Applications Invited for Junoon Awards 2025

About the Organization:

Founded in 1999, Goonj has been addressing basic but often ignored needs of people with all that the world has, advocating for comprehensive human dignity and agency-led approach. Goonj sees cloth and dignity as two metaphors for
the neglected needs of humanity. By using nature-based solutions, Goonj has been working extensively on material circularity for sustainability, development and regeneration. The model extends the conventional circular economy model to a wider development loop by using the urban surplus as a resource for rural development.

About the Junoon Awards:

The Junoon Awards, named after the hindi word for “Passion,” celebrate the heart behind development work. It recognises organisations that demonstrate exceptional courage, take risks for the greater good, and show unrelenting passion and resilience in the face of adversity. These awards are akin to bravery awards in the development sector, acknowledging innovative efforts that often go unnoticed. A distinguished jury of experts evaluate nominations based on organisations’ impact, and dedication to their causes.

This year, the Junoon Awards will focus on Redefining Resilience: Climate Action For Lasting Change, recognizing organizations that are at the forefront of addressing the climate crisis with innovative, impactful, and community-driven initiatives. Organizations can apply under the following categories:

1.  Circularity for a Greener Tomorrow – Highlighting resource-efficient models that emphasize waste reduction, recycling, and reuse to create sustainable systems.
2.  Responding to Climate Emergencies – Recognizing organizations that take swift, effective actions during climate-induced disasters, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term recovery.
3.  Civic Participation in Climate Action – Celebrating initiatives that mobilize citizens and communities to actively engage in climate adaptation and mitigation, fostering collective responsibility for the environment.
4.  Innovative Climate Solutions – Showcasing fresh ideas that address climate challenges, empowering communities and driving long-term change.

Basic criteria for participation –

• The organisation must be registered as a section 8 company, society, or trust.
• Think and write about the initiative which is still in action (not past work).
• Ethics matter and matter a lot. Same projects/efforts/initiatives cannot be submitted twice and any misrepresentation or false information regarding the initiative/effort in the entry form will disqualify the nomination.
• For the next step – we will reach out for more information if you’re selected for round two.
• Winners of previous years cannot apply for the award, next year. Although, Special Jury Mention and Appreciation are eligible to apply.

We look forward to hearing about your groundbreaking work in tackling the climate crisis.

Applications are open now, starting November 20th, 2024. The deadline to apply is January 20th, 2025. 

StartYour Application- https://goonj.org/junoon-awards/ 

In case of any queries reach out at mail@goonj.org  or at 7678480948 (Atul)