Application Deadline: March 7, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 CIVICUS Nelson Mandela – Graça Machel Innovation Awards. The Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards recognise and support individuals and organisations around the world who are developing creative and impactful solutions to achieve a more just world, and for having a positive impact on citizen rights and justice movements. Named in honour of the influential leaders Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel, the award honours individuals and organisations that demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing social challenges.
It was established in 2004 by CIVICUS, an international alliance of civil society organisations. Since their inception, the awards have provided seed funding, communication opportunities, and networking support to help amplify the impact of grassroots initiatives. The awards underscore the importance of justice, freedom and collective action in effecting positive change.
Eligibility
Please consider applying if:
- Your innovation is a product, service or process that creates value and has the potential to make a difference for the better in your community
- Your innovation, whether a product, service, or process, protects or expands civic space by promoting and defending freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of association, or freedom of expression.
- Your innovation helps build community and/or promotes social justice
- You are over the age of 18 at the time of applying.
- Available and excited for 2 trips to promote Innovation!
- You can apply in English, Arabic, French or Spanish
The Prize
One winner from each category will be selected. Each winning initiative will receive:
- A US$7,500 award to further your amazing work!
- Two fully-funded trips to an Innovation Convening in late May 2025 and to International Civil Society Week 1 – 5 November 2025, in Bangkok.
- Join CIVICUS’ Innovation Community!
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the CIVICUS Nelson Mandela – Graça Machel Innovation Awards
