Frequently Asked Questions

< Go to EMEA Impact Through Innovation Awards Overview

Background

What are the goals of the EMEA Impact Through Innovation Awards?

The EMEA Impact Through Innovation Awards program aims to improve the outcomes for children and young people by seed-funding charities to implement their game-changing ideas. Our goal is to connect much-needed capital with innovative projects in the field of children and young people’s health and education. We also offer expert-led learning opportunities to build capacity for charities.

Contact Us

For additional questions about the EMEA Impact Through Innovation Awards, please contact us at emeaimpact@morganstanley.com.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Who can apply for the Innovation Awards? 

Charities with registered charitable status based in the EMEA regions where Morgan Stanley is present, with an annual total revenue under £5 million. Applicants with an annual total revenue over £5 million must demonstrate why existing funds cannot be used to support the proposed initiative.

What projects are eligible?

We are looking for new or piloted projects from charities that will provide innovative solutions to positively improve outcomes for children and young people. Projects must tackle specific issues and address unmet needs.

How are the winners selected?

Applications are reviewed by an expert panel of judges and are evaluated based on the equally weighted criteria below:

• Innovation: Applications must present an inventive solution for addressing unmet needs to improve children’s and young people’s health, mental wellbeing or educational outcomes, especially among disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.

• Expertise: Applications should outline executable services informed and/or delivered by professionals, highlighting any related expertise and evidence-based models. 

• Impact: Applications should offer measurable deliverables aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people, with a clear evaluation model and measurable outcomes.

• Potential: Applications will also be judged on the feasibility of replicating or scaling the proposed service to benefit children and young people in broader communities.

   

Are local and regional projects eligible or do they need to be national?

A proposed project can be national, regional or local in scope. We are especially interested in projects that can potentially replicate or scale the service to benefit children and young people in broader communities

Are organisations based outside of EMEA eligible to apply?

Only organisations who are based and delivering in the EMEA regions where Morgan Stanley is present are eligible to apply.

Application Details

When does the application period open? 

The application period is open from 5 May 2025 to 7 July 2025.

What are the key dates for the program?

How many applications can each charity submit?

One application may be submitted per charity. 

 How are applications reviewed? Do I need to provide any further information?

Applications are reviewed by an expert panel of judges based on the selection criteria stated above. You may be asked to provide further information on your charity and proposed project during the process. Decisions by Morgan Stanley are discretionary and final.

When will I hear back about my application?

We will notify applicants of their status before we announce the next cohort of winners in the first quarter of 2026.

Benefits of the Program

What are the potential benefits for winning charities?

Up to ten winners will receive grants to scale their innovative projects. In addition, they will receive training from industry experts, build powerful connections and raise their profile.

How much funding is available? 

Grants of £100,000 will be awarded to each winner.

Can funding cover overhead costs? 
The funding does not cover general overhead costs on the proposed project. Funds will go directly to the project itself and will not cover or contribute to any overhead costs of the charity.

Are grants recurring or made on a one-time basis?

Grants are made on a one-time basis.

What are the opportunities for recognition?

After winners are announced in the first quarter of 2026, we will promote their innovative ideas through Morgan Stanley’s global communications channels.

Learning Series

What is the Learning Series?

The Learning Series includes expert-led learning sessions and networking opportunities for a select group of applicants, helping more charities build capacity for greater impact.

Will charities selected for this series receive a grant?

No, only the winners will receive a grant. Participants in this series will receive in-kind support.    

Who is eligible for this series?

All EMEA Impact Through Innovation Awards applicants, which must have registered charitable status and be based in the EMEA regions where Morgan Stanley is present, can indicate their interest in joining this series. Note that this series is aimed primarily at small and mid-sized charities and/or those that have identified a crucial need to grow their organization and connect with peers.

How do I apply for this series?

On the EMEA Impact Through Innovation Awards application form, you will be asked to indicate your interest in joining this series.

When will I hear back after indicating my interest in joining this series?

Your indication of interest does not constitute an official enrolment in this series. We will review all applications and invite a select group of applicants to join this series in the first quarter of 2026.