Imagine a world where grassroots innovators and civil society leaders have the support and resources they need to transform bold ideas into powerful movements.
What are the Nelson Mandela - Graça Machel Innovation Awards?
The Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards recognise and support individuals and organisations around the world who are developing creative and impactful solutions to achieve a more just world, and for having a positive impact on citizen rights and justice movements. Named in honour of the influential leaders Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel, the award honours individuals and organisations that demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing social challenges.
It was established in 2004 by CIVICUS, an international alliance of civil society organisations. Since their inception, the awards have provided seed funding, communication opportunities, and networking support to help amplify the impact of grassroots initiatives. The awards underscore the importance of justice, freedom and collective action in effecting positive change.
Who are Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel?
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as the country's first Black president from 1994 to 1999. He was a key figure in the struggle against apartheid, a system of institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. Nelson Mandela inspired a nation to imagine a future beyond the oppression of Apartheid and fight for freedom collectively, despite the suffocating injustice of their daily lives.
Graça Machel is a renowned Mozambican politician, humanitarian, and advocate for women's and children's rights. She served as the Minister of Education and Culture in Mozambique after the country gained independence in 1975. She is an outspoken critic of colonialism and remains a global beacon of integrity and wisdom, championing education and children’s rights.
"Together, they represent a tenacious commitment to strive for a just world, deep-rooted values of justice and integrity and a stubborn refusal to be placated with empty promises."
Objectives
Support Innovation and Amplify Impact
The Awards support the innovation of individuals or groups of participants by granting funding, which is accompanied by a range of communication, networking and mentoring opportunities available through the CIVICUS alliance. This helps the awardees to increase their reach and effectiveness.
Celebrate Achievements and Promote Visibility
The Innovation Awards honour individuals and organisations who are using creative and committed approaches to achieving justice and human rights, often in environments where resources and support are scarce. Celebrating their achievements helps to increase their visibility and recognition on a global scale.
History and Impact
Over 20 years, the awards have celebrated 42 change-makers from over 24 countries, recognising their contributions to citizen rights and justice movements.
Timeline
The Innovation Award was inaugurated in 2004. Subsequent editions of the Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards were presented during award ceremonies that took place during International Civil Society Week 2014 (Johannesburg, South Africa), 2016 (Bogota, Colombia) and 2017 (Suva, Fiji) and through a virtual platform in 2021.
2024/25 Innovation Awards
The 20th anniversary edition of the Nelson Mandela – Graça Machel Innovation Awards are here!
The Nelson Mandela Graça Machel Innovation Awards 2024/25 will recognize five innovative ideas and projects from individuals, organizations, networks, or community groups with seed funding of US$7,500.
Under the core theme “Uplifting Humanity,” we are searching for innovations that challenge the status quo and bridge divides. Whether you’re pursuing Tech for Good, exploring the intersection of Climate and Social Justice, working on Bridging Citizens and Government, or demonstrating Community Resilience, we want to hear about it!
The five awards will be presented under the following categories:
Individual Award - Recognises the achievements of a single person who has demonstrated innovative thinking and made a significant impact through creative interventions in their community.
Organisation Award - Recognises an organization that has transformed their ways of working and made a positive impact through their collective efforts. The award acknowledges the organization's commitment to creativity, collaboration, and the change they have brought to their community or the sector.
Youth Award - Recognises the outstanding achievements of young innovators who have demonstrated inspiring creativity and made a difference with their interventions.
Brave Philanthropy Award - Recognises those individuals and organisations that promote just and equitable financial partnerships and have exhibited courage and innovation in their philanthropic endeavours.
Community Award - Recognises individuals, groups, or organizations whose efforts have led to betterment in their community. The award acknowledges their commitment to addressing local challenges, fostering collaboration, bridging divides, and fostering growth through their efforts.
Eligibility
Please consider applying if:
Your innovation is a product, service or process that creates value and has the potential to make a difference for the better in your community
Your innovation, whether a product, service, or process, protects or expands civic space by promoting and defending freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of association, or freedom of expression.
Your innovation helps build community and/or promotes social justice
You are over the age of 18 at the time of applying.
Available and excited for 2 trips to promote Innovation!
You can apply in English, Arabic, French or Spanish
The Prize
One winner from each category will be selected. Each winning initiative will receive:
A US$7,500 award to further your amazing work!
Two fully-funded trips to an Innovation Convening in late May 2025 and to International Civil Society Week 1 – 5 November 2025, in Bangkok.
Join CIVICUS’ Innovation Community!
Awards timeline
A quick note on the application platform:
The Innovation Awards application platform requires a quick registration to access the application form. This is because your application can be edited until the closing date. Rest assured that your data is secure and will not be shared externally or used beyond the purposes of these awards. Only applications sent through the platform will be accepted. To facilitate collaborative input, here are the application form questions in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.
Ownership of Submissions
All submissions made for the Nelson Mandela – Graça Machel Innovation Awards remain the exclusive property of the applicant. CIVICUS will not use or distribute any submitted materials without the applicant's explicit permission. This ensures that all intellectual property rights and innovative ideas are fully protected and respected.
The Jury
The award winners will be determined by an independent and impartial 5-member jury. Follow CIVICUS social media to find out who they are!
