The 2009 Purpose Prize

Civic Ventures is accepting nominations for its 2009 Purpose Prize through March 5th. According to the Purpose Prize® website, the Civic Ventures organization provides five awards of $100,000 each to people over 60 who are pursuing encore careers and “taking on society’s biggest challenges.”

Past winners include:

Jock Bradis, who is improving the lives of farmers in 17 countries with his organization, The Fully Belly Project."

Arlene Blum (see above), who is mobilizing scientists, consumers, and industry to limit toxins in household products.


Mark Goldsmith, who is reducing recidivism rates for young men with coaching, education, and job training.

Joseph James, who is ensuring that rural African Americans are included in the “green” economy.

Michele McRae, who is engaging hundreds of volunteers to help thousands of refugees start new lives in North Dakota.

Catalino Tapia, who is organizing gardeners to raise scholarship funds to help Latino students go to college.

For more information about encore careers--and additional inspiration--visit encore.org.