The Impact Awards provide a platform for excellence in the field of market engagement.

Their aim is to discover and share the most important lessons in how to facilitate the transformation of markets systems: a transformation from markets that perpetuate or exacerbate poverty into markets that benefit large numbers of marginalised producers for generations to come and in ways that are environmentally sustainable.

The focus of the Impact Awards is on mutual learning, the discovery of valuable knowledge, and the recognition of the people behind the learning. By publicising the successes of projects, it is hoped that these ideas can be replicated in the future. Further details on the principles and themes of the award can be found in the About the Impact Awards section.

Benefits

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APPLICATIONS FOR THE IMPACT AWARDS 2012 ARE NOT OPEN YET.  ONCE THE NEW GUIDELINES ARE READY WE WILL OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS. THANK YOU.

The main benefits of winning an award have always been intended to be the recognition and acknowledgement of great work. However in addition to this, winners are rewarded with (NOTE: PRIZES MIGHT CHANGE IN THE NEXT EDITION OF THE AWARDS):

For the C/R finalists (those who represent their country/region at the international level):

• A certificate signed by the Country/Regional Director, the Team Leader, and the Head of the International Programme. The certificate will be presented to the finalists in a special ceremony led by the C/R Director and the Team Leader in the presence of colleagues
• The case studies will be included in the PMSD Roadmap (The Markets and Livelihoods learning and guidance platform for practitioners of inclusive market development
• The Markets and Livelihoods UK Team and other units will work to raise the international visibility of the finalist cases through channels like The SEEP Network, The Livelihoods Network, MaFI, USAID’s Microlinks, and Practical Action’s internal communications (magazines, internet, etc)
• High visibility (e.g. posters) and special recognition during Supporters Day in the UK

For the international winners:

• A certificate signed by Practical Action’s CEO and the Heads of the International Programs involved in the learning. The certificate will be presented (in person or virtually) to the finalists in a special ceremony during Supporters Day
• The winning case studies and their authors will be given a special place and high visibility in the PMSD Roadmap (see above)
• Financial support for professional development (to be determined depending on availability of funds and training needs)
• The winning cases will receive additional investment for peer-review, technical support and graphic design to increase their influence and visibility. (If appropriate) the UK Team will work to get the winners published in specialised journals
• A £50 voucher for a dinner in a restaurant of their choice

For the Team Leaders who supported and mentored the international winners during the preparation of the cases:

• The Schumacher Learning Excellence Award to “Mentor of the Year”, signed by Practical Action’s CEO and the Heads of the International Programs involved in the learning.
• A special mention in the Awards ceremony during Supporters Day
• Special priority and support to attend to international events for professional development

Rules and Eligibility

Any project manager or team member from Practical Action who has worked in the last 2 years or is currently working on inclusive market development projects or projects with significant market development components can participate in the Impact Awards. If you feel that you may be eligible, download the application form and guidelines for entry at the end of this page.

• Submissions must be about lessons related to facilitation of inclusive market development. In other words, on the lessons we learn from successful or unsuccessful attempts to facilitate pro-poor changes in market systems.
• Submissions must be in written format (see application forms in ANNEXES 6 and 7 of the application form). Videos, pictures and podcast can be used as a complement but the selection will be done purely on the basis of the information provided in the written case study.
• Submissions must capture lessons from the last two calendar years