Erase Indifference Challenge 2026: Win a Share of €90,000

Applications are open for the Erase Indifference Challenge 2026, a global competition organised by the Auschwitz Pledge Foundation to recognise and reward initiatives that are making a practical difference in addressing indifference towards discrimination.

The challenge invites non governmental organisations, startups, companies and public institutions from around the world to present initiatives that encourage people to recognise discrimination, challenge harmful behaviour and take action rather than remain passive observers. Projects may address racism, antisemitism, discrimination against migrants and refugees, misogyny, discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and other forms of discrimination.

A total of €90,000 will be distributed among eight winning initiatives. The awards include one main prize of €20,000 and seven additional awards of €10,000 each. The competition is particularly interested in initiatives that are already operating or have been completed and can demonstrate measurable results and meaningful social impact.

About the Erase Indifference Challenge

The Erase Indifference Challenge is a global initiative designed to encourage practical action against social indifference to discrimination. It recognises that discrimination does not only persist because people engage in harmful behaviour. It can also continue when individuals witness prejudice, harassment or exclusion but choose not to intervene.

The challenge therefore focuses on the role of bystanders: people who observe discrimination or aggression against others but remain silent or inactive.

Through the competition, the Auschwitz Pledge Foundation seeks to identify and support creative approaches that encourage individuals and communities to respond constructively to discrimination. These approaches may use education, technology, public campaigns, community engagement, social experiments, creative communication or other methods that inspire behavioural change.

Challenge Focus Areas

The competition welcomes initiatives addressing different forms of discrimination. Its main areas of interest include:

• Racism: Initiatives that encourage people to challenge racial prejudice, exclusion and discriminatory treatment.
• Antisemitism: Projects that confront antisemitic attitudes, hate speech, stereotypes and discrimination against Jewish communities.
• Discrimination against migrants and refugees: Activities that challenge xenophobia, hostility, social exclusion and negative attitudes towards migrants and displaced people.
• Misogyny: Initiatives that address discrimination against women, gender based prejudice, harassment and harmful social attitudes.
• Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people: Projects that encourage inclusion, challenge prejudice and promote equal treatment and respect.

Awards and Benefits

The Erase Indifference Challenge 2026 offers a total prize pool of €90,000 distributed among eight selected initiatives.

The awards are structured as follows:

• One Main Award: €20,000.
• Seven Additional Awards: €10,000 each.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to organisations and institutions from all over the world. Eligible applicants include:

• Non governmental organisations (NGOs).
• Startups.
• Companies.
• Public institutions.

Applicants may submit an initiative individually as an eligible organisation or through a partnership. All participating partners must meet the competition's eligibility requirements.

Informal groups cannot apply independently. The application must be submitted by an eligible legal entity or organisation.

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Organisations financed by or connected in any way to political entities.
• Organisations that implement or have previously implemented activities contrary to the mission of the Auschwitz Pledge Foundation.
• Businesses focused exclusively on commercial profit without social impact.
• Academic research projects without practical application involving bystanders.
• Initiatives focused on proselytising or religious activities.

Project Requirements

The competition is looking for initiatives that have moved beyond the idea stage and can demonstrate practical results.

Projects may be ongoing, completed or delivered through recurring cycles. Completed initiatives are eligible if they ended no earlier than December 2023. The organisation responsible for implementing the project must still exist and be operational when the application is submitted.

Successful applications should demonstrate the following qualities:

Practical implementation: The initiative must have been implemented in practice rather than existing only as a proposal or concept.

Measurable impact: Applicants should provide evidence of results, outcomes and the initiative's contribution to reducing indifference towards discrimination.

Innovation and creativity: The competition values fresh, imaginative and effective approaches that encourage people to become more active in responding to discrimination.

Bystander engagement: The project should help people recognise discrimination and take action instead of remaining passive when they witness harmful behaviour.

Potential for wider learning: Initiatives should offer approaches, experiences or lessons that other organisations and communities can learn from or adapt.

Each team may submit only one application for the 2026 edition.

Selection Process

Applications will first undergo a formal review and preliminary assessment by the Erase Indifference team. The assessment will examine whether applicants meet the eligibility conditions and whether their initiatives demonstrate relevant practical impact.

At least 16 initiatives will be shortlisted as finalists. These organisations will be invited to individual online meetings with the Erase Indifference team and external experts from the Challenge Committee.

During these meetings, finalists will have an opportunity to explain their initiatives in greater detail, clarify information in their applications and discuss their methods, results and potential for adaptation or wider impact.

Following the meetings, the Challenge Committee will conduct the final assessment and select eight winning initiatives.

How to Apply

Eligible organisations can apply through the official Erase Indifference Challenge website.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website: Go to the Erase Indifference Challenge page and review the competition rules, frequently asked questions and application manual.
2. Check your eligibility: Confirm that your organisation meets the requirements and is not included among the excluded applicant categories.
3. Select an eligible initiative: Choose an existing or completed project that directly addresses indifference towards discrimination and engages people who might otherwise remain passive bystanders.
4. Gather evidence of impact: Prepare information demonstrating the initiative's implementation, outcomes and measurable results. Explain how the project encourages people to recognise discrimination and respond to it.
5. Complete the online application: Access the application form through the official challenge website. Applications must be submitted in English, and applicants should be able to communicate in English at least at a practical level.
6. Submit before the deadline: Review your answers and submit the completed application by 4 December 2026. A confirmation email should be sent to the email address provided after a successful submission.