Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship - Social Innovation Awards

Enriched – · Found: 2026-03-13 17:21

Annual awards recognizing leading social entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide in environmental and circular economy fields. Awardees gain multi-year WEF and Schwab network access, visibility, and introductions to potential funders and partners for scaling circular plastic value chains.

Source: https://www.weforum.org/communities/schwab-foundation-for-social-entrepreneurship

Funding Details

Funder

Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship

Funding Goal

Annual awards recognizing and supporting outstanding social entrepreneurs and innovators who are advancing proven social innovation solutions at scale. Award categories include Social Entrepreneurs, Corporate Social Intrapreneurs, Public Social Intrapreneurs, Emerging Innovators, and System Entrepreneurs. Awardees gain access to the World Economic Forum platform, global visibility, peer networks, and potential resource mobilization.

Funding Amount

Non-monetary award primarily; primarily recognition, WEF platform access, and network connections. Some resource mobilization reported ($1B in resources mobilized by the community in a recent year).

How to Apply

Annual award process. 2026 awards have already been announced (21 leaders from 17 organizations). Candidates are identified through the Schwab Foundation's global network and partner organizations. Check the Schwab Foundation website (schwabfound.org) for application information for future cycles.

Target Region

Global (190 countries)

Official Page

https://www.schwabfound.org/

Last Checked

2026-03-15 09:49

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Must be a social entrepreneur or innovator with a proven, scalable social or environmental solution
• Open to nonprofits, for-profits, and hybrid structures globally

Project Scope

• Model must be economically viable and put purpose before profit

Required Documents

• Candidates are primarily identified through the Schwab Foundation network — check for nomination pathways

Constraints

• Must have demonstrated measurable impact — concept-stage ideas are not eligible
• Award is primarily recognition + WEF platform access, not direct cash funding

Summary

The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, operating in partnership with the World Economic Forum, presents annual awards recognizing outstanding social entrepreneurs and social innovators worldwide. The awards are primarily a recognition mechanism that provides awardees with access to the WEF's annual meetings in Davos and other high-level forums, amplifying their work to global policymakers, business leaders, and media. The Foundation also supports resource mobilization — the current community has generated $1 billion in resources and $970 million in revenue. The program covers multiple award categories to recognize different forms of social leadership, including entrepreneurs, corporate intrapreneurs, public sector innovators, and system entrepreneurs. Since 1998, the Foundation has supported 510 social entrepreneurs across 190 countries. Awardees benefit from a lifelong community membership and access to the Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship network. The awards are not a grant program in the conventional sense — there is no direct cash transfer. Rather, the primary value is recognition, access to WEF platforms, and network connections that can unlock further funding and partnerships. For organizations in the circular economy or marine conservation sectors, an award could significantly boost their profile and fundraising capacity.

Historical Context

Founded in 1998. Has supported 510 active social entrepreneurs and innovators whose work has collectively impacted 950 million+ lives. Annual award cycle; 2026 awardees recently announced. Connected to the World Economic Forum.

Sources

• https://www.weforum.org/communities/schwab-foundation-for-social-entrepreneurship
• https://www.schwabfound.org/

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