Introducing the Winners of the Inaugural EMEA Impact Through Innovation Awards

Children and young people are facing increasingly complex challenges—from navigating mental health pressures to accessing equitable education and opportunities. In response, Morgan Stanley launched the EMEA Impact Through Innovation Awards, designed to provide pioneering non‑profits with the seed-funding, visibility and support they need to scale transformative ideas.

In the Awards’ inaugural year, nine organizations have been selected for their innovative work. Learn more about the winners and their impact below.

A Lust for Life (Ireland)

A Lust for Life is working to transform how children and young people understand and care for their mental health, addressing critical gaps in early wellbeing support. Through new evidence-backed, school-based programs such as Rising Minds, the organization supports post-primary students as they navigate the emotional and social transitions of early adolescence. As Co-Founder Paula McLoughlin puts it, “A Lust for Life exists to ensure that every young person has the tools to understand and support their mental health from an early age,” and A Lust for Life’s work focuses on equipping young people with practical, accessible skills to build confidence, compassion and resilience at a critical stage in their development.

Budapest Bike Maffia (Hungary)

In Budapest, Bike Maffia is showing just how powerful a single moment of belief can be. Their program supports children growing up in deep poverty, temporary shelters and state care, through experiential learning, community connection and long-term mentoring. Many of the participants have never had access to positive, enriching environments – yet, as Founder Zoltán Havasi puts it, “Even a single positive encounter can build confidence, strengthen resilience and open new pathways for the future.” By expanding their ‘Nekünk a Balaton’ summer project and strengthening educational partnerships, the organization aims to reduce school dropout rates and prevent future homelessness, offering children the chance to envision a brighter, more secure adulthood. 

Coup de Pouce (France)

Coup de Pouce focuses on preventing early disengagement from school by strengthening the bond between parents, teachers and children. Their project Super Idée! reaches families through weekly SMS messages, translated into 12 languages, which offer simple activities to help children practice early math skills at home. At the same time, teachers and facilitators receive easy-to-use resources that help them reinforce the same mathematical concepts in the classroom. In this way, Coup de Pouce strives to make learning a shared, joyful experience between school and home, ensuring parents feel equipped rather than overwhelmed when supporting their child’s development. 

Fútbol Más Spain (Spain)

For Fútbol Más Spain, sport is a platform for protection, belonging and emotional wellbeing. Their program seeks to transform Madrid’s grassroots clubs into wellbeing hubs for children by equipping coaches and volunteers with practical tools to build safe, inclusive environments for young athletes. Executive Director Aitor Hernández captures their mission powerfully: “Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and valued when they play.” With Morgan Stanley’s support, the organization can reach more underserved clubs, strengthen community networks and champion a culture of safety and inclusion in youth sports.

IMC Weekendschool (Netherlands)

IMC Weekendschool is bringing its acclaimed Future Expedition model, rooted in motivation, curiosity and real-world exposure, into mainstream education through its primary school program. The initiative supports children aged 10 to 14 from vulnerable communities in the Netherlands, broadening their career horizons by providing teachers with a curriculum that helps them explore future career options with their students, supported by volunteer guest professionals from diverse fields. After years of success in 25 ambassador schools, the organization is now developing scalable pathways to integrate the program seamlessly into regular school life. Founder Heleen Terwijn celebrates the Award as an opportunity to deepen a movement she helped create, “Enabling even more students to develop in interaction with society, and grow up as well-informed, involved citizens.” The vision is clear: every child, regardless of background, should have access to learning that broadens horizons and nurtures a sense of purpose beyond school.

JOBLINGE gAG FrankfurtRheinMain (Germany)

In Frankfurt, JOBLINGE’s PLAN A: City Activation Model is reshaping how cities re-engage young people who have disconnected from education and training. Rather than waiting for teenagers to seek help, the initiative reaches out directly in public spaces, schools and online platforms, offering personalized guidance, job readiness support and coordination across youth services, employers and job centers. Managing Director Christiane Schubert captures the heart of their approach: “Too many young people remain unseen by traditional systems. By reaching out early, building trust and coordinating partners across the city, we create real chances for those who would otherwise slip through the cracks.” With its innovative digital infrastructure, PLAN A is already transforming how urban communities share responsibility for their youth. 

MANI TESE (Italy)

MANI TESE’s EUREKA! project gives students the tools, voice and confidence to reshape their own learning environments. Through participatory workshops, creative labs and a digital platform, young people can map challenges within their schools and codesign inclusive, practical solutions. This student-led approach strengthens leadership, socio-emotional skills and sense of belonging.  Marino Langiu, Director General, explains, “When girls and boys are empowered with the right tools and technology, their capacity to drive meaningful, long-lasting change becomes extraordinary.” EUREKA! proves that when students are treated as problem solvers schools become places that reflect their ideas, needs and potential. 

Manzil Center (UAE)

Manzil Center is working to expand what inclusion looks like in the UAE’s workforce. Their three-stage pathway supports neurodivergent and underserved youth through awareness workshops, personalized skills development – including AR/VR simulation – and supervised internships paired with employer diversity training. Founder Dr. Ayesha Saeed describes the program’s deeper purpose: “My vision goes beyond training and empowerment; it’s about changing how we think and act recognizing that everyone may need support at some point and doing so with dignity.” The project ensures that employers are not just offering roles, but building meaningful, sustainable careers that unlock potential and reshape workplace culture. 

Mental Health UK (United Kingdom)

With financial stress becoming a defining mental health challenge for young people, Mental Health UK developed ‘Me & Money’, the first UK-wide program supporting teenagers facing money related anxiety. Co-created with young people, the program helps them understand how financial pressures affect their wellbeing and equips them with the tools to make confident, informed decisions. “This award comes at a critical time,” says Director Deidre Bowen. “With money related anxieties increasing among young people, we’re excited to combine our expertise with Morgan Stanley’s support to reach even more young people in London and Glasgow.” The initiative meets young people where they are and helps them build healthier relationships with money for life.

Morgan Stanley is proud to fund these programs and to help each organization strengthen, test and scale ideas that can transform outcomes for children and young people across EMEA.

Applications for the 2027 EMEA Impact through Innovation Awards will reopen in Spring 2026. Learn more here.