idealist.org

Approaching Deadlines: Cash Awards for Social Innovators of All Ages

Quick links from Julia.


By Flickr user zorilla Know someone who deserves money to fund a brilliant, world-changing idea? We know of at least four major competitions whose deadlines are fast approaching:

For people over 60, the Purpose Prize:
According to Civic Ventures, "An inspiring new group of role models for 'engaged retirement' is emerging." Know a social innovator over the age of 60 who is taking on one of society's biggest challenges? Nominate that leader for the Purpose Prize and they could win $100,000. Legal residents of the United States (living in the U.S. or abroad) are eligible (though elected officials are not). Deadline: March 5.

For people under 25, the Do Something Awards:
Applications are currently being accepted for the Do Something Awards (formerly the BR!CK Awards), which recognize "exceptional young social entrepreneurs, activists, and community leaders who have significantly changed the world for the better." For 2009, five winners will be selected; each will receive a minimum of $10,000 and one of those five will win the Grand Prize total of $100,000. Applicants must be age 25 and under and citizens or residents of the U.S. or Canada. Deadline: March 1.

In addition, through their Power in Numbers Grants, DoSomething.org is giving 10 groups of friends $10,000 each to see their project or idea come to life. Visit EnergizeYourCommunity.com to learn more, nominate a project, and cast your vote for the winner. There are two submission periods, one ending March 9 and the next ending April 6.

For undergraduate and graduate level students, the Dell Social Innovation Competition:
The University of Texas at Austin and Dell are looking for college students worldwide with ingenious ideas to change the world. Aspiring social entrepreneurs can enter to win $50,000 in seed funding to launch their creative idea. Students enrolled at any 4-year university or college in the world are eligible to enter. Deadline: March 2.