Apply for the Iris Prize 2025 – Global Fund for Children | Fully Funded Youth-Led Environmental Initiative Grants
Are you passionate about protecting and restoring nature? The Iris Prize 2025 is now open for applications! This prestigious award supports young individuals and teams aged 14-24 who are leading impactful environmental projects in their local communities.
If you have an idea or an established project focused on conservation, sustainability, or ecosystem restoration, this opportunity is for you. The Iris Prize offers financial support and capacity-building resources to help scale your initiative.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Iris Prize, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 14 and 24 years old.
- Leadership: The project or organization must be youth-led, with young people having autonomy and decision-making power.
- Mission Alignment: Projects must focus on protecting and restoring nature and supporting the rights of those defending the environment.
- Affiliations: While projects may be fiscally sponsored or associated with NGOs, charities, or larger organizations, the young leader must retain full control over the initiative.
- Regional Focus: While applicants from all regions can apply, priority is given to projects based in the Global South due to the significant impact potential.
- Safety & Sponsorship: If an applicant is a minor in their country, they must collaborate with a local organization or NGO that will serve as a fiscal sponsor, managing the grant funds.
Prize Categories
The Iris Prize 2025 supports projects at different stages of development. Applicants must apply for the appropriate category:
- The Seed Prize ($5,000): For young individuals or teams with innovative ideas for environmental protection or restoration. (Ages 14-24)
- The Stem Prize ($10,000): For recently established, small-scale environmental projects. (Ages 16-24)
- The Iris Prize ($15,000): For well-established projects with potential for growth and replication. (Ages 16-24)
Program Details & Application Process
Application Period:
- The call for applications is open from March 5th, 2025, at 11:00 CET.
- The application deadline is April 15th, 2025, at 23:59 CEST.
Selection Process:
- Application Review (March – April): All applications are reviewed by The Iris Project team and Advisory Panel. A shortlist of 20 projects is created.
- Interviews (May): Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for due diligence interviews.
- Judging Panel Review (June): An expert panel will assess the shortlisted projects.
- Due Diligence (July): Winning projects undergo a funding security check.
- Announcement & Documentation (August – September 2025): Winners will be notified, and their work will be documented by local filmmakers.
- Virtual Awards Ceremony (September 2025): Winners and runners-up will be announced.
How to Apply
- Applicants must first complete an eligibility quiz to access the application form.
- Applications are accepted in all languages and can be submitted offline if necessary.
Important Dates
- March 5, 2025: Open call for applications
- April 15, 2025: Application deadline
- May 2025: Due diligence interviews for shortlisted applicants
- June 2025: Judging panel review
- July 2025: Funding security checks for winners
- August 2025: Winners and runners-up notified
- September 2025: Virtual Awards Ceremony
Why Apply?
The Iris Prize is more than just a grant – it is an opportunity to gain global recognition, receive mentorship, and connect with other young environmental leaders. If you have an idea or a project that is making a difference, take this chance to scale your impact.
Apply now and become a part of the Iris Project community!
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
