Now in its twelfth year, the Global Citizen Waislitz Awards, presented by the Waislitz Foundation and Global Citizen, are a series of annual cash prizes recognizing individuals for their outstanding work in the effort to end extreme poverty. The awards aim to support and celebrate innovative projects that empower individuals and create a measurable positive impact on a global scale. A total of $300,000 in prize money is distributed to further the initiatives of the selected winners.
Prize Details
• Total Prize Pool: $300,000 USD is distributed across three distinct award categories.
• Global Citizen Waislitz Prize: A $100,000 prize awarded to a winner selected based on all five evaluation criteria.
• Disruptor Award: A $100,000 prize awarded to a winner who demonstrates excellence in the “Disruption” criterion.
• Global Citizens’ Choice Award: A $100,000 prize awarded to a winner selected with input from online voting by the Global Citizen community.
• Media Exposure: All winners will be profiled in editorial pieces featured on the Global Citizen platform and its social media channels.
• Prize Conditions: The prize money is unconditional, but winners must agree to provide regular written updates on its use to Global Citizen and the Waislitz Foundation.
Evaluation Criteria
• Global Citizenship: How the applicant embodies and exemplifies the values and practices of a Global Citizen.
• Proof of Concept: Whether the applicant has a strong proof of concept with at least 1-2 years of impact towards ending extreme poverty.
• Disruption: Whether the applicant has created measurable impact in an innovative manner that disrupts systems perpetuating extreme poverty.
• Scalability: How the award would enable or support the applicant in scaling or improving their work.
• Adaptability: The applicant's demonstrated ability to adapt and evolve to changing conditions.
Eligibility and Application
• Applicant Age: Entrants must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• Geographic Eligibility: Applications are open to individuals from anywhere in the world.
• Application Method: Applicants must apply for the awards themselves; nominations are not accepted.
• Entity Type: The awards are for individuals or individual representatives of organizations. Applicants must have a registered legal entity, which can include non-profits, for-profits, B-corps, or social enterprises. The prize is awarded to the individual, but the funds are allocated to their organization.
• Experience Requirement: These awards are for individuals who have demonstrated impact towards ending extreme poverty over a minimum of 1-2 years, not for those in the idea stage.
• Language: Applications must be submitted in English. Translations are acceptable, as judging is based on criteria, not language expression.
Application Timeline and Judging Process
• Application Period: The application window opens at 10:00 AM PST on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, and closes at 5:00 PM PST on Sunday, June 14th, 2026.
• Judging: Applicants are judged against the criteria by a panel appointed by Global Citizen.
• Semi-finalist Notification: Selected semi-finalists will be notified by July 3rd, 2026, and will proceed to a public vote and a final round of judging. They may be asked to provide a headshot, bio, and supplemental financial information.
• Winner Notification: The three winners will be selected by the Waislitz Foundation and notified on or around August 3rd, 2026.
This program offers a significant opportunity for individuals leading impactful initiatives against extreme poverty to gain funding and visibility. For complete details, specific criteria, and to begin the application process, interested parties should consult the official Global Citizen Waislitz Awards information page.