The Audacious Project

The Audacious Project is a collaborative approach to researching the biggest ideas in the nonprofit world and then seeking to get them funded, with the potential to create change at a thrilling global scale.

Launched in 2018, The Audacious Project has already proved what humanity can accomplish when bold ideas meet real resources. Housed at TED and supported by The Bridgespan Group, this is a unique partnership between some of the most respected organizations in philanthropy and the public. TED’s curatorial research team scours the world to unearth daring new ideas that could make a measurable difference to our global quality of life, and they investigate potential award recipients whose innovative ideas, with the right support, can produce seismic impact. Every year we research and select the boldest, brightest ideas and work with change-makers to make their initiatives even more audacious. We then present those ideas to the public and an inspiring group of donors who come together to get them launched!

Our goal with the Audacious Project is to make progressive research and philanthropy more collaborative, more inspiring — and more effective.

From the design of the first satellite to combat oil and gas emissions from the Environmental Defense Fund, to the millions in Sub-Saharan Africa enjoying better healthcare because of Living Goods and Last Mile Health's innovative community healthcare expansions, The Audacious Project is empowering researchers, social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders to take on the world’s biggest and most urgent challenges.

Updates From The Audacious Project

The hidden victims of the bail crisis? Women

More and more women are being incarcerated in the US — before they’ve been found guilty of crimes. Here’s how the bail system affects women and what can be done. Robin Steinberg...

How the initiative works

Candidates are vetted rigorously and are supported with a variety of resources to ensure ideas have a clear and viable path to execution.

Learn more about the grantees

The world's biggest problems demand bold action, from climate change to eradicating child sex abuse content online.

Apply for The Audacious Project

We're inviting changemakers to dream bigger. We're looking for bold, actionable ideas that can and must change the world.

Audacious Talks

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