The Iris Project is a global initiative dedicated to empowering young individuals aged 14 to 24 who are actively engaged in environmental protection and restoration efforts. Through its annual Iris Prize, the project recognizes and supports youth-led initiatives that champion nature conservation, offering financial grants, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities to amplify their impact.
Key Dates for the Iris Prize 2025
- Applications Open: March 5, 2025, at 11:00 CET
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2025, at 23:59 CEST
- Shortlisting & Interviews: May 2025
- Judging Panel Review: June 2025
- Due Diligence Checks: July 2025
- Winners Announced: August–September 2025
- Virtual Awards Ceremony: September 2025
Prize Categories
The Iris Prize 2025 offers three distinct funding categories to accommodate projects at various stages:
- Seed Prize: $5,000 for individuals or groups aged 14–24 with innovative ideas yet to be implemented.
- Stem Prize: $10,000 for applicants aged 16–24 leading small-scale, recently established environmental projects.
- Iris Prize: $15,000 for individuals or teams aged 16–24 managing well-established projects with potential for replication and scaling.
In addition to financial support, winners receive mentorship and tailored capacity-building to enhance their initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Applicants must be between 14 and 24 years old at the time of application.
- Project Focus: Initiatives should aim to protect or restore nature, encompassing areas such as biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, sustainable agriculture, or environmental justice.
- Application Language: Submissions are accepted in all languages, with provisions for offline applications if necessary.
- Application Process: Prospective applicants must complete an eligibility quiz before accessing the full application form.
Application Process
- Eligibility Quiz: Begin by completing the eligibility quiz on the official application page.
- Application Form: Upon passing the quiz, fill out the detailed application form, providing information about your project, its objectives, and its impact.
- Submission: Submit your application by the deadline of April 15, 2025, at 23:59 CEST
Note: Ensure all application materials are complete and submitted on time to be considered for the prize.
Preparation Tips
Recommended Reading:
- The Climate Communications Programme by The Iris Project: Offers insights into effective environmental communication strategies.
- Drawdown by Paul Hawken: Explores comprehensive solutions to reverse global warming.
- This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein: Discusses the intersection of capitalism and climate change.
Online Resources:
- Youth4Nature: A platform for youth-led environmental storytelling and advocacy.
- Global Fund for Children: Provides support to youth-led initiatives worldwide.
- Coursera: Offers courses on environmental science, sustainability, and project management.
Application Tips:
- Articulate Your Vision: Clearly define your project's goals, the problem it addresses, and the solution it offers.
- Demonstrate Impact: Provide evidence of your project's effectiveness or potential, including metrics or testimonials if available.
- Plan for Growth: Outline how you intend to use the prize funds to scale or enhance your project.
- Seek Feedback: Have mentors or peers review your application to ensure clarity and coherence.
Why Apply?
Winning the Iris Prize not only provides financial support but also connects you with a global network of environmental changemakers. The mentorship and capacity-building components are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to amplify your project's impact. Whether you're at the idea stage or leading an established initiative, the Iris Prize offers a platform to elevate your work and contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation.
For more information and to begin your application, visit the official Iris Project website.
