iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2026: Win a Share of €100,000 for Your Social Impact Project and Gain Global Recognition

Organizations making a meaningful difference in communities around the world now have an exceptional opportunity to receive international recognition and financial support through the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2026.

Applications are officially open for the second round of the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2026, an international award that recognizes outstanding projects contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Every year, iF Design donates €100,000 to support some of the world’s most impactful projects. Beyond financial support, selected projects also receive international visibility, recognition within the global design community, media exposure, and an official winner certificate.

If your organization has developed an innovative solution that is already creating measurable social impact, this is an opportunity you should not miss.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 19 August 2026 (23:59 CET)

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

About the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE

The iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE is an international award established to recognize organizations that are solving pressing global challenges through innovative, sustainable, and well-designed solutions.

The programme supports initiatives that improve lives while advancing one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Unlike many innovation competitions that focus on early-stage ideas, the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE specifically supports projects that are already established and demonstrating real-world impact.

The prize also places significant importance on the role of design, ensuring that innovative thinking, user experience, and human-centred approaches are integrated into the solution.

Prize Fund

Every year, iF Design awards a total prize fund of:

€100,000

The prize money is shared among selected winning projects as determined by the international jury.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

The iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE has become one of the most respected global recognition programmes for organizations working to improve society.

Some of its biggest advantages include:

• Free application process
• Open to organizations worldwide
• €100,000 annual prize fund
• Global recognition
• International media exposure
• Publication on the iF Design website
• Recognition by an international panel of experts
• Winner certificate
• Increased visibility among the global design community
• Opportunity to attract additional partners and funding

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcomed from organizations including:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Social enterprises
• Foundations
• NGOs
• Charitable organizations
• Mission-driven organizations
• Other organizations delivering measurable social impact

The competition welcomes organizations from every region of the world.

Eligible Projects

To qualify, projects must:

• Already be established and operational.
• Deliver measurable social impact.
• Address one or more eligible UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Demonstrate design relevance.
• Show innovation in solving societal challenges.
• Create positive and sustainable outcomes.

Projects that exist only as concepts or ideas are not eligible.

Student concepts are also not accepted.

Applicants may submit the same project a maximum of two times.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Covered

Eligible projects should contribute to one or more of the following SDGs:

1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land

Evaluation Criteria

An independent international jury evaluates every application using five updated criteria.

1. Problem-Solving

The jury assesses how effectively the project addresses an important social challenge and whether the solution creates meaningful change.

2. Moral and Ethical Standards

Projects should demonstrate strong ethical principles, responsible implementation, and positive contributions to society.

3. Design Relevance

Design is a core component of this award.

Applicants should demonstrate how thoughtful design, user-centred thinking, or innovative design processes contribute to the project’s effectiveness and impact.

4. Reasonable Amount of Effort

The jury evaluates whether the project’s outcomes are achieved efficiently and sustainably with appropriate use of available resources.

5. Beneficial Experiences

Projects should create positive experiences for the people and communities they serve while delivering measurable and lasting impact.

Jury Process

Applications undergo a comprehensive evaluation process.

Each project is:

• Reviewed independently by jury members.
• Assessed using the five evaluation criteria.
• Discussed collectively by the international jury.
• Selected based on overall quality and impact.

The number of winning projects depends on the quality and number of submissions received.

Benefits of Winning

Selected projects receive numerous advantages beyond financial support.

These include:

• A share of the €100,000 prize fund.
• Publication on the official iF Design website.
• International exposure to the global design community.
• Increased media visibility.
• Official winner certificate.
• Enhanced credibility with partners and donors.
• Greater opportunities for future fundraising and collaborations.
• Recognition from internationally respected experts.

Tips for a Strong Application

Organizations should clearly demonstrate:

• The social problem being addressed.
• The measurable impact achieved.
• How their solution aligns with one or more SDGs.
• Why design plays an essential role in the project’s success.
• Evidence of innovation.
• Sustainability and scalability of the project.
• Quantitative and qualitative results.

Supporting the application with compelling data, testimonials, visuals, and measurable outcomes can significantly strengthen the submission.

Why Organizations Should Apply

Winning the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE is about far more than financial support.

It offers organizations an opportunity to gain international recognition, expand their networks, increase credibility with donors and partners, and showcase innovative solutions that are transforming communities worldwide.

Whether your organization is improving education, advancing healthcare, promoting gender equality, addressing climate change, or empowering vulnerable populations, this prestigious award can help amplify your impact on the global stage.

How to Apply

Click here for more and to apply

Interested organizations are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Discover other global award opportunities here.