The BreakThrough Award was created to address an opportunity and challenge identified in the MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures "The New Face of Work Survey" conducted in 2005 by Princeton Survey Research Associates. This in-depth look at the plans and priorities of Americans, age 50 to 70, found a broad and deep interest – especially among leading-edge baby boomers – in beginning a new stage of work now or in the future that would serve their communities and people in need.

In contrast to this interest in doing good work, few of those surveyed thought it would be very easy to find jobs where they could make a difference. The BreakThrough Award aims to narrow this gap by identifying, recognizing, and learning from organizations that are, in fact, engaging adults over 50 in jobs that combine the spirit of service and the benefits of work. Our goal is to inspire and help other organizations to do this as well, so that this pool of talent, commitment and experience can be tapped to work on society’s greatest challenges.