Recognizing the incredible social capital represented in older adults, Civic Ventures launched a new initiative in 2006 to recognize, invest in, and inspire this group of innovators.

The Purpose Prize^TM is a prestigious new award given to five exceptional individuals over age 60 who are defying societal expectations by channeling their creativity and talent to address critical social problems at the local, regional, or national level. An additional 15 finalists and 55 Purpose Prize fellows will receive national recognition for their work.

These pioneers are action-oriented and effective innovators who have initiated important innovations (in a new or ongoing organization) in the past several years, demonstrating creativity and leadership throughout and promising more to come. They may be working in nonprofits, government, or for-profit organizations. Some may be social entrepreneurs who have started new organizations; others may be change-makers whose innovative approaches to leadership have transformed existing organizations, or as grassroots activists playing a leadership role in improving communities or advancing a cause.

The Purpose Prize^TM provides five awards of $100,000 and ten awards of $10,000 to people over 60 who are taking on society’s biggest challenges.

Nominations for the 2007 Purpose Prize^TM open now. All entries must be received by February 1, 2007. Winners will be announced in September.

Much more information, including details for nominees, is available at www.LeadWithExperience.org.