Do Something Awards Honor Young Activists

Social-change activists in the U.S. and Canada under age 25 may be nominated for the Do Something Awards, established to honor young “world changers.”

“Award winners will have identified a problem and have devised clear and measurable methods for addressing the problem; made a significant long-term commitment to improving the lives of others; cultivated long-term and respectful relationships within their community; demonstrated that they have directly and individually fueled the success of their work; extensively and tangibly improved the lives of others (the award is not for ideas); created great awareness about their issues or causes; serve as program founders and/or leading activist/advocates; have a clear growth plan for their work that ensures sustainability and continued impact; and already be recognized as top leaders within their issue or cause,” according to the grant announcement.

Individuals, not groups, may be nominated. Four winners will be named in 2010, and each will receive $10,000 or $5,000 as an educational scholarship. One grand-prize winner will receive $100,000 for their group or cause.

Application deadline is Dec. 15. For more details, see the Do Something website.

Editor's note, Dec. 15, 2009:  The application deadline has been extended to March 1, 2010.