2020 Ockenden International Prizes for Refugees and Displaced People around the World

Deadline: 30 November 2019

Entries are open for the 2020 Ockenden International Prizes for successful self-reliance Refugee Projects.

Ockenden International has launched its eighth annual quest to find and reward the most effective self-reliance projects for refugees and/or internally displaced people.

Prizes will be awarded to projects that promote self-reliance among refugees and/or displaced people. ‘Self-reliance’ is understood broadly to include self-sufficiency, self-support, self-sustenance, self-standing and independence and may involve projects for education, legal assistance, livelihoods or any other programme that helps displaced people build stable, independent lives.

Prize Information

• The GBP100,000 prize will be shared equally by four winners who will each receive GBP25,000 to extend their endeavours.
• The cash prizes recognize and reward innovative work that promotes self-reliance among refugees and/or internally displaced people (IDPs) anywhere in the world – a distinguishing feature of Ockenden International since its inception in 1951.

Entry Rules

• Organisations may submit one entry only in each prize year.  Unsuccessful organisations are welcome to reapply in future years.
• The project must benefit refugees and/or displaced people with a strong emphasis on promoting self-reliance.  The primary focus of the project must be helping refugees and/or displaced people in need, rather than this being an ancillary benefit.
• The organisation must be able to show that the project has been effective with measurable evidence of positive outcomes.
• The project entered must be up and running before 1 April 2019, six months prior to the launch date for the 2019 Prizes.
• Organisations must have high standards of financial and administrative governance. Organisations must include a copy of their latest audited, abbreviated accounts with their application. Where audited accounts are not available, entrants should provide other evidence of sound financial governance.
• Organisations may be asked to provide references or other evidence of the project and their financial and administrative governance during the short-listing process. This may include due diligence on bank accounts nominated by entrants for the receipt of prize money.
• Prize money will only be paid to a bank account held in the organisation’s name.  In no circumstances will prize money be paid to a personal bank account. Ockenden International will not be responsible for any bank or transfer fees.
• Prize money must only be used to help refugees and/or displaced persons in need and Ockenden International is required to ensure that prize money is used by a winning organisation for charitable purposes. It is anticipated that, in general, prize money will be used to continue or expand the project referred to in the entry or for a similar future project run by the organisation.
• Prize winners will be required to provide information to Ockenden International about the projects and the use of prize money which Ockenden International will share on its website and in other communications.
• The jury’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• By submitting an entry, organisations agree to be bound by these Rules.

Judging Criteria

The judges will, in particular, look for:

• Projects that promote self-reliance among refugees and/or displaced people. These may be projects that are led by or have a high level of participation from displaced people themselves; projects providing education, legal assistance, livelihood assistance; and any other programmes that help refugees and/or displaced people build stable, independent lives.
• Projects that have proved to be highly effective in improving the lives of refugees and/or displaced people.Projects that have led to real change in the lives of refugees and/or displaced people.
• Effective initiatives, with measurable evidence of outcomes.

How to Apply

All entries should be made online in English via the given website.

For more information, please visit 2020 Ockenden International Prizes.