D&AD Impact Introduces $20,000 Prize Fund in Addition to Pencil Awards

D&AD Impact is a global initiative and awards program that exists to shine a light on the power of creativity as a force for good in the world. This year D&AD Impact are introducing a cash prize of $20,000 to be awarded at the discretion of the D&AD Impact Council. To give more people the opportunity to enter, the deadline for entries has been extended to Wednesday 15 August 2018.  

Work eligible for entry includes prototypes, campaigns, products and projects, which can be entered in a range of categories from civic engagement to diversity, environmental sustainability and responsible retail. All categories were drawn up in line with the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals. The pricing structure has been revised to make it easier for charities, NGO’s, startups and SMEs to enter. 

Eligibility criteria for the Prize fund is based on the entry's alignment with D&AD Impact's values, its scalability and how the fund will be utilised. Entrants must meet the general entry rules and demonstrate the ability to scale their idea, campaign or project by answering three additional questions and the provision of a pitch video (2min. max).

A travel bursary from a total pot of $5,000 will also be awarded to a selection of entrants, decided by the judges as deserving of a free place on the D&AD Impact Academy. The travel bursary is designed to assist in covering, in part or in full, the cost of attending the Academy in New York City. The bursary must be used to attend the Impact Academy. The bursary will be awarded on a case by case basis at the discretion of D&AD Impact.

This year also sees the implementation of the first D&AD Impact Council, made up of over 70 leaders from across the creative, social entrepreneur and NGO space. 

Tim Lindsay, CEO of D&AD, comments: “D&AD Impact highlights and celebrates businesses and people who are using their creative talents to deliver genuine positive change. This year, we’ve decided to give entrants chance to win a prize fund of $20,000 in addition to a Pencil award. We extended the deadline to give more people the opportunity to enter and be recognised for their work. We believe in the power of creativity to change the world. Businesses that are doing good both creatively and commercially should be given the recognition they deserve so others can be inspired by the best projects from around the world.” 

D&AD Impact is the result of a partnership between D&AD and Advertising Week. A D&AD Pencil is widely regarded as the top Award of the creative industries. Advertising Week create events around brands, agencies, media, technology and startup communities to curate a hybrid of thought leadership and special programs worldwide.

The D&AD Impact Awards 2018 will be unveiled in partnership with the 15th annual Advertising Week New York and celebrated by global leaders in marketing, advertising, technology, and beyond who recognise the vital importance of new ideas with strong promise for impact. Aside from the potential to receive a coveted White Pencil, shortlisted entrants in this year’s D&AD Impact Awards will be able to apply for the D&AD Impact Academy, a two-day masterclass programme that aims to inspire talent and provide tangible tips and tools based on the experiences of global leaders in sustainability and purpose. The D&AD Impact Council will also work with successful entrants to help bring their ideas to market.

“Now in our 15th year, we are proud to continue our partnership with D&AD Impact to further highlight work that can make for a better tomorrow while galvanising the broader industry to take action,“ said Lance Pillersdorf, co-founder and COO of Advertising Week. “Just as we’ve seen all facets of creativity evolve since the first Advertising Week, we are excited to take the next transformative step with the D&AD Impact Awards to not only recognise world-changing ideas, but put in place a Council and program that have the power to unlock the full potential of these ideas.”