Community Challenge
The QBE Foundation and Social Shifters are looking for young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs (18-30) based in Europe & the UK leading startups and projects that help communities adapt, connect, and thrive in challenging times.
GRANT FUNDING AWARD OF €10,000 + FREE FOUNDER & PROJECT SUPPORT!
Developing Adaptive Communities
Communities across the globe are facing growing threats from climate change and extreme weather, with those already experiencing poverty and inequality often hit the hardest. As these crises intensify, the need to protect the most vulnerable and build local resilience has never been more urgent.
At the same time, rapid advances in technology are transforming some communities for the better — while also driving a rise in social isolation. Without inclusive solutions, disadvantaged and marginalised groups risk being left even further behind.
Communities today are facing a series of unprecedented challenges.
Creating strong, resilient &
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
Social Shifters & THE QBE FOUNDATION are looking to support the most innovative, youth-led startups and projects that help to create strong, resilient and inclusive communities. We are particularly interested in solutions that relate to:
1) Climate Adaptation & Mitigation> Helping communities prepare for and respond to climate-related risks.2) Community Inclusion> Breaking down barriers, bridging divides, and ensuring no one is left behind.
We want to see fresh, creative approaches to community challenges and solutions with long-term potential that enable communities to help themselves.
YOUR 2025 CHALLENGE JOURNEY!
WHY ME, WHY NOW?
1) GRANT FUNDING AWARD
One grant funding award of €10,000 is available in this category.
2) FREE FOUNDER & PROJECT SUPPORT
We’ll help founders to develop a strong submission, provide access to exclusive learning materials and a pitch coach to all finalists.
3) GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES NETWORK
Applicants gain exclusive access to all-year-round opportunities inclusing more grants, paid work and training opportunities!
The Sustainable
Development Goals
To enter the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge your idea must contribute to at least one of the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “shared blueprint” for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
SDG 11 focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. You can find more information here on the UN’s SDG website.
Sustainable Cities & Communities
MEET OUR
2024 WINNER!
"After I graduated in 2021, with overwhelming encouragement from DeafBlind individuals, advocates, and paraprofessionals, I founded Tatum Robotics to develop assistive technology to aid the DeafBlind community."
SAMANTHA JOHNSON | 23 | USA
Samantha is empowering the DeafBlind community and envisions a world where DeafBlind individuals can access media, learn, and interact at their convenience.
Your 2025 Challenge Journey
From 1st May
Pre-Register to access our program EXTRAS!
JUNE 2ND
Submissions Open
JULY
Get your submissions in!
AUG 29TH
Submissions Close
FROM SEPT
Social Shifters Global Opportunities Network
SEPT
Submission Scoring Begins
OCT
Submission Scoring Ends
OCT
Finalists Announcement + Pitch Coaching Begins
NOV
FINALS! Pitching Begins
DEC
Winning Projects Announced
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is designed to give young impact founders a platform; providing project funding, unique leadership learning, and exclusive exposure through some of the worlds biggest brands.
To be eligible for this program your social startup must be:
100% YOUTH-LED – Founders leading the startup or project must be between 18 and 30 years old and have clear decision making authority.
IMPACT FOCUSED – Startups and projects must address a clearly defined social or environmental issue and have measurable social outputs and impact.
The QBE Foundation exists to improve the resilience and preparedness of communities through education and raising awareness around risks so that people and communities are better equipped to protect themselves.
ABOUT SOCIAL SHIFTERS
We exist to support the next generation of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs – young people everywhere taking action on the social and environmental issues that matter to them most.
We operate on a non-profit basis to provide unique learning experiences, guidance and grant funding for young impact founders.
Learn more about Social Shifters.
