Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World Justice Challenge?

The World Justice Challenge is a global competition and program of supporting activities to identify, recognize and promote good practices and impactful initiatives that protect and advance the rule of law. Organized by the World Justice Project (WJP), the Challenge compiles a crowd-sourced evidence base for rule of law solutions, raises their strategic visibility, and strengthens an emerging network of rule of law champions.

What is the theme of the 2024 World Justice Challenge?

The 2024 World Justice Challenge theme is “The Rule of Law: Foundation of Democracy”. This year’s Challenge competition seeks to identify, promote and support changemakers who are pursuing effective strategies for strengthening the rule of law to reverse autocracy and rebuild trust in democratic governance.

How do I apply?

Applications for the 2024 World Justice Challenge are now closed.

What is the deadline to apply?

2024 Competition is closed! Explore the amazing work of the 2024 finalists in the menu above.

Who can apply?

The competition is multidisciplinary and open to organizations worldwide, including, but not limited to: non-profits; social entrepreneurs; media; national and multilateral government agencies; local government bodies; businesses/private sector enterprises; bar associations; law firms; foundations; and academics from any country or territory in the world.  Collaborative entries among several organizations are welcome. Each applicant may not submit more than two entries.

How will the finalists and winners be selected?

Entries will be evaluated according to the following criteria: 

  • Impact: the initiative has demonstrably made a contribution to improving an important rule of law and democracy problem  
  • Sustainability: the initiative demonstrates the potential for sustained operation over time  
  • Scaling and/or Replicability: the initiative demonstrates potential for expansion in its current context and/or replication in other contexts (e.g., other geographies, populations, or sectors) 

WJP will select 30 finalists from the applicant pool. The five winning initiatives that represent the most promising approaches for strengthening democracy and rule of law will be selected in the following manner:

  • Four winners will be chosen by a committee of experienced judges
  • A fifth winner will be selected by a network of finalists from previous World Justice Challenge competitions

What is the award for the winning entries? 

Winners will each receive a cash prize of USD $20,000.

Additionally, all finalists will be profiled on WJP’s website and social media to promote the visibility of their projects. All finalists will also be invited to join the World Justice Challenge Alumni Network for ongoing networking, partnership, and learning opportunities to support their work.

What will be the award categories?

This year the World Justice Challenge will give awards in the following categories:

  • Ensuring that electoral processes and transitions of government power are subject to the law
  • Building citizen trust in justice institutions and guaranteeing that justice systems are independent, impartial, accountable, transparent, and ethical
  • Protecting free media and a robust, trustworthy information ecosystem in the face of new challenges posed by 21st century technological change
  • Strengthening young people’s engagement with and commitment to rule of law and democracy processes and institutions
  • The U.S. Building Trust Prize for the project from the United States that demonstrates exceptional impact in one or more of the above categories

When and where will the prizes be awarded?

The competition will culminate at an event adjacent to the American Bar Association Annual Meeting, which will take place August 2024, in Chicago, United States. All finalists will be invited to showcase their work and take part in the Challenge awards ceremony.

Are there costs associated with participating in the Challenge?

No, there are no costs associated with applying for the Challenge. WJP will sponsor the travel costs for all finalists who showcase their work at the awards ceremony.

When will I find out the status of my application?

Applicants will be informed about the outcome of their applications by April 2024.

I have an idea for a new project or initiative. Can I apply for the Challenge in order to fund this concept?

The World Justice Challenge is meant to recognize effective projects and policies already in progress and is not a grantmaking program for new ideas in development. Applications seeking funding for future initiatives will not be considered. 

Can I submit my application in a language other than English?

Entries must be submitted in English. However, entries will be evaluated solely based on the quality of the project itself, and not on the application’s level of English language mastery or ability.

What should I do if I still have questions?

For further questions or application assistance, please contact [email protected].