International ReSource Award for resilience in water management

The International ReSource Award for resilience in water management is a prize acknowledging social entrepreneurial thinking and leadership in implementing the principles of sustainability in water management.

It recognises new approaches for resolving existing issues related to sustainable water management. The prize builds on more than ten years of experience in bestowing the recognised ReSource Award for sustainable watershed management.

Every year, an international jury awards USD 150 000 to new social entrepreneurial initiatives driving sustainable water management practices. The award is one concrete initiative of how the Swiss Re Foundation contributes to the advancement of water resilience in low, lower-middle and upper–middle-income countries.

ReSource Award criteria

The short and full proposals submitted will be assessed with regard to the following areas:

• Social and ecological challenge: The proposal demonstrates a profound and authentic understanding of the social and ecological problem to be addressed.
• Impact: The expected social, ecological and economic impact is clearly defined and in line with the scope of the ReSource Award.
• Approach: The proposal outlines a compelling social entrepreneurial approach to address the defined challenge. The defined goal and expected impact can realistically be achieved with the approach presented.
• Financials: There is a financially viable business plan in place based on clear and logical assumptions.
• Competencies: A qualified team with appropriate skills and track record is in place.
• Risk management: All relevant risk drivers and related prevention and risk mitigation measures are defined.

Prize:

• The prize combines financial and non-financial contributions (coaching/expert advice). Half of the total contribution equivalent to USD 150 000 will be allocated to three finalists (USD 20 000 + coaching each) from whom the winner will be selected.
• The award winning organization will be supported (USD 75 000 + coaching) during the following three years in further developing, prototyping or scaling up its social entrepreneurial initiative.

Timeline: