Green Changemakers Challenge

Ashoka and HSBC are collaborating for the third year, to launch the ‘Green Changemakers Challenge.’ This global innovation challenge is open to changemakers with solutions that are equipping others with the mindset and capabilities to contribute towards building a sustainable and equitable world.

The threats facing our planet are gaining pace, and we find ourselves racing towards an ecological crisis. This is a collective challenge, and to truly create change, we need more than individual solution-builders – we need green changemakers who are catalyzing those around them to also take action; we need solutions that are activating others and creating a role for everyone to contribute as problem-solvers.

The Green Changemakers Challenge will support those individuals helping people and communities find the role they can play in tackling the climate crisis and making sure no one is left out of this process.

The Challenge will award innovators with up to $25,000 of grant funding from a total prize fund of $225,000, and the opportunity to participate in a learning journey alongside HSBC and Ashoka team members.

If you have any questions regarding the Green Changemakers Challenge please contact us at greenchangemakers@ashoka.org.

We are searching for green changemakers who are:

Creating inclusive pathways for people to contribute: We’re seeking solutions that are bringing more people into the climate conversation, especially those who have historically been excluded. These solutions are equitable by design and increase diversity in the global community working on climate change.

Turning data and information into stories that spark action: We’re seeking solutions that are making climate data and knowledge more accessible, and those that are telling inspiring stories to mobilize others to action.

Creating structures of support for existing solutions: We’re seeking solutions that are built to support other solutions – by enabling the creation of new solutions; scaling existing solutions or making them more visible; and prioritizing the traditional knowledge of those communities who have always preserved our natural resources.

Prizes and Benefits

1. Early Entry applicants (those who apply on or before March 29) will: 

• Receive Ashoka’s feedback on how to improve their application before the Final entry deadline
• 3 participants from this group will be selected to receive a $1,500 prize each and will be featured on a social media post

2. All eligible applicants will:

• Receive feedback from Ashoka and/or HSBC representatives
• Have a chance to connect with a community of green changemakers through this Challenge

3. All semi-finalists (up to 60) will:

• Have a chance to refine their applications and incorporate feedback received in the screening phase
• Be celebrated as semi-finalists in the announcement communications

4. All finalists (up to 25) will:

• Have a chance to be evaluated by a panel of expert judges and receive feedback.

5. The challenge will have up to 12 winners, who will be selected to represent the diversity of applications received from the 3 focus areas and geographic regions. The Challenge Team will decide funding amounts awarded to each winner. Winning applications will:

• Receive a minimum $15,000 and up to $25,000 cash prize
• Have the opportunity to participate in a learning journey & mentoring programme alongside HSBC and Ashoka team members, to help scale your solution.