Who can apply
Small social-impact projects classified using the SCI. Local and grassroots initiatives are explicitly encouraged.
Small classification: SCI 0–34. The Secretariat validates the seven-factor Scale and Complexity Index. Budget alone does not determine the band.
See how the SCI worksPMI membership and certification are generally optional. Work must be authorised for submission and capable of evidencing outcomes. General and category-specific eligibility both apply.
Evidence to prepare
Beneficiary evidence; before/after outcomes; volunteer/resource use; project discipline; sustainability; stakeholder testimony.
Link each claim to a labelled exhibit, baseline and measurable result. Redact confidential and unnecessary personal data. The evidence pack is limited to 10 pages or equivalent.
Presentation template for this award
Use the Social Impact & Sustainability template. It contains 15 editable slides with prompts suited to this award family, an outcomes table, evidence references and declarations.
The presentation supports the written nomination and evidence package. Follow the category requirements and any finalist invitation for the required format and timing.
How this award is evaluated
Scroll the table horizontally to see additional columns, if needed.
| Criterion | Weight | What the jury looks for |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstrable social impact | 30% | Meaningful outcomes relative to resources and baseline. |
| Sustainability of benefits | 20% | Durability of outcomes. |
| Project management excellence | 20% | Proportionate planning and delivery discipline. |
| Community/stakeholder participation | 15% | Local participation and ownership. |
| Scalability & replicability | 10% | Ability to replicate or inspire similar initiatives. |
| Innovation | 5% | Resourceful or distinctive solution. |
Each criterion uses a 1–5 evidence scale. Recommended weighted score = Σ(weight × score ÷ 5). A 70/100 quality threshold informs jury judgement, with the option to confer no award.
How to apply
- Check eligibility and select this category. For a project, confirm that it is not entered in another competitive project or domain category.
- Prepare the common nomination and the category evidence listed above. Download a draft and attach the final, authorised package to an email when nominations open.
- The Secretariat acknowledges receipt, assigns an application ID and checks completeness, eligibility and classification.
- Three independent reviewers assess the evidence under the proposed 2027 review standard. The category jury moderates scores and identifies up to three finalists.
- Only shortlisted entrants receive fee or waiver instructions and an invitation to submit their final dossier and present.
- Attend the scheduled jury session. Format proposed for this category: 10-minute presentation and 10-minute Q&A.
- Verification, procedural review and ratification precede the 30 January 2027 announcement.
Post-shortlisting fee
Any payment applies to the further assessment process and does not guarantee a finalist award or winning outcome. Conference registration, travel and accommodation are separate.
View every category and the fee policyGrand Project pathway
The winner of this category is eligible for automatic consideration for Grand Project of the Year, using the existing submission and no additional application fee.
Read about the Grand Project honourBefore applying, check the final nomination window, geographic eligibility and fee or waiver terms. Category scoring criteria and weightings will be frozen before nominations open.