Most partnership prizes recognize results alone. But transformative change requires more than good outcomes. It requires quality processes, resilient collaboration, and the courage to work across boundaries even when it's difficult. The Transformative Partnership Award fills this gap.
The award shines a light on partnerships that succeed against the odds. It honors the dedication, skill, and persistence required to create collaboration that truly transforms — collaboration built on accountability, transparency, and locally-led leadership. And it provides inspiration and learning for others working to build partnerships for sustainability.
It celebrates multi-stakeholder partnerships that demonstrate not just what they achieved, but how they got there: through genuine collaboration, shared leadership, and a commitment to change that would not have happened without them — lasting change, rooted in local priorities and driven by those closest to the challenge.
The Transformative Partnership Award celebrates partnerships that successfully contribute to transformative change related to sustainability. Winning partnerships demonstrate several or all of these qualities:
All relevant stakeholders are involved in the partnership process, and it generates added value for all, illustrated in joint strategies and implementation plans.
Across all key stakeholders exists ownership, inclusive communication and governance.
The partnership creates innovative results and actively complements existing efforts and projects in the SDGs.
Not-for-Profit Status
An organization or institution with not-for-profit or charitable status representing the partnership.
To be eligible for the award, partnerships must meet these basic criteria:
Demonstrated Progress
Making notable achievements during the two years preceding the current one, such as results realized or pilots successfully completed.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
Does not have to be the lead organization but must be an official partner within a multi-stakeholder collaboration, with stakeholders from at least two sectors (public, private, civil society).
SDG Contribution
Developed a partnership action that contributes to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as zero hunger, health, gender equality, climate action, and more.
No Geographic Restrictions
There is no restriction as to where the project takes place, or whether it is local, national, regional or global in scope.
The CLI Transformative Partnership Award will hand out main prizes for the first three places:
First place will receive an amount of €10,000 as a contribution to their own funds. This amount should support a partnership initiative or can be used for capacity building.
Second place can select a project staff member or project partner to participate in the Collective Leadership Institute’s online certification program free of charge. This online certification leads the participant to be an expert in Collective Leadership and makes them a changemaker and supporter for the group and the project.
Third place may choose a project staff member or project partner to attend one Collective Leadership Institute online/hybrid training of their choice at no cost, strengthening the project where it is needed most.
All shortlisted nominees will receive recognition in the form of a digital badge for their contribution. They will also be featured in our award campaigns and given the opportunity to network with other nominated projects to expand their network and benefit from the community.
For the upcoming award, one representative of all three winning partnerships respectively will also be invited to the award ceremony in Potsdam in April 2025, for the kick-off event of the Transformation Literacy Conference 2025.
The application process is straightforward and free. Applications open each year from spring through August 31.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Apply through CLI’s online academy. The application asks about your partnership structure, approach, and impact. No application fee required.
Step 2: Eligibility Review
CLI reviews all applications for eligibility. Projects that meet the criteria move forward to the nomination phase.
Step 3: Detailed Submission
Shortlisted partnerships receive an invitation to submit more detailed descriptions. This deeper look helps the expert panel understand the full story of your collaboration.
Step 4: Panel Evaluation
An independent panel of partnership experts reviews detailed submissions and selects the finalists and winners.
Step 5: Award Ceremony
Winners are announced and celebrated at the Transformation Literacy Conference in Potsdam each April, with representatives of winning partnerships invited to attend.
Any organization or institution with not-for-profit or charitable status can apply if their partnership meets the award conditions.
The award welcomes partnerships of all sizes and from all regions working on sustainability challenges. Past applicants have come from 46 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond, working on topics from agriculture and education to governance and circular economy.
Winners from the previous two years are not eligible to re-apply during that period to ensure diversity of partnerships highlighted through the award. However, partnerships that were shortlisted but did not win are welcome to apply again with updated information or new projects.
Looking at past winners and finalists gives a sense of the partnerships that thrive in this competition. Projects have ranged from land management platforms in Sierra Leone, to circular economy coalitions in Norway, to children’s education through play in South Africa. What they share is commitment to collaboration, innovation in their approach, and measurable progress toward sustainability goals.
No. There is no fee to apply or be a finalist for the Transformative Partnership Award.
Applications must be submitted in English or German. Supporting documents may also be in French or Spanish.
You can submit as many partnerships as you like, but each partnership can only be submitted once per year.
Unfortunately, changes cannot be made once submitted. If something important needs updating, contact CLI directly at germany@collectiveleadership.com.
Winners are announced at the award ceremony during the Transformation Literacy Conference in April each year.
Yes. CLI plans to make the Transformative Partnership Award an annual event alongside the Transformation Literacy Conference.
Yes, if you were not among the top three winners. Winners from the previous two years are not eligible to ensure diversity of partnerships highlighted.