Applications are open for the Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards 2024/25, offering $7,500 in funding for groundbreaking social justice innovations. Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline:
The application deadline is the 7th of March, 2024.
Table of Contents
Tell Me About The Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards:
The Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards 2024/25 will recognize five innovative ideas and projects from individuals, organizations, networks, or community groups with seed funding of US$7,500.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Under the core theme “Uplifting Humanity,” we are searching for innovations that challenge the status quo and bridge divides. Whether you’re pursuing Tech for Good, exploring the intersection of Climate and Social Justice, working on Bridging Citizens and Government, or demonstrating Community Resilience, we want to hear about it!
The five awards will be presented under the following categories:
- Individual Award – Recognises the achievements of a single person who has demonstrated innovative thinking and made a significant impact through creative interventions in their community.
- Organization Award – Recognises an organization that has transformed its ways of working and made a positive impact through its collective efforts. The award acknowledges the organization’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and the change they have brought to their community or the sector.
- Youth Award – Recognises the outstanding achievements of young innovators who have demonstrated inspiring creativity and made a difference with their interventions.
- Brave Philanthropy Award: This award recognizes individuals and organizations that promote just and equitable financial partnerships and have exhibited courage and innovation in their philanthropic endeavors.
- Community Award: This award Recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations whose efforts have improved their community. It acknowledges their commitment to addressing local challenges, fostering collaboration, bridging divides, and fostering growth through their efforts.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Social impact
Check:
Type:
Award
Who can Apply for the Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards?
Please consider applying if:
- Your innovation is a product, service or process that creates value and has the potential to make a difference for the better in your community
- Your innovation, whether a product, service, or process, protects or expands civic space by promoting and defending freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of association, or freedom of expression.
- Your innovation helps build community and/or promotes social justice
- You are over the age of 18 at the time of applying.
- Available and excited for 2 trips to promote Innovation!
- You can apply in English, Arabic, French or Spanish
How are Applicants Selected?
An independent 5-member jury will select the winners based on:
- Innovation and impact of the proposed idea.
- Commitment to social justice and civic engagement.
- Potential for sustainability and scalability.
- Alignment with the program’s themes.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries
Check:
Where will the Award be Taken?
Winners will participate in two fully-funded trips:
- An Innovation Convening in late May 2025.
- International Civil Society Week from November 1–5, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.
How Many Awards?
Not specified
What is the Benefit of the Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards?
One winner from each category will be selected. Each winning initiative will receive:
- A US$7,500 award to further your amazing work!
- Two fully-funded trips to an Innovation Convening in late May 2025 and to International Civil Society Week 1 – 5 November 2025, in Bangkok.
- Join CIVICUS’ Innovation Community!
How to Apply:
Visit the official application page to begin.
