iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2025 on SDGs (€100,000 Prize)

Applications are open for the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2025. This prestigious international award supports and promotes innovative projects with positive social impact.

Organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH (iF Design), a global leader in design promotion, the prize is open to companies, NGOs, foundations, social enterprises, and other organizations. Eligible initiatives must contribute to the advancement of one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This merit-based prize has not set restrictions to any specific academic level. It is not a traditional scholarship. Instead, it serves as a recognition and funding opportunity. The prize supports social impact projects that have already been implemented.

Student concepts are not eligible. The initiative empowers individuals and organizations whose work demonstrates creativity, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.

Brief Details

Scholarship Name: iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2025
Organizer/Funding Body: iF Design
Field of Study: Social impact, sustainability, community development, innovation
Funding Type: Project grant/award
Application Deadline:
- First Round: 3 June 2025 (23:59 CET)
- Second Round: 1 September 2025 (23:59 CET)
Result Announcement Dates:
- First Selection: July 2025
- Second Selection: October 2025
Eligible Countries: All countries
Eligible Gender: Male/Female
Target Group: Companies, NGOs, design studios, foundations, social entrepreneurs
Focus Areas: UN SDGs (1-15)
Medium of Instruction: English

Prize Categories

Projects must align with one or more of the following 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

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

Prize and Benefits

Below are the highlights of the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2025:

Monetary Award: Share of EUR 100,000 in total prize money (awarded to one or multiple winners)
Global Recognition: Featured on the iF Design Website indefinitely
Media Exposure: Introduced to a worldwide design and innovation community
Certification: Individual Winner Certificate for each selected project
Ongoing Promotion: Ability to update project content (videos, photos, news) on the iF platform

Eligibility Criteria

Review these requirements if you are interested in applying for the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2025:

Projects must already be in operation; applicants must not submit concepts or proposals.
Submission is open to:
- Companies
- NGOs
- Social enterprises
- Design studios
- Public institutions
- Entrepreneurs and foundations
Projects must address at least one of the 15 UN SDGs
Student concepts are not eligible
You may submit each project a maximum of two times.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit these materials via the online application portal:

Project name and description (English only)
Two project images (portrait and landscape format)
Initiator and partner organization details
Additional materials (optional): videos, updated photos, news items
All content must be in English

Selection Process

The evaluation process includes two rounds annually. An international jury of 14 experts assesses each project using the iF Scorecard, which includes:

Problem-solving (50/100): Innovation, uniqueness, usability
Moral-ethical standards (25/100): Human dignity, environmental and social responsibility
Solidarity (55/100): Social cohesion, cultural sensitivity, inclusiveness
Reasonable effort (85/100): Efficient use of resources, feasibility
Beneficial experiences (100/100): Positive social and aesthetic impact

Projects receiving the highest scores are awarded and published.

Additionally, answer the following questions to determine your project’s eligibility for submission. If your answers are “Yes” to any of the following questions, your project is eligible for submission:

Does it address a relevant problem?
Does it adhere to ethical standards?
Does it strengthen group relations?
Does it create a positive experience?
Does it balance effort and value?

The project’s size isn’t crucial; what matters is the idea, relevance, target audience, and sustainable impact. Your project will be showcased to a global design community, media, and the design-savvy public. Jury-selected projects will remain online on the iF Design website indefinitely, free of charge.

How to Apply?

Follow these steps to participate:

Create/Login to a user account at my iF portal.
Enter entry details:
- Upload project images
- Provide a short description
- Add organization and contact details
Submit the project by clicking “Publish your project.”
After a content check by iF Design, you will receive a confirmation email
Your project is now officially competing for the prize – free of charge

FAQs

Can students apply? No, only implemented projects from organizations are eligible.
Can I submit more than one project? Yes, but you may submit the same project a maximum of two times.
Are Chinese characters accepted? No, all content must be in English.
Do I need to submit a prototype? No, only descriptive media and text are required.
Is there a fee? No, applying is completely free of charge.
Can I edit my project after submission? Yes, until the deadline.