The iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE is an initiative designed to support and empower projects that contribute positively to society. The program focuses on established projects that align with one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and have a clear connection to design. Each year, iF Design allocates a total of EUR 100,000 in prize money to support the most effective and sustainable projects submitted, regardless of their size, emphasizing the idea, problem relevance, target groups, and sustainable impact.
Program Focus & Categories
All submissions must be in line with one 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
Eligibility and Application
• Your project must already be established; student concepts are not accepted.
• The project must be related to design, which is a key evaluation criterion. This can mean using design principles in the creation process (e.g., design thinking), having design as part of the project's DNA (e.g., fostering design talent), or focusing on the design of project elements (e.g., campaign branding).
• You can apply with the same project a maximum of two times.
• Applying is free of charge.
Key Dates
• Registration for the first round is open until 20 May 2026, 23:59 CET.
Benefits for Selected Projects
• Prize Money: A share of the EUR 100,000 total prize fund.
• Publication: Winning projects will be featured on the iF Design Website for an unlimited period.
• Communication Support: Projects will be presented to a global design community, the media, and the design-interested public.
• Certificate: Each selected project receives an individual winner certificate.
Evaluation Criteria
An international jury of experts evaluates projects based on five updated criteria:
• Problem-Solving: Does it solve a problem? Considers degree of innovation, elaboration, uniqueness, use value, and usability.
• Moral-Ethic Standards: Does it reflect or promote high moral-ethical standards? Considers human dignity, cultural sensitivity, common goals, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.
• Design Relevance: Does it have a connection to design? Considers the use of design principles, design as a project target, or the design of project elements.
• Reasonable Amount of Effort: Does it balance effort and use value? Considers efficient use of resources, feasibility, long-term perspective, and measurable results.
• Beneficial Experiences: Does it create a positive experience? Considers respect for the individual, justice, fairness, strengthening group relations, and addressing social conflict through dialogue.
Jury Process
Jurors evaluate each submitted project individually in an online session based on the five criteria. They later jointly decide on the finalists, with the number of finalists being flexible and dependent on the total number of applications. Since 2024, the jury has been composed of independent, rotating experts from the social sector to build a strong network behind the prize.
This initiative offers a platform for established social projects to gain significant financial support and international visibility. Interested parties with projects that align with the specified goals and criteria can find further details regarding application elements and other common inquiries on the program's official FAQ page.