The CID Collaboration Award 2026 reflects the heart of this year's Annual Conference theme, Stronger Together: Uniting for the Greatest Impact. In an increasingly complex world, where challenges transcend borders and sectors, the importance of genuine, strategic partnerships has never been more apparent.

This award celebrates the strength of collective action and the value of working together across differences. It honours a CID member or initiative that has built exceptional alliances, with local communities, governments, the private sector, academia and others, to create meaningful, lasting change. We are looking for stories that reflect innovation, resilience, and the power of shared purpose in addressing some of the world's toughest challenges.

Focus and Emphasis

We are particularly interested in projects that demonstrate:

  • Uniting Diverse Voices: Projects that meaningfully integrate the perspectives and participation of diverse stakeholders, amplify marginalised voices, and foster inclusive partnerships.
  • Innovative Collaboration: Projects that creatively overcome obstacles, leverage technology, or forge new pathways for collaboration across geographical and sectoral divides.
  • Meaningful Engagement: Initiatives that centre the voices and participation of communities and beneficiaries, ensuring equitable and inclusive partnerships.
  • Sustainable Impact: Projects that show measurable, long-term impact and contribute to lasting positive change.

Submission Guidelines

To truly capture the essence of your collaborative journey, we encourage submissions in the form of a visual narrative. This can be presented through:

  • Dynamic Photo Slideshow with Descriptive Text/Subtitles: A visually engaging slideshow that combines high-quality photographs with clear and concise text or subtitles. These should convey the project's key components, context, and impact, particularly highlighting how diverse voices were united.
  • Short Video (Maximum 3 Minutes): A well-produced video showcasing the project's impact. This may include interviews, on-the-ground footage, and visuals that bring the story to life. All videos must include audio narration or subtitles for accessibility.

Emphasis on Clear Communication

Whether you choose a slideshow or video, your submission should clearly communicate:

  • The project's goals and objectives
  • The collaborative process, including the role of each partner, with a focus on how voices were united
  • Challenges faced and how they were addressed
  • The project's outcomes and its demonstration of global impact
  • How the project's outcomes are sustainable over time

Why Visual Storytelling?

Visual narratives are a powerful way to connect emotionally with audiences and effectively convey the impact of your work. They allow for a deeper, more engaging presentation of your project's story. By allowing for subtitles or text descriptions, we aim to ensure that all organisations, regardless of resources or access to voice-over talent, can showcase their project's impact clearly and inclusively.

Judging Criteria

  • Impact and Sustainability (Outcomes): The measurable and lasting outcomes of the project, and its potential for ongoing benefit.
  • Scope and Reach (Engagement): The extent to which the project reached and engaged its intended communities or beneficiaries.
  • Narrative Impact (Storytelling): How effectively the visual submission conveys the story, particularly the challenges, solutions, and how diverse voices were brought together.
  • Collaborative Synergy (Partnership): The quality and strength of partnerships, and how they contributed to the project's success.
  • Visual Creativity and Engagement (Presentation): The creativity and clarity of the visual presentation, and its ability to effectively communicate the project's message.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a full or affiliate CID member
  • Submit a completed application form and a photo slideshow with descriptive text/subtitles or a short video (maximum 3 minutes) with audio narration or subtitles
  • Have initiated the project within the last two years, and either completed it within the last 12 months or have it currently operational
  • Consent to the use of submitted materials on CID's website, social media, and in potential media coverage

Timeline and Submission

  • Submission deadline: 5pm, Monday 3 August 2026
  • Submission method: Please submit your application and visual presentation via this Google Form 

Award and Recognition

  • The winning project will be announced and awarded during the CID Annual Conference 2026 day one (9th September), presented at the Networking CanapĂ© Event in the evening
  • The winning project will be featured across CID's communication channels and may be included in relevant media opportunities
  • Shortlisted entries will be showcased at the conference awards ceremony
  • The winner will receive a trophy and certificate