In a world that celebrates fame and fortune bestowed on celebrities and brands, but rarely on the people and changemakers who solve our world's most pressing issues, the Elevate Prize Foundation is on a mission to change the narrative and put the spotlight on the latter. The foundation's flagship program, the Elevate Prize, is meant to celebrate and elevate bold social impact leaders who are not just changing the world, but also making “good” famous.
This blog post will discuss what the Elevate Prize is, who it is for, how the program works, and why it has emerged as a tremendous opportunity for organizations and leaders who are ready to take their impact to the next level.
What Is the Elevate Prize?
The Elevate Prize is an annual award program run by the Elevate Prize Foundation, whose mission is to “Make Good Famous” by shining the spotlight on the voices and stories of changemakers who are advancing equity, innovation, and transformation across the globe.
Key Features of the Prize
- Unrestricted Funding and Support: Winners receive a minimum award package of $300,000 USD, including $250,000 awarded to the organization and $50,000 awarded to the individual leader.
- Two-Year Fellowship with Visibility and Growth: Beyond funding, winners receive support in storytelling, brand amplification, leadership development, and scaling strategies.
- Global Reach and Systemic Ambition: The program is open to changemakers from around the world who are working at a tipping point, meaning organizations that are ready to scale, disrupt systems, and drive meaningful change.
Who Is the Elevate Prize For?
If you are considering whether the Elevate Prize is a fit for you or your organization, the following profile reflects the types of leaders and organizations the foundation seeks to support.
Ideal Applicant Profile
- Bold, visionary leader: You are the founder, CEO, or executive director of an organization, or you lead a major initiative, and you are driving a compelling vision for change.
- Proven impact with room to grow: Your organization has demonstrated measurable results and is positioned for accelerated growth through increased visibility, resources, and support.
- Organization meets nonprofit status: Your organization is a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit or an international equivalent.
- Global mindset and ambition: Your work spans, or has the potential to span, regions, societies, or systems.
- Strong narrative potential: Your organization can tell its story in a way that inspires others, mobilizes action, and shifts culture.
Typical Organization Size
While there is no strict budget requirement, organizations with annual budgets between $2 million and $10 million have historically been well positioned. Smaller organizations are still encouraged to apply if they demonstrate strong leadership and clear potential for scale.
How the Program Works: Process and Timeline
Below is a general overview of how the Elevate Prize process unfolds.
1. Application and Nomination
- The program is open globally, though applicants must meet eligibility requirements.
- Applications request information about organizational leadership, impact metrics, vision for growth, and how the prize would help scale the work.
2. Finalist Selection
- Approximately 20 organizations are selected as finalists.
- Finalists are invited to present their work and engage with the foundation’s network.
3. Winner Announcement and Award
- Each year, about 10 winners are selected.
- Winners receive unrestricted funding, leadership support, and access to a global platform.
4. Post-Award Fellowship and Support
- Winners enter a two-year fellowship.
- Support includes brand development, strategic growth advising, operations assistance, peer networking, and leadership well-being.
- Annual reporting is required until funds are fully expended.
5. Amplified Visibility
- Winners gain access to major events, media exposure, storytelling platforms, and branding support to elevate visibility and influence.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Unrestricted Investment for Scaling
The Elevate Prize provides unrestricted funding, allowing organizations to invest in what matters most, whether infrastructure, leadership, innovation, or growth.
Platform Meets Purpose
By pairing funding with storytelling, visibility, and a global platform, the prize helps leaders attract partners, attention, and momentum to expand their missions.
Risk and Innovation Are Welcomed
The Elevate Prize supports organizations willing to take bold risks in pursuit of systemic change, rather than incremental improvement.
Global Reach and Diversity
With applicants and winners from around the world, the prize fosters cross-regional collaboration and elevates underrepresented voices in the global social impact ecosystem.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate momentum and readiness by showing where your organization is today and how the prize would accelerate growth.
- Quantify and humanize impact using both data and storytelling.
- Highlight visionary leadership and the boldness of your team.
- Explain how increased visibility will directly support your mission and scaling efforts.
- Set ambitious goals and articulate transformative potential.
- Prepare for the fellowship experience by showing how you will engage with the Elevate ecosystem.
- Ensure operational readiness, including legal, financial, and governance documentation.
- Craft a compelling, story-driven narrative that conveys urgency and possibility.
Making Good Famous
The Elevate Prize is more than a grant program, it is a movement to re-center attention on the people and organizations reshaping the world for the better. Through generous funding, leadership development, and global visibility, the prize empowers changemakers to multiply their influence and maximize their impact.
If your organization is poised for its next major leap and ready to scale, lead, and inspire, this opportunity represents more than funding. It represents transformation.
Visit the Elevate Prize Foundation website to learn more and see when their next application window opens.
