The 20th Anniversary Edition of the Nelson Mandela-Graca Machel Innovation Award is now available!
The 2024/25 Nelson Mandela-Graca Machel Innovation Award will recognize five innovative ideas and projects from individuals, organizations, networks or community groups with a seed grant of $7,500.
Under the core theme of “Revitalizing Humanity,” we are looking for innovations that challenge the status quo and bridge divides. Whether you are pursuing tech for good, exploring the intersection of climate and social justice, working to bridge the gap between citizens and governments, or demonstrating the resilience of your community, we want to hear from you!
The Nelson Mandela-Graca Machel Innovation Award was established in 2004 and was inspired by CIVICUS’ ongoing relationship with Graca Machel, a founding board member of CIVICUS. This relationship, and the significance of the names of Nelson Mandela and Graca Machel to many civil society activists around the world, made it a natural name for the award. The Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Award was established based on the belief that small amounts of seed or start-up funding can have a critical impact in scaling up some of the most powerful ideas from small, local civil society groups.
Over the past 20 years, the Award has recognized 42 changemakers from 24 countries for their contributions to the movement for civil rights and justice.
Objectives
Supporting innovation and scaling impact
The Award supports innovation by individuals or groups of actors through funding, while providing a range of communication, networking and mentoring opportunities through the CIVICUS Alliance. This helps the winners scale up their impact and effectiveness.
Celebrating achievements and raising visibility
The Innovation Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have taken creative and committed approaches to justice and human rights in environments where resources and support are scarce. Celebrating their achievements helps to raise their visibility and recognition globally.
Five awards will be given according to the following categories:
- Individual Award – Recognizing the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated innovative thinking and have made a significant impact on their communities through creative interventions.
- Organization Award – Recognizing organizations that have made a collective effort to change the way they work and have a positive impact. This award recognizes the organization’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and the change they bring to their community or industry.
- Youth Award – Honors the outstanding achievements of young innovators who have demonstrated inspiring creativity and made an impact through their interventions.
- Brave Philanthropy Award – Honors individuals and organizations that promote fair and equitable financial partnerships and demonstrate courage and innovation in philanthropy.
- Community Award – Honors individuals, groups, or organizations that work for the betterment of their communities. This award recognizes their commitment to solving local challenges, fostering collaboration, bridging divides, and promoting growth through their efforts.
Eligibility Criteria
Please consider applying if:
• Your innovation is a product, service, or process that creates value and has the potential to improve the 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 promote social justice
• You are 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Are available and looking to participate in 2 trips to promote innovation!
• You can apply in English, Arabic, French or Spanish
Awards
One winner will be selected per category. Each winning initiative will receive:
• $7,500 USD to further your amazing work!
• Two fully funded trips to the Innovation Conference in late May 2025 and International Civil Society Week in Bangkok, November 1-5, 2025.
• Join the CIVICUS Innovation Community!
The Application Platform:
The Innovation Awards application platform requires quick registration to access the application form. This is because your application can be edited before the deadline. Rest assured that your data is secure and will not be shared externally or used for purposes outside of these awards. Only applications sent through the platform will be accepted. To facilitate collaborative input, below are the application form questions in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.
For more information, kindly visit the official Nelson Mandela – Graça Machel Innovation Awards website.
