HOW TO ENTER THE IFGA26?
Step 1: Choose your categories
IFGAwards 2026 are open for entries: take a look at the category page for 2026.
Choose a category or categories you would like to enter. Click on ‘learn more’ bottom to know more about them.
You will enter the full description of the category you selected and the judges criteria.
Step 2: Start your entry
Once clicked on the ‘Start your entry’ bottom, the entry form on the category page will be available.
Fill in your details and click ‘Save your entry’. Don’t worry, you can continue to edit your entry later.
Once the entry is submitted it can’t be changed so make sure you save it so it can be edited up until the deadline (23 October 2026).
Step 3: Submit your entry
To finalise and submit your entry, click the ‘Submit’ button at the end of the submission form.
That’s it!
The shortlist will be announced mid November 2026 and finalists will be announced at the Award Ceremony on 8th December in London.
Fees and discounts:
Note that fees are paid per entry, per category. You can submit as many entry as you like, but the same project can only be entered in a maximum of two categories.
a) PROJECT SECTIONS (9 categories):
Small not for profit organisations and individuals:
£69.00 per entry
Built environment companies, developers, local authorities, universities and institutions:
£149.00 per entry
b) BEST OF SECTION (5 categories):
Small not for profit organisations:
£60.00 per entry
Built environment companies, developers, local authorities, universities and institutions:
£129.00 per entry
c) INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS SECTIONS (2 categories)
Nominations are free to enter. You can enter yourself but you need an endorsement.
Key questions in application form:
What was the project was seeking to address?
How children and young people explored, expressed or contributed to ideas ?
What changed as a result of their contribution?
Keep your answers clear and concise. Bullet points are welcome — you do not need to write an award-winning essay. We are interested in what happened, what children and young people contributed and what changed as a result.
Future developments:
Each year, we highlight outstanding practices in engaging children and young people by developing the Empowering Environment Report (visit our STORE to know more about this piece). The importance of these practices is not limited to the time of the Awards — this research compiles insights from submitted entries to track past and emerging challenges in participation and engagement. By entering, your project helps shape a valuable resource that guides future strategies and improvements in the field, ensuring we continue to create empowering environments for children and young people worldwide.
Key dates for 2026:
Awards launch - 3rd June 2026
Entry deadline – October 23rd, 2026 (Special Recognition category only - November 4th)
Judging process (Panel 2026) – November, 2026
Shortlist announced – November, 2026
Awards ceremony – 8th December 2026
Empowering Environments Report - available