The Waislitz Global Citizen Award is an annual cash prize recognizing the excellence of one individual in their work to end extreme poverty. The program is open to applicants aged 18 and older from any country, provided they represent a legally registered entity, such as a non-profit organization, social enterprise, or for-profit business. Rather than funding future project proposals, the awards serve as cash prizes recognizing established proof of concept, scalability, and system-changing solutions. The program features three distinct cash prizes of US$100 thousand each: the Grand Prize, the Disruptor Award, and the Choice Award, totaling US$300 thousand in unconditional funding. The deadline for self-nominated applications is 14 June 2026. Waislitz Global Citizen Award
awards/prizes
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global AgriInno Challenge 2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) seeks youth-led innovations and solutions in response to the challenges associated with distribution and sales of agri-food products. Selected teams of two to five young innovators will be invited to further develop and pitch their digital development solutions. Winning teams will receive seed funding of US$30 thousand to develop their ideas. The agri-innovation challenge is open to all youth (below 35 years old) with digital innovations or ideas for the agri-food sector. The deadline to submit an application form is 20 June 2026. Visit the Global AgriInno Challenge
GoGettaz — Agripreneur Prize 2026
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition supports innovative, young food and agribusiness entrepreneurs who are transforming the African food system. The contest is open to food system founders or co-founders aged 18 to 35 who hold nationality from an African Union member state. Eligible businesses can span any part of the agrifood value chain, including production, logistics, agro-processing, and digital farming solutions. The program features a total prize pool of US$160 thousand, which includes two US$50 thousand grand prizes awarded to one male-led and one female-led business, alongside four US$15 thousand impact awards for ventures excelling in areas like climate resilience, technology, and food security. The deadline for complete applications is 28 June 2026. Agripreneur Prize
Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future — Prize for Environmental Stewardship
The Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future invites applications for the second cycle of the Earthna Prize. The award program supports global initiatives and projects that integrate traditional knowledge and cultural heritage to tackle contemporary environmental and sustainability challenges. Legally incorporated entities worldwide, including non-governmental organizations, community-based groups, civil society organizations, and private sector businesses, are eligible to apply. Submitted projects must focus on one or more of five strategic areas: water systems, food systems, terrestrial ecosystems, marine and coastal ecosystems, or built environments. The program features a total prize pool of US$1 million, which will be awarded among four winners to help scale and continue their environmental work. The application deadline is 20 July 2026. Earthna Prize
Allianz Global Investors — Illustration Competition
The “Art on Climate” International Illustration Competition invites illustrators to create artworks that address the theme of climate change. The goal is to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and solutions to tackle climate change. Prizes range from €2,000 to €150. Any person aged 18 or above is eligible to participate. The artwork has to be registered and uploaded by 31 July 2026. International Illustration Competition
UNIDO — World Sustainability Awards
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization invites applications for its ONE World Sustainability Awards. The program recognizes market-ready solutions and businesses driving sustainable industrial development across three categories: sustainable supply chains, innovative start-ups, and women in industry. Eligible applicants include companies, manufacturers, cooperatives, and start-ups worldwide that demonstrate measurable environmental and social contributions aligned with sustainable development goals. Winners receive international visibility, networking opportunities, and a platform to showcase their work at the awards ceremony in Vienna, Austria. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026. ONE World Sustainability Awards
Fingertips Company Limited — Climate Art Competition
The “Art on Climate” Competition invites talented illustrators and video creators to create artworks centred on the theme of climate change. Artists should illustrate innovative ideas and practical solutions to address this global challenge, inspiring the public to take proactive steps in their daily lives to combat climate change. Any person aged 18 or above from any location is eligible to participate. The champion of the competition will receive a prize of €2,000. The submission deadline is 31 July 2026. Link to Climate Art Competition
Dawn Project — Climate Change Ambassadors
The Dawn Project Competition 2026, themed “Our Climate, Our Health, Our Responsibility: Every Action Matters”, invites individuals of all ages to creatively explore the connection between climate change and human health. The competition accepts a variety of artistic submissions, including essays, poetry, visual art, graphic design, music, and other innovative formats. Winners in each category will receive cash prizes. Entries have to be submitted by 31 August 2026. Link
Social Shifters — Global Innovation Challenge
Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$15 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 31 August 2026. Link to Social Shifters
Breakthrough Prize — Breakthrough Junior Challenge
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge asks youth to submit scientific discoveries or explain a big scientific idea in Physics, Life Sciences, or Mathematics with a short video (max. 2:00 minutes). One winner receives a US$250 thousand post-secondary scholarship, including an additional US$50 thousand teacher prize and US$100 thousand Breakthrough Science Lab. Eligibility is limited to individuals between the ages of 13 and 18 but is open to participants worldwide without geographic limitations. Videos have to be submitted by 15 September 2026. Know more