Nexa Climate and Health Funding Programme 2026| Up to US$250,000 Funding

Deadline: Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Applications are now open for the Nexa Climate and Health Funding Programme 2026, an international funding opportunity supporting organisations developing innovative solutions to tackle climate-related health challenges across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The programme is jointly delivered by Grand Challenges Canada and the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) in collaboration with a consortium of global partners. Depending on the stage of the innovation, selected organisations can receive funding ranging from US$200,000 to US$2 million, alongside technical support to help scale solutions that improve health outcomes in communities affected by climate change.

Unlike many climate funding programmes that focus broadly on environmental sustainability, Nexa is specifically looking for innovations that strengthen healthcare systems by helping health workers anticipate, monitor, and respond to climate-driven health risks such as mosquito-borne diseases, extreme heat, and poor air quality.

Programme Overview

• Programme: Nexa Climate and Health Funding Programme 2026
• Organisers: Grand Challenges Canada and Science for Africa Foundation
• Funding Available: Up to US$200,000 (Proof of Concept) or US$2 million (Transition to Scale)
• Project Duration: 18–24 months
• Eligible Regions: Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean
• Application Method: Online
• Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 22, 2026

About the Programme

Nexa was created to support locally developed innovations that improve the way health systems respond to the growing impact of climate change. As rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and environmental pollution continue to increase health risks around the world, the programme seeks practical solutions that enable healthcare providers to make faster and better-informed decisions.

The initiative places particular emphasis on innovations that combine climate information with healthcare delivery, allowing communities to better prepare for disease outbreaks and other climate-related health emergencies. By supporting organisations working closest to these challenges, Nexa aims to strengthen health resilience while encouraging sustainable, locally led innovation.

Funding Categories

Applicants can apply under one of two funding tracks, depending on the maturity of their innovation.

Proof of Concept (PoC)

This funding track is intended for organisations testing a new solution in a real-world setting for the first time.

Successful applicants can receive up to US$200,000 to implement projects lasting between 18 and 24 months.

To qualify, the applying organisation must be legally incorporated in Africa or Brazil, depending on the country where the project will be implemented.

Transition to Scale (TTS)

This category is designed for organisations with proven innovations that are ready for wider implementation.

Successful applicants can receive funding ranging from US$250,000 to US$2 million for projects running for up to 24 months.

Unlike the Proof of Concept track, organisations applying under Transition to Scale may be incorporated anywhere in the world, provided the proposed project will be implemented in an eligible country.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to legally registered:

• Companies and startups
• Social enterprises
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• Non-profit organisations
• Universities
• Research institutions
• Other incorporated organisations

Individuals, sole proprietorships, unregistered partnerships, trusts, and United Nations agencies are not eligible for this funding opportunity.

Applicants should also demonstrate meaningful engagement with the communities they intend to serve, as the programme gives preference to solutions developed with local participation and ownership.

What Projects Are Eligible?

Nexa is seeking innovative solutions that improve healthcare delivery by responding to climate-related health risks.

Priority will be given to projects addressing:

• Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria and dengue
• Health challenges linked to extreme heat
• Poor air quality and related illnesses

Eligible innovations may include climate-informed disease surveillance systems, early warning platforms, climate-smart diagnostics, digital health technologies, patient care solutions, and other approaches that help health workers respond more effectively to climate-driven health threats.

Funding and Benefits

Successful organisations will receive more than financial support. Depending on the funding category, participants will benefit from:

• Grant funding of up to US$200,000 or US$2 million
• Technical support throughout project implementation
• Access to an international network of experts and partners
• Opportunities to strengthen climate and health innovation
• Support to scale solutions with proven impact
• Greater visibility within the global climate and health ecosystem

Frequently Asked Questions

Can individuals apply?

No. Applications are only open to legally incorporated organisations.

Do I need an existing solution before applying?

Yes. Applicants should already have an innovation addressing climate-related health challenges. The appropriate funding track depends on the stage of development.

What's the difference between Proof of Concept and Transition to Scale?

Proof of Concept is for organisations testing an innovation for the first time, while Transition to Scale is intended for solutions that have already demonstrated success and are ready for wider implementation.

Can organisations outside Africa apply?

Yes. Organisations outside Africa may apply under the Transition to Scale category if their project will be implemented in an eligible country. However, Proof of Concept applicants must be incorporated in Africa or Brazil.

Can I submit my application in French?

Yes. Applications are accepted in both English and French.

How will applications be assessed?

Applications will undergo multiple review stages, including eligibility screening, innovation assessment, external peer review, and final approval. Projects will be evaluated based on their innovation, relevance, feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with the programme's climate and health priorities.

How to Apply

Interested organisations should submit their applications through the official Nexa application portal before Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the funding guidelines, select the most appropriate funding track, and prepare all required supporting documents before beginning their application.