BEACONS is Reimagining Fundraising’s annual open innovation challenge for NGOs. The 2026 problem asks entrants to rethink sustainable, ongoing giving through concepts developed with NGOs and tested with real supporters.
A sector panel shortlists submissions and helps finalists refine their pitches. Finalists present to an international audience at the hybrid Innovation Summit on 17 November 2026, when a public vote decides the People’s Choice Award.
Benefits & funding
- Shortlisted finalists receive support to develop and refine their pitches before the summit.
- Finalists present their work to an international fundraising audience.
- The People’s Choice Award recipient receives a place at the International Fundraising Congress 2027 and tailored support to help develop and scale the concept.
Eligibility
- Any NGO may enter.
- The entry must be a proof of concept tested at small scale with early evidence of success or learning.
- The concept must not yet be fully piloted or rolled out.
- The 2026 challenge focuses on new approaches to sustainable, ongoing giving.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
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Application process
- 1Follow the official page’s Enter Now link and register as a guest with an email address.
- 2Open the BEACONS 2026 challenge and review its problem statement and entry criteria.
- 3Select Submit a proposal, then provide the idea’s title and description; supporting data or diagrams and co-author credits may be added.
- 4Publish the proposal when ready or save a draft; entries remain editable until the deadline.
Program timeline
Applications open.
Jul 16, 2026
Application deadline.
Sep 24, 2026
Finalists are notified, the voting platform opens and finalists prepare their pitches.
Late September–November 2026
Innovation Summit; finalists pitch and the People’s Choice Award is announced by public vote.
Nov 17, 2026