Welcome to the Big Ideas and Mastercard Foundation Alumni Scholars application portal!
As you prepare your application, if you have any questions about rules and eligibility, please refer to the program websites, contact us directly at bigideas@berkeley.edu, or schedule an appointment with a Big Ideas advisor.
Please note:
1. To be eligible to apply for the Big Ideas Contest, you must be a currently matriculated (degree-seeking) UC Berkeley student in Fall 2025.
2. To be eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Impact Fund, you must be a Mastercard Foundation Alumni Scholar who has graduated, or will graduate before May 2026.
UC Berkeley students are invited to submit a 3-4 page pre-proposal by Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 1 pm (PT). All applicants will receive detailed judging feedback and will be notified of their status for the final round of the competition in late January.
Mastercard Foundation Alumni Scholars (only) are invited to submit a 3-4 page pre-proposal by Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 1 pm (PT). All applicants will receive detailed judging feedback and will be notified of their status for the final round of the competition in late-January.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for this program, please contact Phillip Denny, Director of the Big Ideas Contest, at pdenny@berkeley.edu.