Call for applications 2025
Do you run a project that takes up current social challenges and applies innovative solutions?
SozialMarie – Prize for Social Innovation is announced for the 21st time: We are looking for tried and tested, implemented, effective social innovations in all sectors in Central and Eastern Europe.
The best 15 social innovations will be awarded the SozialMarie on May 1, 2025 in Vienna. The first three main prizes are endowed with €15,000, €10,000 and €5,000, with a further twelve prizes of €2,000 each.
Timeline
Start of call
07-11
2024
End of call
14-01
2025
Nominations
26-02
2025
Start of public voting
07-04
2025
End of public voting
16-04
2025
Award Ceremony
01-05
2025
Start of call
11
2025
Who can apply?
Projects run by private individuals, commercial companies, the social economy (civil society initiatives, NGOs, NPOs, associations) and the public administration are eligible.
Projects implemented in Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia are invited to apply.
What projects can be submitted?
SozialMarie is a prize for successfully implemented socially innovative projects. Submitted projects are sufficiently implemented and are still running at the time of submission. Completed projects and project ideas are not eligible.
The projects’ innovative character meets our Criteria for Social Innovation.
Project submissions must comply with the terms and conditions.
How to apply?
Submit a project using the application form.
The project submission will be completed in two languages: in the national language of the submission area and in English.
Projects can be submitted until January 14, 2025, 11:55 p.m. Successful project submission will be confirmed by e-mail.
Visit our FAQ for more detailed information.
Evaluation
Validation
The application documents will be examined with regard to the terms and conditions.
Evaluation
Two project evaluators each from Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia and Slovenia make a preselection for the expert jury from the submissions of the respective countries.
Jury Decision
Based on this preselection, the jury decides in three steps:
1. Determination of the maximum 35 nominations
2. Identification of the 15 prize-winning projects
3. Selection of the three main prizes
If necessary, project visits take place.