JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (July 28, 2015) —  As the world prepares to adopt the new set of development goals, the ONE Campaign invites civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and other groups based in Africa to apply for the $ 100,000 (USD) 2015 ONE Africa Award. Eligible organizations include those that can demonstrate commitment and success in their advocacy to promote the attainment of one or more of the Millennium Development Goals.   The 2015 ONE Award provides a bridge between previous efforts geared towards MDGs and future efforts to contribute to the new development agenda enshrined in what will be called Sustainable Development Goals, by 2030.

Each year, The ONE Campaign awards the prize of $100,000 which is underwritten by an endowment from The Howard G. Buffet Foundation to recognize, advance and reward the exceptional work of an African organization that works toward the achievement of one or more of the Millennium Development Goals. The award is in its eighth year running.

Since the adoption of the MDGs in 2000, significant progress has been made to end extreme poverty and preventable diseases. The 2015 ONE Africa Award recognizes Africa-driven, Africa-led advocacy efforts that have demonstrated success and impact at community, national or regional level.

The $100,000 award brings recognition and encouragement to innovative African solutions and cutting edge effort to change the lives of the most vulnerable in our society.

Announcing the call for applications, Dr. Sipho S. Moyo, ONE Africa’s Executive Director said:

As we have learnt over the years through the ONE Award process, there are hundreds of African organizations that are working to make a positive difference in their communities, usually with minimum resources and sometimes under unfriendly environments. Our goal with the ONE Award is to recognize such organizations. The 2015 ONE Africa Award is particularly special, coming at a time the world is preparing to adopt the new Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) which we believe when adopted  in September by the UN General Assembly, will provide a broader and deeper framework for anti-poverty organizations and activists to do more by 2030.

The ONE Africa Award was established in 2008 as a means of recognizing and elevating some of Africa’s grassroots efforts towards achieving the MDG’s. It is open to civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and other groups based in Africa that can demonstrate commitment and success in advocacy to promote the attainment of one or more of the MDGs.

To apply, please go to: http://www.one.org/africaaward

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ABOUT ONE: ONE is a campaigning and advocacy organization of nearly 7 million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. Half of this membership is based in Africa.  Not politically partisan, we raise public awareness and press political leaders to combat AIDS and preventable diseases, increase investments in agriculture and nutrition, and demand greater transparency in poverty-fighting programs.