The iF Design Foundation is a Germany-based private foundation that funds design-led solutions with measurable social and environmental impact, prioritizing projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It supports a mix of students and emerging designers (through awards), social enterprises and nonprofit projects with strong design relevance, and public-facing exhibitions or educational initiatives that advance design research and sustainability. Funding is programmatic and competitive, emphasizing demonstrable social impact and clear links between design and SDG outcomes.
Programmatic, competitive awards and prizes (annual cycles). Mix of single large program grants (e.g., €100,000 program grants) and prize pools split across winners (student prize pool €50,000; social impact prize total €100,000). Clear deadlines and registration windows; awards range from small prize amounts (~€2,000–€3,500) to larger program grants (around €100K).
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Apply to the specific program that matches your stage: student submissions to the iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD (annual cycle, historically closed by October), social projects to the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE (two rounds annually; first-round registration closes 20 May 2026), and larger SDG-focused project grants to the iF Design program (apply by June 3). Emphasize measurable social/environmental impact, explicit alignment with one or more SDGs, strong design relevance, and clear communication/publicity potential.
Current and upcoming funding from iF Design Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Open to design submissions across the listed disciplines and categories. Entries must fit one of the award categories and are judged by iF expert juries.
Deadline: 2027 early-bird deadline 2026-06-26; regular deadline 2026-09-18; final deadline 2026-11-04; online preselection 2026-11-30 to 2026-12-03; final jury 2027-02-16 to 2027-02-18; award night 2027-04-26
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.