AARP Purpose Prize Award

The AARP Purpose Prize is a prestigious national recognition program that honors extraordinary individuals aged 50 and older who have founded impactful non-profit organizations or projects. Administered by AARP, a leading national advocacy group for older Americans, the Purpose Prize is designed to celebrate social entrepreneurs who are leveraging their life experience to solve pressing societal challenges. The competition recognizes the founders of either 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organizations—or projects fiscally sponsored by such entities—who remain actively engaged in their initiatives. It aims to elevate the stories of these leaders while supporting the long-term growth and impact of their organizations. The program is open to applicants who are at least 50 years old as of May 1, 2026, and who reside in the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia. Applicants must be the original founders of their organizations or fiscally-sponsored projects and continue to play an active role in operations. Only U.S.-based organizations in good standing with the IRS are eligible. Certain individuals and entities, such as past winners from the last two years, AARP employees or volunteers and their families, elected officials, or organizations that are exclusively religious or share a board member with AARP, are excluded from eligibility. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. AARP will award up to five Grand Prizes of $75,000 each, granted directly to the applicant’s organization or fiscal sponsor. An additional Special Award, the Kevin Donnellan Award for Volunteerism, may be granted to one organization showing exceptional volunteer integration. In addition to funding, winners will join a one-year peer cohort and gain access to AARP and external resources to support their work. Applications must demonstrate alignment with AARP’s mission to empower older individuals and showcase measurable social impact, especially for those aged 50 and older. Eligible issue areas include public health, financial security, caregiving, civic engagement, DEI, intergenerational initiatives, fraud prevention, and livable communities, among others. The application process involves submission of a completed form and required documentation, including a resume, IRS determination letter or Form 990, a current annual budget, and if applicable, a fiscal sponsorship agreement. Co-founders may apply jointly, with a maximum of two individuals per application. The contest is judged in four progressive rounds. Starting with an initial applicant pool, up to 100 candidates will advance to Round 2, with 25 becoming semi-finalists, and 10 moving on as finalists. Final selection of the winners will occur following virtual interviews in July 2026 and final approval by an AARP Executive by August 31, 2026. Evaluation criteria are structured and rigorous. Judges assess each application on the clarity and significance of the problem addressed, strategies employed, populations served, measurable impact, sustainability, the founder’s personal journey, and how their age enhances their work. A dedicated jury also evaluates finalists for the Special Award based on the organization’s volunteer engagement. Winners are expected to demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a clear pathway to sustainable growth. All prizes will be awarded within 45 days of confirmation, and any federal, state, or local tax implications are the responsibility of the recipients. The competition runs from March 9, 2026, through May 1, 2026. Notifications to winners will be made by August 31, 2026, and all other applicants will be informed of their status by September 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted via the official AARP platform at www.aarp.org/apply. Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be considered. No purchase is necessary to apply, and AARP membership is not required. This award is part of AARP’s broader mission to highlight the power and potential of older adults as changemakers in society.

Highlight clear metrics, a compelling beneficiary story, and strong sustainability. Emphasize how being 50+ shapes your leadership.