The Global Change Award is a global innovation challenge launched by the H&M Foundation in 2015 to accelerate the transition to a circular and planet-positive fashion industry.
H&M Foundation was funded by the Persson family, founders and majority owners of the H&M Group, supports the textile industry in halving its greenhouse gas emissions every decade by 2050, while promoting a just and fair transition for both people and the planet. Its projects target high-emission areas along the textile value chain where the H&M Foundation’s philanthropic strengths can have the greatest impact.
About H&M Foundation
The H&M Foundation is a philanthropic foundation for public good, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It is privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, founders and main owners of the H&M Group. Their vision is to enable an inclusive and planet positive textile industry. To get there they explore new opportunities, collaborate with different partners, support innovation and use storytelling as a tool to inspire action. To contribute to real systems change, they openly share breakthrough innovation and solutions for anyone to adopt and scale. The H&M Foundation can also... continue reading
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H&M Foundation Global Change Award
Aim and Benefits of H&M Foundation Global Change Award
- Each winner receives a €200,000 grant
- Access to the industry and the GCA community
- A yearlong Changemaker Programme
Requirements for H&M Foundation Global Change Award Qualification
GCA is looking for changemakers who fall into one of four overarching areas:
- Sustainable materials and processes – such as low energy materials and new and recycled fibers, sustainable energy practices, alternative wet processes, treatments and finishes, new construction techniques and more.
- Responsible production – such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, prediction modelling, on-demand, waste management, zero-waste solutions and more.
- Mindful consumption – such as reshaping demand, garment care, extending garment life cycles, recycling solutions, circular business models and more.
- Wildcards – unexpected impactful ideas we haven’t even thought of yet, or that amplify transformation within multiple areas.
Interview date, Process and Venue for H&M Foundation Global Change Award
TIMELINE 2025/2026:
- Proposal period: The platform is open for submitting your proposal until 6 October 2025, 8.00 am CET. You will be informed by GCA if your idea has been nominated by The Mills Fabrica by the end of October 2025.
- Screening: The screening period stretches from December 2025 to March 2026. The screening is conducted in collaboration with a broad network of industry experts, partners, and expert panel. The winners will be notified in April 2026.
- Announcement: The winners are announced publicly in May 2026.
- Changemaker Program: The yearlong GCA Changemaker Program commences in May 2026.
- Award ceremony: The winners are crowned and celebrated at the Global Change Award ceremony in City Hall, Stockholm, Sweden in October 2026.
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Application Deadline
October 6, 2025How to Apply
For more details, visit H&M Foundation Global Change Award webpage
