Iris Prize 2026 for Youth-Led Nature Projects (Up to $15,000 in Funding) - NAIJA STICK

Iris Prize 2026 for Youth-Led Nature Projects (Up to $15,000 in Funding)

Applications are now open for the Iris Prize 2026, a global award supporting young environmental leaders working to protect and restore nature in their communities. Africa tech innovation

Organised by The Iris Project, the prize recognises youth-led initiatives that address environmental challenges through innovative and community-driven solutions. 

• In addition to financial support, winners receive mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and access to a global network of young environmental advocates.
• The programme is designed to empower young people who are leading local efforts in conservation, climate action, and ecosystem restoration, particularly in regions where environmental challenges directly affect livelihoods and communities.

Why this matters

Young people are increasingly at the forefront of environmental protection and climate action. However, many youth-led initiatives struggle to secure funding, mentorship, and global visibility needed to expand their impact.Seed funding opportunities

• The Iris Prize aims to bridge this gap by providing funding and support to promising youth-led environmental projects. 
• By investing in grassroots initiatives, the programme helps young leaders scale their ideas, strengthen community engagement, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.

Focus Areas

The prize supports youth-led projects focused on protecting and restoring nature. 

• Eligible initiatives may include community-based environmental conservation, climate action projects, ecosystem restoration efforts, and other locally driven solutions aimed at safeguarding natural ecosystems.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be leading projects or organisations where the majority of leadership consists of young people aged between 14 and 24.

• The young leader must maintain autonomy and decision-making authority over the project.
• Projects may operate independently or be associated with larger organisations, charities, or NGOs. However, the youth leader must retain full control over the project’s direction and activities.
• For applicants who are minors in their country, a local organisation or NGO must serve as a fiscal sponsor to manage the financial grant and provide administrative support.
• The programme prioritises youth-led initiatives that are locally driven and designed to address environmental challenges identified by the communities themselves. 

While applications are welcome from around the world, projects in the Global South are particularly encouraged due to the significant potential for impact.

Prize Categories and Funding

• The programme offers three funding categories to support projects at different stages of development:

Seed Prize – $5,000

• Awarded to a young individual or team with a new or early-stage idea focused on protecting or restoring nature in their local community. 
• Eligible applicants must be between 14 and 24 years old.

Stem Prize – $10,000

• Awarded to an existing but small-scale environmental project that has been recently established. 
• Eligible applicants must be between 16 and 24 years old.

Iris Prize – $15,000

• Awarded to an established project with strong potential to grow, replicate, and scale its impact. 
• Projects should demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion and show clear environmental impact.

Benefits

In addition to funding of up to $15,000, selected participants will gain mentorship, leadership training, and capacity-building support designed to help strengthen their initiatives. 

• Winners also join a global network of young environmental leaders working to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable development.

How to Apply

Interested applicant can apply via this link 

Apply Now