Challenge 2015
English Only
Deadline: 31 March 2015

Link: http://bfi.org/challenge/apply
Grant size: $100,000
Countries: Global

Description: The Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI) invites citizens from all over the world—including artists, scientists, students, designers, architects, activists, planners and entrepreneurs—to submit their innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing problems.

Eligibility/Requirements: BFI looks for holistic strategies that demonstrate a clear grasp of big-picture dynamics. If a proposal emphasizes a new design, material, process, service, tool or technology, it is essential that it be part of an integrated strategy that simultaneously addresses key social, environmental and economic factors. BFI seeks initiatives that tackle urgent needs at a range of scales: from macro-strategies that have the potential for widespread impact, to local, community-based initiatives with global relevance and replicability. Proposals at any stage of development will be reviewed; non-profit, for-profit and hybrid initiatives are all eligible.

The Project must be:

• VISIONARY — i.e. put forth an original idea or synthesize existing ideas into a new strategy that creatively addresses a critical need.
• COMPREHENSIVE — apply a whole-systems approach; aim to address multiple goals, requirements and conditions in a holistic way.
• ANTICIPATORY — factor in critical future trends and needs as well as the projected impacts of project implementation in the short and long term.
• ECOLOGICALLY RESPONSIBLE — practice environmental responsibility; enhance the ability of natural systems to regenerate.
• FEASIBLE — illustrate how the solution is possible today; have a solid team capable of implementation.
• VERIFIABLE — able to demonstrate authentic claims.
• REPLICABLE — able to be adapted to similar conditions elsewhere

Application Methods: Applications can be filled out online on the website.