Erase Indifference Challenge 2026

The Erase Indifference Challenge 2026 is a global competition for proven initiatives that counter indifference to discrimination and inspire people to act. It is open to NGOs, foundations, social enterprises, companies, public institutions and start-ups – including registered student organizations and student-led initiatives operating as legal entities. The Challenge recognizes already implemented and field-tested initiatives that have demonstrated success in turning passive bystanders into active responders to discrimination, including racism, antisemitism, religious discrimination, misogyny, discrimination against migrants, refugees and LGBTQ+ people.

Award: A total of €90,000 will be awarded to 8 winning initiatives — one Main Award of €20,000 and seven Awards of €10,000 each. The awards recognize existing work, results and impact, and winners are not subject to specific requirements regarding how the funds are used.

Eligibility: Applicants must be legally registered entities operating on a non-profit, social-enterprise, public or CSR basis. The initiative must have been implemented in practice, have real users, participants or audiences, and demonstrate verifiable results. It may be ongoing, recurring or completed; completed initiatives must have ended no earlier than December 2023. Unimplemented ideas, purely theoretical projects, informal groups and entities linked to or funded by political parties are not eligible. Applications in partnership are welcome. Each team may submit one application.

Application process:
To apply, please complete the application form available at: https://www.eraseindifference.org/challenge/apply

First stage: The call is now open, with a deadline of December 4, 2026. Applications must be submitted in English.

Second stage: At least 16 finalists will be selected and invited to individual online meetings with our team and external experts from the Challenge Committee, where they can present their initiatives in more detail. At this stage, finalists will also be asked to provide materials documenting their project and its results. The Challenge Committee will select 8 winning initiatives, including the Main Award winner.

Any questions?
To help you prepare your application, we invite you to watch our webinars, read the Manual and visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on our website https://www.eraseindifference.org/challenge/, where you will find detailed guidance.