to explore, test, and scale data and AI-driven solutions that improve decision-making, operational efficiency, and outcomes for forcibly displaced people. Beyond funding, the Fund emphasizes learning, collaboration, and responsible data use across operations.

Learn about the Data Innovation Fund | Incubator

Digital Innovation Fund | Incubator

Application open
external

The Digital Innovation Fund supports UNHCR colleagues to explore, test, and pilot innovative solutions co-created with communities that responsibly leverage digital technology to protect forcibly displaced and stateless people, improve their well-being, and build self-reliance.

Learn about the Digital Innovation Fund | Incubator

Explore all our projects

Bring your idea to life

Innovation begins with a new idea, strategic and technical support, and a leap into the unknown. Whether you’re a UNHCR team or a community-led organization with a vision, our grants could bring your bold ideas to life.

Apply for funding