Written by Applications are now open for the 2026 iF Social Impact Prize, a global initiative by iF Design that supports projects making a meaningful contribution to improving society. If your work addresses one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is connected to design, you are eligible to apply.
Each year, iF Design allocates a total of EUR 100,000 to support outstanding social impact projects that demonstrate strong societal relevance, sustainability impact, and design-driven solutions.
About the iF Social Impact Prize
The iF Social Impact Prize recognises and supports established projects that use design as a tool to solve social, environmental, and economic challenges. The prize is open to organisations, social enterprises, NGOs, and initiatives whose projects are already implemented or in progress.
Projects may be submitted a maximum of two times with the same initiative. Student concepts and purely theoretical ideas are not eligible.
Why This Matters
Across the world, social challenges require practical, well-designed solutions that can scale and endure. The iF Social Impact Prize amplifies initiatives that combine impact and design excellence, helping them gain visibility, credibility, and financial support to deepen their reach and effectiveness.
Eligible Focus Areas
Submitted projects must align with at least one of the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- No poverty
- Zero hunger
- Good health and well-being
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Decent work and economic growth
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Reduced inequalities
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Responsible consumption and production
- Climate action
- Life below water
- Life on land
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible projects must already be established and demonstrate a clear link to design, which is one of the five evaluation criteria.
- Projects must address at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal.
- Student concepts are not accepted, and the same project may only be submitted twice.
Benefits
- Projects selected for the iF Social Impact Prize will receive a share of the total EUR 100,000 support fund.
- In addition, winning projects benefit from international visibility through publication on the iF Design website and presentation to a global design community, the design-interested public, and the media.
- Each selected project also receives an official iF Social Impact Prize winner certificate.
How to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to review full guidelines and submit their projects via the official iF Social Impact Prize platform.
For more information and application details, visit the official webpage of the iF Social Impact Prize.