The Iris Prize 2026 is now open for applications, inviting young people aged 14–24 to submit ideas or projects focused on protecting or restoring nature within their local communities. The prize aims to recognize and support youth-led initiatives that demonstrate environmental impact, innovation, and scalability.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Youth-led projects: Most leadership must be aged 14–24, with autonomy and decision-making power over the project.
Commitment to nature: Projects should focus on protecting or restoring ecosystems and supporting environmental defenders.
Organizational structure: Projects may be affiliated with larger NGOs, charities, or fiscal sponsors, but youth leaders must retain control.
Safety and accountability: Minors must collaborate with a local organization to manage grants and ensure financial oversight.
Local and global relevance: Priority is given to initiatives in the Global South, though exceptional projects from the Global North are also considered.
Diversity and inclusion: Projects should reflect a commitment to inclusive practices.

Eligible submissions include ideas, small-scale projects, or existing initiatives with growth and replication potential.

Prize Categories

The Iris Prize supports projects at different stages of development:

Seed Prize – $5,000
For a groundbreaking idea led by youth to protect or restore nature. (Ages 14–24)
Stem Prize – $10,000
For small-scale, recently established projects with demonstrable impact. (Ages 16–24)
Iris Prize – $15,000
For established projects with potential for replication and scaling. (Ages 16–24)

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Iris Prize team for guidance on choosing the correct category.

Application Timeline

March 4: Open call for applications
March & April: Prize applicants join the Iris Project ecosystem via Slack, gaining access to funding support, capacity building, and collaboration opportunities
April 8, 23:59 CET: Application deadline
May: Shortlisted applicants undergo interviews and due diligence
June: Expert judging panel reviews shortlisted projects
July: Due diligence support is provided to winning projects
August: Winners and runners-up are notified; local filmmakers document winning projects
September: Virtual Awards Ceremony announces winners and runners-up

How to Apply

Applicants must complete an eligibility quiz before accessing the application form. Materials are available in:

English
Spanish
French
Portuguese
Arabic

Applications can be submitted online or offline, in any language.

Partnership and Support

The Iris Prize is delivered in partnership with the Global Fund for Children, a registered UK charity (number 1119544). The prize provides not only financial support but also capacity-building opportunities to help youth-led environmental projects thrive and expand.

Benefits for Participants

Funding to implement or scale projects
Access to mentoring and strategic support
Membership in a global community of youth environmental leaders
Opportunity to gain visibility through media coverage and storytelling

The prize emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and sustainable impact, aiming to empower the next generation of environmental leaders.

Join the Iris Project Community

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the funding. For any inquiries, please contact the official 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.