Introduction to the Iris Prize 2026
The Iris Prize 2026 serves as a beacon for youth and locally-led initiatives that target areas identified by their communities as crucial for environmental action. This prize is structured to support projects that align with essential principles: the protection and restoration of nature, along with safeguarding the rights of those staunchly defending it.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the Iris Prize, the key requirement is leadership from young individuals aged 14 to 24. This entails that the majority of the project leadership must comprise young people who wield significant decision-making power and project autonomy. Notably, projects can be fiscally sponsored or tied to larger organizations, charities, or NGOs, but it is essential that the leading young person retains complete control over project decisions.
Types of Projects Considered
The Iris Prize acknowledges the diversity of nature restoration efforts, ranging from traditional land stewardship techniques to innovative technological solutions. The initiative aims to reward both novel ideas and established projects that effectively empower young people to address nature-related challenges. By overcoming commonly faced barriers, the prize fosters an environment where youth can truly advocate for impactful change in their communities. Interested parties should keep in mind the application deadline of April 8, 2026.
For more information, please visit: The Iris Project.