Young people are already restoring mangroves, defending rivers, and protecting endangered species – often years before any funder takes notice. Yet 85% of youth-led biodiversity initiatives lack adequate funding, trapped by grants that are too small, too short, and too restricted. The Iris Project exists to change that: funding young leaders early, backing them with more than a grant, and treating them as partners, not beneficiaries.
Through The Prize, we fund bold ideas early. Through The Project, we back young leaders with mentorship, safety support, and a free funding toolkit reaching thousands more. Through The Movement, we use their results and stories to shift how philanthropy funds young people everywhere.
