The iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE is an initiative designed to support established projects that contribute to societal improvement by addressing one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The program offers financial backing and public recognition to empower organizations making a tangible difference. Applications are open to projects that have a clear connection to design, which is a key evaluation criterion.
Program Overview
• Prize Fund: iF Design donates a total of EUR 100,000 annually to support the selected projects.
• Application Fee: There is no charge to apply for the prize.
• Eligibility Requirements: Projects must be already established and demonstrate a connection to design. Student concepts are not eligible for consideration.
• Submission Policy: A single project may be submitted a maximum of two times.
Focus Areas: UN Sustainable Development Goals
Submissions must align with one or more of the following 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals:
• 1. No Poverty
• 2. Zero Hunger
• 3. Good Health and Well-being
• 4. Quality Education
• 5. Gender Equality
• 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
• 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
• 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
• 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• 10. Reduced Inequalities
• 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
• 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
• 13. Climate Action
• 14. Life Below Water
• 15. Life on Land
Application Timeline
• Registration Deadline: The current application round is open until 20 May 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Benefits for Selected Projects
Projects supported by the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE receive several benefits:
• Financial Support: A share of the EUR 100,000 prize money.
• Global Exposure: Publication on the official iF Design Website.
• Community and Media Recognition: Presentation to a global design community, the design-interested public, and the media.
• Official Acknowledgment: An individual winner certificate for each project selected by the jury.
Evaluation Criteria and Jury Process
An international jury of independent, rotating experts from the social sector evaluates all submissions based on five core criteria:
• Problem-Solving: Assesses the project's degree of innovation and elaboration, uniqueness, and its use value and usability.
• Moral-Ethical Standards: Considers if the project promotes human dignity, sensitivity to cultural traditions, common goals, environmental standards, and social responsibility.
• Design Relevance: Evaluates the project's connection to design, such as the use of design principles in its creation, design as a project target, or the use of design in project elements like branding.
• Reasonable Amount of Effort: Examines the efficient use of resources, feasibility, long-term perspective, and the presence of measurable results.
• Beneficial Experiences: Focuses on whether the project creates positive experiences, respects individuals, promotes justice, strengthens group relations, and addresses social conflict through dialogue.
The jury process involves jurors evaluating each project individually in an online session, followed by a joint decision to determine the finalists. The number of finalists is not fixed and depends on the total volume of applications received.
For comprehensive details regarding the application process, including specific submission requirements and answers to frequently asked questions, interested parties are encouraged to consult the official iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE webpage.