Call for Proposals: Negroni Week Innovation Award

The Negroni Week Innovation Award provides $3,000–$10,000 per project (from a $200,000 global pool) to support partnerships improving sustainability, fairness, and quality in the hospitality and beverage sector. It funds collaborative projects focused on “Good, Clean, and Fair” themes, including training, climate-friendly practices, and worker wellbeing. Applications require at least two partner organisations, with a non-profit lead applicant.

Overview of the Award

The Negroni Week Innovation Award is a global funding initiative supporting innovation in hospitality and beverage systems.

It is designed to encourage practical, collaborative solutions that improve:

• Product quality and responsible consumption
• Environmental sustainability in hospitality systems
• Fairness and wellbeing for workers in the sector

Core Purpose of the Programme

The award focuses on improving the hospitality and beverage ecosystem through innovation and collaboration.

Key Objectives

• Strengthen sustainability in hospitality practices
• Promote ethical and responsible consumption
• Improve working conditions and mental health awareness
• Encourage sector-wide collaboration
• Support practical, scalable innovations

Priority Areas: “Good, Clean, Fair”

All projects must align with at least one of the three thematic pillars.

1. Good (Quality & Conscious Consumption)

Focuses on improving knowledge and access to quality food and beverage practices.

Example Activities

• Training hospitality professionals on product quality
• Educational exchanges between industry actors
• Awareness campaigns on responsible consumption
• Skills development in beverage and food service

2. Clean (Sustainability & Climate Action)

Focuses on environmental responsibility in the hospitality sector.

Example Activities

• Climate-smart hospitality practices
• Waste reduction and circular economy initiatives
• Sustainable sourcing and supply chain improvements
• Environmental training for hospitality staff

3. Fair (Equity & Worker Wellbeing)

Focuses on fairness, inclusion, and worker support.

Example Activities

• Mental health awareness programmes
• Worker rights and fair wage advocacy
• Gender equity and inclusion initiatives
• Skills empowerment and professional recognition

Funding Details

• Total global fund: $200,000
• Funding per project: $3,000 – $10,000
• Distributed among selected international projects
• One proposal per lead applicant allowed

Eligible Applicants

The programme is partnership-based and requires collaboration.

Application Structure

• Minimum: 2 partner organisations per project
• Lead applicant must be a legally registered non-profit
• Lead organisation must be active in hospitality/beverage sector

Eligible Partners May Include

• Civic organisations
• Private sector companies
• Informal associations
• Sector-related community groups

Lead Applicant Responsibilities

• Submit and sign the grant agreement
• Manage project implementation
• Ensure reporting and compliance

Application Timeline

• Applications open: 8 April
• Deadline: 15 May
• Submission via online platform

Project Requirements

Each proposal must include:

• Clear activity plan
• Defined timeline
• Detailed budget
• Alignment with at least one priority theme
• Collaborative implementation model

Expected Outcomes

The award aims to generate practical and scalable improvements in the hospitality sector.

Expected Results

• Improved sustainability practices in hospitality businesses
• Better-trained hospitality professionals
• Stronger ethical and fair working conditions
• Increased awareness of responsible consumption
• Innovative models for industry collaboration

Strong Application Characteristics

Successful proposals typically demonstrate:

• Clear cross-sector partnership structure
• Practical and measurable impact
• Strong alignment with Good, Clean, or Fair pillars
• Innovation in hospitality or beverage systems
• Sustainability beyond the funding period

FAQs

What is the Negroni Week Innovation Award?

It is a global grant programme supporting innovative projects in the hospitality and beverage sector.

How much funding is available?

Each project can receive between $3,000 and $10,000 from a total pool of $200,000.

Who can apply?

Non-profit organisations leading partnerships of at least two organisations.

What sectors are targeted?

Hospitality and beverage industries, including sustainability, training, and worker wellbeing initiatives.

What are the priority themes?

Good (quality and education), Clean (sustainability), and Fair (worker wellbeing and equity).

What is the application period?

From 8 April to 15 May via an online application platform.

Conclusion

The Negroni Week Innovation Award is a small-grant global initiative that supports collaborative and practical innovations in the hospitality and beverage sector.

By focusing on sustainability, quality, and fairness, it encourages partnerships that deliver real-world improvements for workers, businesses, and consumers across the industry.