The Iris Prize 2025: Empowering Young Changemakers to Protect and Restore Nature

The Iris Prize 2025 is now open, inviting young leaders from around the world to apply for funding to support their innovative projects aimed at protecting and restoring nature. This prestigious award seeks to empower youth-led initiatives that are making a positive impact in their local communities, especially in regions most affected by environmental challenges.

The prize is open to individuals or teams aged 14 to 24 who are leading projects that contribute to nature conservation or restoration. Eligible applicants must demonstrate that their initiative is youth-led, with young people holding decision-making power and autonomy over the project’s direction. Projects can range from early-stage ideas to established initiatives, as long as they are driven by young people passionate about environmental change.

While the prize welcomes applications from all regions, special consideration is given to projects in the Global South, where access to funding is often limited. However, exceptional projects from the Global North that prioritize diversity, inclusion, and community impact are also encouraged to apply. Projects can be independent initiatives or part of larger organisations, provided the young leader maintains full control over the project’s decisions.

The Iris Prize 2025 offers three categories of funding to support projects at different stages of development. The Seed Prize awards $5,000 to promising new ideas, the Stem Prize grants $10,000 to small-scale projects that have already been implemented, and the Iris Prize provides $15,000 to established projects with the potential to scale and replicate their impact.

Applicants under the legal age in their country are required to collaborate with a local organisation or NGO that will act as a fiscal sponsor, helping to manage the funds and provide financial oversight throughout the grant period. This partnership ensures the safety and well-being of young participants while allowing them to focus on their impactful work.

The Iris Prize is more than just funding — it is a celebration of youth leadership in the fight to protect nature and defend the rights of those working on the frontlines of environmental justice. Young changemakers are encouraged to apply and take their projects to the next level.

For more information on how to apply, scroll down below for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity