Apply for the Erase Indifference Challenge 2026 - a global prize competition by the Auschwitz Pledge Foundation recognising initiatives that already show measurable impact against bystander indifference to discrimination.
The Challenge seeks practical, innovative projects that engage the wider public - not solely direct victim-support services - across racism, antisemitism, anti-immigration bias, misogyny, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and related forms of hate. Total prize pool: €90,000.
Deadline: 4 December 2026 (open call from 30 October 2026). Finalist meetings: 15 - 26 February 2027. Winners announced: 28 February 2027. This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Erase Indifference materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Erase Indifference Challenge 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Challenge | Erase Indifference Challenge 2026 (Auschwitz Pledge Foundation) |
| Host Landmark | Wawel Castle / Kraków, Poland 🇵🇱 |
| Prize pool | €90,000 total - 1 × €20,000 main award + 7 × €10,000 awards |
| Focus | Existing initiatives that reduce bystander indifference to discrimination |
| Open call | 30 October 2026 - 4 December 2026 |
| Finalists | Online meetings 15 - 26 February 2027 (≥16 finalists) |
| Winners | Announced 28 February 2027 |
| Eligibility | NGOs, startups, companies, public institutions worldwide (English application) |
| Official Gateway | Apply form · Challenge page |
What They’re Looking For
- Initiatives already running, recurring, or completed (if completed, ended no earlier than December 2023)
- Documented, measurable social impact against indifference / bystander passivity
- Creative approaches - tech, education, arts, behavioural change, campaigns, and more
- Primary target: bystanders and the wider public, not only direct services for victims
Benefits
- Cash awards from a €90,000 pool (unrestricted - no mandated use of funds)
- No ongoing reporting or scaling requirements after the award (award agreement + platform feature only)
- Visibility on the Erase Indifference Platform
- Engagement with an international committee of social-innovation, human-rights, and evaluation experts
Eligibility
- Open worldwide to NGOs, startups, companies, and public institutions
- Partnerships allowed if all partners meet criteria
- One application per team / organisation
- Communicative English required (applications in English only)
- Not eligible: informal groups; politically financed/related entities; activities contrary to the Auschwitz Pledge Foundation mission; purely commercial ventures without social impact; academic research without practical bystander application; proselytising / religious activities
How to Apply
- Read the Challenge Manual and FAQ on the official Challenge page.
- Preview application questions (PDF) and sample agreements if helpful.
- Submit via the online application form in English by 4 December 2026.
- If shortlisted, attend an individual online finalist meeting (15 - 26 February 2027).
Questions: info@eraseindifference.org.
Official Links
Erase Indifference Challenge 2026
Contact: info@eraseindifference.org
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Allianz x Social Shifters MoveNow Challenge 2026
- AI for Human Rights (AI4HR) Peer-learning Programme 2027
- True Story Award 2027 for Journalists
- Browse all Competitions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the application deadline?
4 December 2026 (open call from 30 October 2026).
What are the prizes?
One main award of €20,000 and seven awards of €10,000 each (€90,000 total).
Can individuals or informal groups apply?
No - applicants must be NGOs, startups, companies, or public institutions (partnerships OK).
Do projects need to still be running?
They may be ongoing, recurring, or completed - if completed, not earlier than December 2023. The applicant entity must still exist.
Where do I apply?
Online at eraseindifference.org/challenge/apply/.
