The Audacious Project

Supports

WHAT MAKES AN IDEA AUDACIOUS? Inspire Transformative vision Your idea should capture a bold vision for tackling one of the world's most urgent topics. Creating a better world It is your opportunity to take a giant leap forward; you may be tempted to think incrementally, but remember for it to be bold, your idea should offer significant, enduring impact. This vision should bring us much closer to your version of an ideal world in a matter of years rather than generations. Innovative and original There should be a unique aspect or creative element to your approach that challenges convention or status quo or changes the narrative for the greater good. Convince Proven concept There should be evidence that the idea will have impact based on a track record of past success, a demand from those that would be affected and justified confidence that results can be sustained in the future. A bold vision that has clear outcomes There should be a sense of where you will be at the end of a multi-year funding term and the strategy, resources and timeline required to achieve it. We want to hear about the changes that would take place because of your idea, not just the components that go into implementing it. Established support You and your capable and confident team have the backing of a nonprofit, NGO, or institution (or is part of a collaboration between multiple such entities). This organization should be able to receive philanthropic funds and have the core infrastructure necessary to support the work. Your organization or initiative must have an annual operating budget of at least $2 million or more. How it Works Each year, Audacious sources ideas through a global network of partners and donors, and from our open ideas survey. Ideas can be shared throughout the year and we review them on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to respond to each application. More information can be found below in the FAQs. 1 Sourcing ideas Interested candidates can share their Audacious ideas by completing a brief survey (see link below). 2 Applicant invitations & vetting Selected candidates will be invited to submit an application to outline their idea in greater detail. Through multiple rounds of vetting and diligence Audacious lands on a portfiolio of 8-10 finalist projects. 3 Ideation & proposal development We narrow down to a group of finalists, then collaborate with them to refine and strengthen their idea into its most compelling vision. 4 Funding & public launch Finalists' ideas are presented privately to groups of donors. Funded projects are then shared with the TED community and the public via TED Talks. Hear from applicants "It was catalytic in actually bringing more donors and supporters not only to our organization but to the field in general." Julie Cordua THORN “The cohort is a group of people trying to light up the world and doing it together.” Phil Atiba Goff CENTER FOR POLICING EQUITY “It really allows you to work with a child over a multi-year period so that the impact you're having is much deeper.” Safeena Husain EDUCATE GIRLS