The Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards 2025 offers five winners a $7,500 grant for groundbreaking social justice innovations. Learn about eligibility, categories, benefits, and how to apply before the March 7, 2024, deadline.
The Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards 2025 is now accepting applications from individuals, organizations, and community groups with innovative solutions that drive social impact. This prestigious award offers $7,500 in funding to five outstanding initiatives under the theme “Uplifting Humanity.”
Nelson Mandela Innovation Award – Intro.
If your innovation promotes social justice, strengthens civic engagement, or bridges gaps between communities and governments, this is your chance to be recognized on a global platform. Winners will receive financial support and international exposure, including fully funded trips to two major innovation events in 2025.
Read on to learn about award categories, eligibility criteria, selection process, and how to apply before the March 7, 2024 deadline.
Quick Overview of the Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Name | Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards 2025 |
| Theme | Uplifting Humanity |
| Funding Amount | $7,500 per winner |
| Number of Awards | 5 winners (one per category) |
| Eligible Fields | Social impact, civic engagement, community resilience |
| Eligible Countries | All countries |
| Who Can Apply? | Individuals, organizations, youth, philanthropists, community groups |
| Application Deadline | March 7, 2024 |
| Award Ceremony Locations | Innovation Convening (May 2025) and International Civil Society Week (Nov 1–5, 2025) in Bangkok, Thailand |
| Application Link | Apply Here |
Key Takeaways
- Win $7,500 to scale your social impact project.
- Open to individuals, organizations, and community groups worldwide.
- Recognizes innovations in tech, social justice, civic engagement, and community resilience.
- Fully funded trips to international events for winners.
- Application deadline: March 7, 2024.
About the Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards
The Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards honor individuals and organizations that challenge the status quo and bring transformational change in their communities.
Under the “Uplifting Humanity” theme, the award aims to support and amplify solutions that:
- Promote social justice and community resilience.
- Use technology for good.
- Strengthen citizen-government relationships.
- Address climate and social justice intersections.
Since its inception, this award has empowered change-makers worldwide to expand their work, impact more lives, and connect with a global innovation community.
Award Categories
The five award categories highlight different areas of innovation and impact:
- Individual Award
- Recognizes a single person who has demonstrated innovative thinking and made a significant impact in their community.
- Organization Award
- Honors an organization that has transformed its ways of working and brought positive change through collaboration and creativity.
- Youth Award
- Celebrates young innovators who have demonstrated inspiring creativity and made a difference with their interventions.
- Brave Philanthropy Award
- Recognizes individuals or organizations promoting just and equitable financial partnerships and innovative philanthropy.
- Community Award
- Acknowledges individuals, groups, or organizations that have strengthened their community, fostered collaboration, and addressed local challenges.
Who Can Apply for Nelson Mandela Innovation Award?
To be eligible for the Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
✅ Your innovation is a product, service, or process that creates value and impact.
✅ Your work expands civic space, promoting freedom of expression, assembly, or association.
✅ Your innovation builds community resilience and promotes social justice.
✅ You are 18 years or older at the time of application.
✅ You must be available and willing to travel for two international events.
✅ Applications are accepted in English, Arabic, French, and Spanish.
Selection Criteria
A five-member independent jury will evaluate applications based on:
- Innovation & Impact – How groundbreaking and transformative is your idea?
- Commitment to Social Justice – How well does your project promote equality and human rights?
- Sustainability & Scalability – Can your initiative grow and sustain long-term impact?
- Alignment with the Award Theme – Does your innovation align with the “Uplifting Humanity” theme?
Award Benefits
🏆 $7,500 Grant – Financial support to scale and sustain your work.
✈️ Two Fully Funded Trips – Winners will attend:
- Innovation Convening (May 2025)
- International Civil Society Week (Nov 1–5, 2025, Bangkok, Thailand)
🌍 Global Recognition – Get featured on CIVICUS platforms and join an international network of social innovators.
Application Process for Nelson Mandela Innovation Award
Follow these steps to apply for the Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards 2025:
- Visit the Official Application Page: Click here to apply.
- Select the Category that best fits your work.
- Complete the Application Form, detailing your innovation, impact, and scalability.
- Submit Supporting Documents (if required).
- Submit Before the Deadline: March 7, 2024.
Application Deadline
🛑 Final Deadline: March 7, 2024
Ensure you submit your application before the deadline to be considered.
Contact Information
For inquiries or assistance with your application, visit the official CIVICUS website:
🌐 www.civicus.org
📧 Email Support: innovation@civicus.org
Final Thoughts
The Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards 2025 is a unique opportunity to receive financial support, international recognition, and networking opportunities for your groundbreaking social innovation.
If you are an innovator, activist, or organization driving positive change, apply before March 7, 2024, and win $7,500 to amplify your impact!
📢 Apply Now: civicus.grantplatform.com 🚀
