Applications are now open for the Global Citizen Waislitz Awards 2026, a prestigious international initiative recognizing individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions toward ending extreme poverty. Organized by Global Citizen in partnership with the Waislitz Foundation, the awards provide a total of US$300,000 in funding to support innovative projects that create sustainable social impact in communities around the world.
As global challenges such as poverty, inequality, food insecurity, climate change, and limited access to healthcare continue to affect millions of people, the awards seek to highlight changemakers whose work is delivering measurable and lasting solutions. By combining financial support with international recognition, the initiative aims to help winners expand their impact and inspire further action toward achieving sustainable development.
The awards recognize that lasting change often begins with individuals and organizations willing to challenge existing systems, develop innovative solutions, and work directly with communities facing the greatest social and economic challenges.
"Ending extreme poverty is possible, but it requires bold leadership, innovation and collective action." Global Citizen
The 2026 edition of the awards features three categories: the Global Citizen Award, the Waislitz Award, and the Global Citizens' Choice Award. Each recipient will receive US$100,000 to strengthen and expand their initiatives. The funding may be used to scale programs, reach new communities, improve operational capacity, or invest in innovative approaches that increase long-term impact.
Eligible applicants include individuals, non-profit organizations, social enterprises, and community leaders from around the world whose work directly contributes to reducing poverty and improving lives. Projects may focus on a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, economic empowerment, gender equality, environmental sustainability, food security, clean water, and humanitarian assistance.
Applicants will be assessed based on the innovation of their solutions, measurable impact, scalability, sustainability, and leadership. Judges will also consider how effectively each initiative addresses the root causes of poverty while creating opportunities for long-term social and economic development.
Since their establishment, the Global Citizen Waislitz Awards have recognized outstanding changemakers whose work has transformed communities across multiple continents. Previous recipients have led initiatives ranging from improving healthcare access in underserved regions to expanding educational opportunities, empowering women entrepreneurs, supporting refugees, and developing sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable populations.
Beyond the financial grants, award recipients gain significant international exposure through Global Citizen's global advocacy platform. Winners become part of a worldwide network of leaders, philanthropists, policymakers, and development organizations committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This visibility often opens doors to new partnerships, investment opportunities, and collaborations that enable organizations to scale their work beyond local communities.
The awards also reflect the growing importance of philanthropy and cross-sector collaboration in addressing complex global challenges. Governments, development agencies, businesses, and civil society organizations increasingly recognize that achieving sustainable development requires collective action and sustained investment in locally driven solutions. By supporting innovators working on the frontlines of poverty reduction, the program demonstrates how strategic funding can generate meaningful and lasting change.
Applications for the Global Citizen Waislitz Awards 2026 are currently open, and interested applicants are encouraged to submit detailed information outlining their mission, achievements, measurable impact, and future plans. Given the competitive nature of the program, candidates should clearly demonstrate how their initiatives have improved lives and how additional funding will enable them to expand their reach.
As the world works toward eliminating extreme poverty and promoting inclusive development, initiatives such as the Global Citizen Waislitz Awards continue to play a vital role in supporting visionary leaders who are creating practical solutions to some of humanity's most pressing challenges. By recognizing innovation, leadership, and measurable impact, the awards not only celebrate existing achievements but also provide the resources needed to build a more equitable and sustainable future for communities worldwide.