Large-Scale Funding for Ambitious Social Impact Projects – The Audacious Project

The Audacious Project, an initiative of TED, provides opportunities for established nonprofit organisations to secure substantial philanthropic funding for bold ideas that could create lasting global change.

The programme supports ambitious, evidence-backed solutions to major social, environmental and humanitarian challenges, helping organisations turn transformative visions into large-scale impact.

Here's what you can expect:

• Large-scale, multi-year philanthropic funding opportunities

• No fixed maximum funding amount publicly specified

• Opportunities to connect with major international donors

• Support developing ambitious, long-term funding proposals

• Collaboration to strengthen project strategy and implementation plans

• Opportunities to scale proven solutions

• Potential international exposure through TED Talks

• Access to a network of philanthropists and social impact leaders

• Approximately 8–10 finalist projects selected through the assessment process

What projects can be funded?

The Audacious Project welcomes innovative ideas addressing major global challenges, including:

• Global Health: Improving healthcare access, disease prevention and health outcomes

• Climate Change: Developing scalable solutions to environmental challenges

• Education: Expanding access to quality education and learning opportunities

• Social Justice: Tackling inequality and strengthening human rights

• Poverty Reduction: Developing approaches that improve opportunities for disadvantaged communities

• Environmental Protection: Protecting ecosystems and creating lasting environmental impact

• Humanitarian Challenges: Supporting innovative solutions to urgent global problems

Projects must demonstrate the potential to create significant, measurable and sustainable change.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Established nonprofit organisations

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

• Charitable institutions

• Organisations delivering large-scale social impact initiatives

• Collaborations involving multiple nonprofit organisations or institutions

• Individuals aged 18 or over applying on behalf of an eligible organisation

Important eligibility requirements:

Applicants must:

• Have an annual organisational or initiative operating budget of at least $2 million

• Demonstrate an innovative and ambitious approach to addressing a major global challenge

• Provide evidence that their proposed solution works

• Have an experienced team capable of delivering large-scale change

• Demonstrate clear outcomes and a credible multi-year implementation strategy

• Have the organisational infrastructure required to receive substantial philanthropic funding

• Show how the proposed solution could achieve lasting impact within a matter of years

The programme is particularly interested in projects that go beyond incremental improvements and could transform how major global challenges are addressed.

How does the application process work?

Stage 1 – Submit Your Idea

Organisations complete a short online survey outlining their proposed solution and its potential impact.

Stage 2 – Invitation & Assessment

Selected organisations are invited to submit a more detailed application. Proposals undergo several rounds of assessment.

Stage 3 – Proposal Development

Approximately 8–10 finalist projects are selected, with support provided to strengthen their proposals and funding strategies.

Stage 4 – Donor Presentations

Finalist projects are presented privately to philanthropic donors. Funded initiatives are subsequently introduced to the public through TED.

Funding: Large-scale, multi-year philanthropic support. No standard minimum or maximum individual award is published.

Deadline: No fixed deadline – submissions accepted year-round.