Call for
The Iris Prize 2025
About Organisation
The Iris Project is a global initiative run in partnership with the Global Fund for Children UK Trust, created in memory of Iris Goldsmith, a young nature enthusiast who tragically passed away at the age of 15. Iris held a profound love for the natural world, especially animals and the sea. Inspired by her passion, the project builds a network of young environmental leaders dedicated to protecting and restoring their local environments. The initiative recognizes that youth are at the forefront of climate and ecological solutions and seeks to amplify their efforts. Through funding, mentorship, and network access, The Iris Project supports young changemakers who often struggle to find the resources needed to expand their impact. By investing in youth leadership in environmental restoration and climate action, the project continues Iris’s legacy of care and connection to the planet, particularly focusing on efforts in the Global South.
About the Grant
The Iris Project annually awards The Iris Prize to outstanding youth-led environmental projects. These awards are not just about funding ideas—they are about equipping young changemakers with the resources, mentorship, and connections needed to scale their efforts. The prizes recognize and reward projects across various stages of development and approaches to nature restoration—whether through traditional ecological practices or innovative technology. The three main prize categories include:
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The Iris Prize ($15,000): For established, scalable projects led by youth aged 16–24.
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The Stem Prize ($10,000): For recently launched, small-scale projects led by youth aged 16–24.
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The Seed Prize ($5,000): For innovative, early-stage ideas led by individuals or teams aged 14–24.
These awards aim to overcome barriers to access and encourage diverse approaches to ecological protection. The focus is particularly on the Global South, where environmental action is urgent and where the impact of support can be profound. However, exceptional projects from the Global North are also considered.
Who can Apply?
The Iris Prize is open to young people aged 14 to 24 who are leading projects or initiatives focused on protecting or restoring nature. To be eligible, the initiative must be youth-led, with primary decision-making power held by individuals within the age range. Projects may be independently organized or affiliated with NGOs, charities, or larger institutions, but the young leader(s) must maintain full autonomy over the project’s direction and goals.
Applicants must support the protection and restoration of the natural world and the rights of those advocating for it. If the applicant is legally a minor in their country, they must partner with a local organization or NGO to act as a fiscal sponsor. This sponsor will manage and distribute the grant funds while supporting the youth leader throughout the process.
The Iris Project prioritizes local and youth-led efforts, especially those based in the Global South. However, impactful and exceptional proposals from the Global North will also be considered. Projects at various stages—whether early-stage ideas, newly launched initiatives, or established efforts with scale potential—are encouraged to apply. A strong commitment to inclusion, community significance, and environmental impact is central to the evaluation criteria.
How to Apply?
To apply, eligible applicants must first complete a short quiz to confirm their eligibility. Once qualified, they will gain access to the application form. Applications are accepted in multiple languages and can also be submitted offline. Young changemakers with environmental ideas or projects are encouraged to apply for the respective prize category that matches their initiative’s stage and impact potential.
Application Deadline
Applications for The Iris Prize 2025 are currently open. Young leaders are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to allow time for review and consideration.
Last Date To Apply
The final deadline to apply for The Iris Prize 2025 will be announced shortly. Applicants should regularly check for updates and prepare their materials well in advance for timely submission.
Grant Amount
The Iris Project offers three grant categories: $15,000 for the Iris Prize, $10,000 for the Stem Prize, and $5,000 for the Seed Prize—each supporting young leaders in environmental action.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
