Understanding the Waislitz Global Citizen Award
The Waislitz Global Citizen Award is an annual prize that recognizes individuals dedicated to ending extreme poverty. This award, now in its twelfth year, celebrates its recipients with a total of $300,000 in cash prizes. The Waislitz Foundation and Global Citizen collaborate to present these awards, aiming to empower individuals who are making a measurable difference in the world. The foundation itself focuses on creating positive social impact through innovative projects that help people reach their full potential.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To be considered for the Waislitz Global Citizen Award, applicants must be at least eighteen years old and can be from anywhere in the world. The application process requires a demonstration of a strong commitment and proven work towards ending extreme poverty. This includes having a solid proof of concept for their initiative, with at least one to two years of demonstrated impact.
Evaluation Criteria for the Award
The selection process for the Waislitz Global Citizen Award is based on five key criteria designed to identify truly impactful individuals and projects. These criteria help ensure that the award goes to those who not only have a vision but also the ability to execute it effectively and sustainably.
Global Citizenship
This criterion assesses how well an applicant embodies and practices the values of a global citizen. It looks at their understanding of interconnected global issues and their commitment to contributing to a better world for all.
Proof of Concept
Applicants must show a strong, tangible proof of their project’s effectiveness. This means providing evidence of at least one to two years of work that has made a real impact in the fight against extreme poverty.
Disruption
The award seeks individuals who are innovating and challenging existing systems. This criterion evaluates whether the applicant has created measurable impact in a way that disrupts the structures that perpetuate extreme poverty.
Scalability
A crucial aspect of the award is the potential for growth. Applicants are evaluated on how the prize money would enable them to scale up their work or improve its reach and effectiveness.
Adaptability
The ability to navigate challenges and evolve is also important. Applicants need to demonstrate examples of how they have adapted their strategies and approaches to changing conditions, ensuring the long-term success of their efforts.
Prize Details and Recognition
The 2026 Waislitz Global Citizen Awards will distribute a total of $300,000 USD across three distinct prizes. Beyond the financial reward, winners will receive significant recognition. Their stories and work will be featured in editorial pieces published on the Global Citizen platform and shared across its social media channels, bringing their efforts to a wider audience.
Global Citizen Waislitz Prize
This is the main award, with a $100,000 cash prize. The winner is selected based on their performance across all five evaluation criteria, highlighting a well-rounded and highly impactful individual.
Disruptor Award
Another $100,000 prize is dedicated to the Disruptor Award. This recognizes an individual who particularly excels in the “Disruption” criterion, showcasing innovative approaches that challenge the status quo in poverty reduction.
Global Citizens’ Choice Award
The third $100,000 prize is the Global Citizens’ Choice Award. This award is unique as its winner is chosen with input from the Global Citizen community through online voting, giving the public a voice in recognizing impactful work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Waislitz Global Citizen Award?
It’s an annual award that gives $300,000 to people working to end extreme poverty, presented by the Waislitz Foundation and Global Citizen.
Who can apply for the award?
Anyone over 18 years old from anywhere in the world can apply, as long as they have a proven track record of at least one to two years in fighting extreme poverty.
What are the main things the judges look for?
Judges look for how well you act as a global citizen, if your project works (proof of concept), if you’re innovative (disruption), if your project can grow (scalability), and if you can adapt to changes.
How is the prize money distributed?
There are three $100,000 prizes: the main Global Citizen Waislitz Prize, the Disruptor Award for innovation, and the Global Citizens’ Choice Award chosen by public vote.
