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Is your idea
audacious?

Are you a changemaker with a bold vision?
Are you a non-profit with an experienced team equipped to receive large scale philanthropic support?
Is your idea a proven concept that aspires to create a better world?

Submit your idea

We look for ideas that cover a wide range of issues, from global health and climate change, to social justice and education. Read on to see if your idea is a good fit.

What makes an idea audacious?

See if your idea qualifies

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. (Note: Past projects have had an annual operating budget of $2 million or more.)

How it Works

Each year, Audacious sources ideas through our open ideas survey and from a global network of partners and donors. Ideas can be submitted throughout the year and we review them on a rolling basis. Deadlines for the current cycle 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

Julie Cordua
"It was catalytic in actually bringing more donors and supporters not only to our organization but to the field in general."
Julie Cordua
Thorn
Dr. Phil Atiba Goff
“The cohort is a group of people trying to light up the world and doing it together.”
Phil Atiba Goff
Center for Policing Equity
Safeena Husain
“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

Applicant FAQs

Still have questions? Check out the rest of our FAQs.

Who can apply?

Individuals, ages 18 and up, may apply on behalf of a nonprofit, NGO, institution or collaboration between multiple entities. Before applying, we encourage you to read the criteria found on our Apply page.



What are the timelines for submissions?

The 2025 Cycle Cohort has been Selected.

We will be setting the timeline for the 2026 Cycle in coming weeks, and will post updated information here by June 15, 2025. We appreciate your interest in sharing ideas with TED and thank you for your patience as we prepare for the upcoming cycle.

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Can I nominate someone else?

We only accept applications from the organizations and individuals to whom the bold idea belongs. However, we invite you to steer your nominee to our Apply page.



Can two or more organizations collaborate on a single idea?

Yes, absolutely — one of our most powerful ideas in 2018 came from two separate, yet mutually supportive organizations: Last Mile Health and Living Goods. We encourage teaming up with like-minded organizations for increased impact.

Corn hanging to dry

Submit
your idea

Apply now

or, encourage your
network to apply

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