Entries have opened for this year’s Iris Prize, an international award founded by Ben Goldsmith and Kate Rothschild which funds young environmentalists accelerating climate action within their communities.

The prize is timely given that less than 1% of institutional climate funding is currently being directed towards young people and youth-led environmental projects around the world.

The Iris Prize part of The Iris Project which is designed to bridge the funding gap that exists for youth-led environmental projects around the world. Now in its fourth instalment, it is fiscally hosted by Global Fund for Children.

The prize invites young people who are actively protecting local ecosystems, restoring natural habitats and driving community-based environmental efforts to showcase their ideas and solutions for a sustainable future.

Winners will receive funding in one of three categories:

• the Seed Prize ($5,000)
• the Stem Prize ($10,000)
• the Iris Prize ($15,000).

Although a global initiative, open to young environmental leaders from every region, the majority of the recipients have been based in the Global South, where communities are most affected by climate change and often have limited access to resources.

According to research conducted by ClimateWorks Foundation, youth-led organisations in the Global North receive 16 times the funding compared to those in the Global South.

Since its inception in 2022, The Iris Prize has directed £645,371 to 20 projects across 13 countries. Previous winners of the award have ranged from combating pollution in the Uru Uru Lake in Bolivia and revitalising bee populations in Sierra Leone to training fisherwomen in aquaculture research in Guatemala.

In addition to the funding, winners also receive climate communications training, organisational development and mentorship, to help them to increase their impact and scale their projects. The prize’s model helps emphasise and support strong, collective leadership rather than focus solely on individuals, amplifying the impact of youth-led environmental work.

Millie Edwards, Director at The Iris Project, said:

“We’re excited to welcome applications from this year’s group of environmental leaders from around the world and shine a light on the incredible work they are already doing in their communities. Over the last three years, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of the unique and diverse challenges these young leaders face and are committed to amplifying their voices and supporting their incredible efforts.

“Those selected to be this year’s winners will receive tailored support based on their needs, with our team and youth advisors walking alongside them as experts on their projects. We are building a global community, connecting incredible young leaders who are driving efforts to protect and restore nature all across the world.”

Youth-led advisory panel

The Iris Project has a Youth-led Advisory Panel made up of outstanding young environmental leaders from around the world, including Steve Misati, Alicia Amancio and Sumarni Laman. The group helps to provide peer-to-peer mentoring to prize winners and connects like-minded winners and applicants to share knowledge and create new ideas for change.

About the Iris Project

The Iris Project was established in memory of Iris Goldsmith, who died in am accident aged 15. Iris had a deep and lifelong connection with the natural world, a gentle way with animals, and a particular love for the sea.

Prize judges

This year’s panel of judges includes leading voices from the environmental advocacy sector, including:

• Aliza Ayaz – United Nations Goodwill Ambassador
• Elizabeth Wathuti – Kenyan environmental leader and the Founder of Green Generation Initiative
• Enrique Sala – Founder of the National Geographic Pristine Seas project
• Desmond Alugnoa – Co-Founder of the Green Africa Youth Organization and 2024 winner of the Earthshot Prize.
• Sam Bengechib – Iris Prize 2022 winner, Co-Founder of Sungai Watch and Sungai Design

How to enter

The Iris Prize open to applicants from 5 March until 15 April 2025. Winners will be announced later this year in September.