Deadline: May 20, 2026
The iF Social Impact Prize 2026 recognises and supports outstanding projects that drive positive social change across the world. Organised by iF Design, this international award honours initiatives that contribute meaningfully to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The prize celebrates innovation, creativity, and measurable impact—encouraging organisations and social enterprises to use design and human-centred approaches to make the world a better place.
About the iF Social Impact Prize 2026
The iF Social Impact Prize 2026 is a global initiative designed to support projects that make a tangible contribution to social, environmental, and community well-being. This competition highlights the role of design and innovation in addressing pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, education, clean water, and gender equality.
The award aims to shine a spotlight on organisations whose work demonstrates measurable outcomes, practical solutions, and creativity in advancing one or more of the 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the prize is to encourage and reward organisations and innovators whose projects already show proven social impact. Unlike concept-based competitions, the iF Social Impact Prize focuses on existing, operational projects that have successfully improved lives or communities.
It promotes initiatives that integrate design thinking and human-centred innovation to deliver sustainable solutions for global challenges.
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 20 May 2026, 23:59 CET
Applicants are advised to submit early to avoid last-minute issues with the online portal.
Prize and Benefits
Participants in the iF Social Impact Prize 2026 stand to gain much more than recognition.
- Total Prize Fund: €100,000 shared among selected winning projects.
- Global Visibility: Featured projects are showcased on the iF Design website and promoted to a global audience of design professionals, media, and investors.
- Certificate of Achievement: Winners receive an official iF Social Impact Prize Certificate acknowledging their contribution to social innovation.
This is an award, not a grant. It rewards excellence, provides visibility, and opens doors to funding and partnerships that can help scale the project further.
Who Can Apply?
The prize is open to organisations and individuals from all sectors that are running social impact projects. Eligible applicants include:
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Social enterprises and startups
- Design studios and companies
- Foundations
- Public institutions or community-based organisations
- Entrepreneurs with operational impact projects
Important:
- Only implemented and ongoing projects with verifiable results are accepted.
- Student concepts are not eligible (students should instead apply for the iF Design Student Award).
- The same project can be submitted up to two times in different years.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated by an expert jury using the following criteria:
- The problem addressed and its significance
- Innovation, uniqueness, and creativity of the solution
- Impact and usability
- Relevance of design in achieving results
- Evidence of measurable outcomes and clear benefits for beneficiaries
These criteria ensure that the most effective, practical, and socially valuable projects are recognised and rewarded.
Tips for a Strong Application
To strengthen your application for the iF Social Impact Prize 2026:
- Align your project with one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Provide data, evidence, or success stories that demonstrate measurable impact.
- Use clear, concise language and compelling visuals (photos, infographics, or videos).
- Showcase real-world results, not just future intentions.
- Emphasise the role of design or innovation in delivering your outcomes.
A well-structured, evidence-based submission will significantly increase your chances of success.
Why Apply for the iF Social Impact Prize 2026?
Winning or even being shortlisted for the iF Social Impact Prize 2026 brings international recognition, enhances credibility, and connects organisations with global partners and funders.
Beyond the €100,000 award pool, the prize offers unparalleled exposure within the design and innovation community—helping impactful projects gain the attention they deserve.
Need Help Preparing Your Proposal?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to improve your chances of submitting a winning application.
