Tag Archives: sustainability

IF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE

Application Deadline (Round 2): 19 August, 2026

LOCATION: Germany

The iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE supports projects that contribute to improving our society. If you work towards achieving one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, your project is eligible.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applying is free of charge. 

Your project should already be established and must be related to design (this is now one of the five evaluation criteria). You can apply to the same project a maximum of two times. Student concepts are not accepted.

Categories – the UN Sustainable Development Goals (1-15): All submissions should be in line with one of the following 15 UN SDGs.

No poverty

Zero hunger

Goodhealth and well-being

Quality education

Gender equality

Clean water and sanitation

Affordable and clean energy

Decent work and economic growth

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Reduced inequalities

Sustainable cities and communities

Responsible consumption and production

Climate action

Life below water

Life on land

Evaluation Criteria & Jury Process:

The jury evaluates all projects based on five updated criteria, considering each project’s individual aspects.
Providing answers to some or all of these questions in your participation materials will help the jury to understand your project better.

Problem-Solving

Moral-Ethic Standards

Design relevance

Reasonable amount of effort

Beneficial Experiences
Jury Process
: Based on five evaluation criteria, the jurors evaluate each submitted project individually in an online jury session and later jointly decide on the finalists. Their number is flexible and depends on the total number of applications.
Jury Board
: iF Design aims to build a strong network behind its non-profit prize. Since 2024, the jury of the Social Impact Prize has been made up of independent, rotating experts who are closely familiar with the social sector.

BENEFIT:

Social projects that are supported with the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE benefit from this:

A share of EUR 100,000

Publication on our iF Design Website

They will be presented to a global design community, the design-interested public, and the media.

The projects selected by the jury receive an individual winner certificate.

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DARWIN INITIATIVE ROUND 32 FUNDING PROGRAMME

Application Deadline for Darwin Initiative Extra Stage 1: Wednesday 1 July 2026

LOCATION: United Kingdom

They are thrilled to announce that applications for Darwin Initiative Round 32 are now open.

The aim of the Darwin Initiative is to support communities to find just, scalable, and sustainable ways to conserve and restore nature while growing their economies and reducing poverty. Darwin Initiative grants enable real impact on the ground. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Eligible Countries: The Darwin Initiative has narrowed its focus to ensure deeper impact. Round 32 prioritizes projects in biodiversity-rich regions where conservation and poverty reduction are most urgent.

Total eligible countries: 35

Regions covered: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and small island states

Selection criteria: Countries must fall within one of the 13 biodiversity hotspots identified by Defra for this round.
Location: Focused on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries.
Host Organization: Darwin Initiative

Projects should support communities to find just, scalable, and sustainable ways to conserve and restore nature while growing their economies and reducing poverty.

Round 32 focuses on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries.

Organisations are limited to leading on one application per scheme.

Organisations may appear on an unlimited number of applications as partners.

The Darwin Initiative Innovation scheme will no longer accept new applications in Round 32.

Applicants should review the scheme guidance and application requirements on the Darwin Initiative application portal. Then, choose the relevant scheme: Extra, Main, or Capability & Capacity.

Because scheme deadlines differ, make sure you submit under the correct funding window. For full guidance and updates, use the official source.

BENEFIT:

Grant Amount: The grants range between £200,000 and £1,000,000, depending on the type of grant and project scope.
Project Duration: Main Projects: 2–5 years

Flexibility: The exact length should match the scale of your proposed work and the outcomes you aim to achieve.
Funding Scope: Funding for projects through the Darwin Initiative grant schemes, including support for biodiversity conservation and restoration, poverty reduction, community resilience, and systems strengthening.

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