iF Social Impact Prize 2026 for Young Changemakers (EUR 100,000 in Prize Money)

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Applications are open for iF Social Impact Prize 2026. 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.

Every year iF Design donates EUR 100,000 to support the best projects submitted to the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE. Your project should already be established and must be related to design (this is now one of the five evaluation criteria) . You can apply with 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.

iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE Benefits

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.

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.

Does it solve a problem?
- Degree of innovation
- Degree of elaboration
- Uniqueness
- Use value and usability
Does it reflect or promote high moral-ethical standards?
- Human dignity
- Sensivity for cultural traditions and power relations
- Concern for common goals and the collective
- Awareness of environmental standards
- Social responsibility
Does it have a connection to design?
- Usage of design principles in the creation process (i.e. design thinking)
- Design is one target of the project (enabeling the usage of design/creativity)
- Elements of the project use design (i.e. campaign branding)
Does it balance effort and use value?
- Efficient use of resources
- Feasibility and ease of implementation
- Long-term perspective
- Measureable results
Does it create a positive experience?
- Respect for the individual, justice and fairness, positive experience and fun
- Strengthening group relations
- Addressing social conflict through dialogue