iF Social Impact Prize

The iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2026 is a non-profit initiative organized by iF Design to support innovative and sustainable design-based projects that make a positive contribution to society. With a total annual donation of EUR 100,000, the prize aims to empower organizations whose work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically goals 1 through 15. The funding initiative seeks to support effective, scalable projects that are already implemented and that demonstrate clear design relevance either in their conception, execution, or communication materials. It welcomes applications from a wide range of applicants globally, including NGOs, foundations, companies, design studios, social enterprises, and public institutions. However, student concepts are explicitly ineligible. Applicants must submit projects that reflect a balance between innovation, impact, and responsible use of resources. The project must demonstrate design integration—whether through the use of design thinking in the creation process, the fostering of design or creative talent, or the incorporation of design elements in project outputs like branding or materials. Importantly, applicants may only submit the same project a maximum of two times. The prize does not require any application fees, which reinforces its inclusive, mission-driven approach. Each year, the prize is awarded in two cycles. For 2026, the first deadline for registration is May 20 at 23:59 CET, and the second is set for August 19. An international jury composed of rotating independent experts familiar with the social sector reviews the entries. Projects are evaluated based on five core criteria: problem-solving capacity, moral and ethical standards, design relevance, reasonable effort and use of resources, and the creation of beneficial user experiences. These criteria encourage applicants to showcase the depth, feasibility, and broader impact of their work. Winners receive several benefits beyond financial support. In addition to receiving a share of the EUR 100,000 prize pool, selected projects gain permanent visibility through publication on the iF Design Website. This exposure is bolstered by promotional efforts introducing winning projects to a global design community and the public. Winners also receive official certificates as a mark of recognition for their achievement. Notably, the number of projects supported in each round is flexible, based on jury discretion and the volume of high-quality entries received. The application process is streamlined and user-friendly. After creating an account on the iF Design platform, applicants must enter project data, upload two images, provide a short description, and include contact details. Once the submission is finalized and passes a brief content check by the organizers, it automatically enters consideration for the prize. This low-barrier approach is designed to attract impactful initiatives from diverse geographies and sectors. For further assistance or inquiries about the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2026, interested parties may contact Gabriele Bertemann via phone or email. This accessible contact channel, along with the detailed online guidance, demonstrates iF Design’s commitment to transparency and applicant support. With its global reach, emphasis on measurable impact, and strong integration of design principles, the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2026 continues to be a significant platform for recognizing and accelerating social innovation around the world.

Address design relevance and ethical impact directly in submission.