Submission Criteria

This prize is looking for ideas that:

• Will have a transformational impact on the lives of the world's most disadvantaged people;
  
• Have not yet attracted significant funding elsewhere;
  
• Are likely to attract additional capital after our initial "catalytic" funding; and
  
• Are novel, unorthodox and/or challenge conventional wisdom.
  

Beyond the criteria above, we impose no restrictions as to the nature or source of ideas. Relevant fields could include poverty reduction, health, science, governance, human rights, education, environment, or others.

Prize Details

Deadline:  June 1, 2013

There is a guaranteed prize of $10,000, to be used by the winner for any purpose.  

In addition, we may provide up to $100,000 of initial funding, and up to $1,000,000 of follow-on funding, for the implementation of the most promising idea. Implementation funding is not guaranteed for any submissions. For the individual/team in which we invest, we will also provide non-financial support to help bring the idea to fruition.

If the winning individual/team was referred by an intermediary individual/organization, we will award a $5,000 “finder’s fee” to a charitable organization of the intermediary’s choosing. Applicants will be asked to specify how they heard about the challenge in their application.

Submission Instructions

Submit an application with the following information:

• Description of the idea;
  
• Vision of success;
  
• Case for support, including advantages over the direct transfer of cash;
  
• Need for funding;
  
• Implementation details;
  
• Budget, and
  
• Thought leaders/references.