The F. M. Kirby Prize for Scaling Impact is an annual global award of USD $150,000 in unrestricted funding designed to accelerate and amplify the work of enterprises tackling critical social or environmental challenges. The prize supports organizations that are strategically expanding their impact, centering the voices of the communities they serve, and demonstrating measurable progress toward large-scale change. Named in honor of Fred Morgan Kirby, a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist, the prize is made possible through the generous partnership of the F. M. Kirby Foundation. It reflects a shared commitment to supporting courageous leaders and innovative organizations that are shaping sustainable solutions to pressing global issues. Applications for the 2026 prize cycle are now open and will be accepted through December 3, 2025. Purpose and Vision The F. M. Kirby Prize celebrates enterprises that embody bold leadership, community-centered approaches, and scalable impact. The award is not limited by geography, sector, or organizational structure—it is open to any legal entity, anywhere in the world, that is pursuing transformative social or environmental change. The prize specifically seeks to recognize organizations that: Pursue strategic pathways to scale, ensuring that their models can grow sustainably and reach more people or ecosystems. Stay close to the challenges at hand, with deep understanding of the contexts and communities they serve. Center local voices and lived experiences, integrating feedback and collaboration into their work. Demonstrate traction and results, showing clear progress toward meaningful outcomes. Exemplify courageous and collaborative leadership, with a commitment to partnerships and shared learning. By providing unrestricted funding, the Kirby Prize empowers winners to make the strategic investments necessary to expand their reach, strengthen their operations, and achieve long-term impact. Eligibility The prize welcomes applications from: Enterprises of any legal form (nonprofit, for-profit, hybrid, or other). Organizations based in any geographic location. Initiatives addressing any area of social or environmental impact, including but not limited to climate resilience, health, education, equity, and sustainable livelihoods. Enterprises should already have demonstrated early success and be ready to take the next step in scaling their impact. Application Process and Timeline The F. M. Kirby Prize follows a multi-phase application and selection process, designed to ensure that the most promising and scalable enterprises are identified and supported. Phase 1: Initial Application Opens: October 24, 2025 Closes: December 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT During this phase, all eligible enterprises are invited to submit their applications. Only the first 250 applications received will be reviewed, so early submission is encouraged.Applicants should confirm their eligibility, review the application questions, and consult the FAQs for additional guidance. Notification: January 9, 2026All applicants will be informed of their status, and selected candidates will be invited to participate in Phase 2. Phase 2: In-Depth Application Opens: January 9, 2026 Closes: January 26, 2026 In this stage, invited applicants provide deeper insights into their organizational strategy, scaling model, and impact evidence. Notification: March 3, 2026Applicants will be informed whether they have advanced to the finalist round. Finalist Round Invitations Sent: March 3, 2026 Interviews Conducted: March 26 – April 7, 2026 Finalists will participate in a virtual 60-minute interview with the selection committee. This stage focuses on leadership, scalability, and the enterprise’s potential for transformative growth. Winner Notification: May 2026 Winner Announcement Public Announcement: June 2026 The recipient of the 2026 F. M. Kirby Prize will be officially announced and celebrated publicly. Celebrating Impact: The 2025 Winner The 2025 F. M. Kirby Prize for Scaling Impact was awarded to Solar Freeze, an innovative enterprise delivering solar-powered cold storage solutions to reduce food waste and empower smallholder farmers in Africa. Solar Freeze exemplifies the spirit of the Kirby Prize—an organization that combines technological innovation, community-centered design, and scalable impact to address a critical global challenge. Its model demonstrates how locally driven solutions can create lasting benefits for people and the planet. Why the Kirby Prize Matters Scaling impact requires more than good ideas—it demands strategic investment, strong leadership, and long-term commitment. The F. M. Kirby Prize recognizes organizations that are not only making a difference today but also building sustainable systems for tomorrow. Through this annual prize, the F. M. Kirby Foundation and its partners aim to: Accelerate proven solutions to global social and environmental problems. Empower local leaders who are driving meaningful change in their communities. Foster collaboration and learning across sectors and regions. Highlight scalable innovations that can inspire others to act. By awarding unrestricted funding, the Kirby Prize allows organizations the flexibility to invest where it matters most—whether in expanding programs, building capacity, or deepening partnerships. How to Apply Enterprises interested in applying for the 2026 F. M. Kirby Prize for Scaling Impact can begin the process by visiting the official application portal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review eligibility requirements, attend the live Q&A session, and prepare thoughtful, evidence-based responses that demonstrate both impact and potential for scale. Application Deadline: December 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT Number of Applications Reviewed: Up to the first 250 submissions For further details and updates, visit the F. M. Kirby Prize information page or contact the prize administrators through the provided channels. Conclusion The F. M. Kirby Prize for Scaling Impact stands as a powerful catalyst for global change. By honoring enterprises that combine vision, courage, and measurable impact, the prize amplifies the efforts of leaders who are reshaping the world’s approach to social and environmental challenges. As the 2026 application window opens, the program invites bold and innovative organizations to share their stories, demonstrate their results, and take the next step toward scaling impact worldwide. LEARN MORE Applications close December 3, 2025. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.