Deadline: 01-May-2026
The AARP Purpose Prize® honors Americans aged 50+ who have founded nonprofit organizations or projects creating measurable social impact. Winners receive $75,000 and a year of organizational support from AARP to expand their nonprofit’s reach, strengthen operations, and deepen community impact.
Program Overview
The AARP Purpose Prize® celebrates older adults who turn their sense of purpose into tangible, community-driven action. The initiative highlights the contributions of experienced leaders who continue to guide nonprofit organizations or projects that improve lives and strengthen communities across the United States.
Objectives
- Empower older Americans to pursue purpose-driven work
- Strengthen nonprofit leadership and organizational capacity
- Expand community impact and enhance social change initiatives
- Improve governance, succession planning, and strategic fundraising
- Support evaluation, data systems, and long-term organizational sustainability
Award Details
- Prize Amount: $75,000 per winner
- Organizational Support: One year of AARP guidance including:
- Data collection and evaluation systems
- Governance and succession planning
- Strategic fundraising development
- Organizational prospectus and long-term sustainability planning
Who is Eligible?
- Legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia
- Individuals aged 50 or older as of May 1, 2026
- Founders of nonprofit organizations or projects still actively involved in leadership
- Nonprofit or project must have principal place of business in the U.S. and maintain federal tax-exempt status under IRC section 501(a)
- Projects operating under a fiscal sponsor are eligible if both the project and sponsor meet U.S. tax-exempt requirements
Ineligible Applicants
- Founders of affiliates or chapters of existing nonprofits
- Officers, directors, employees, vendors, or representatives involved with contest administration or promotion
- Current AARP staff, volunteers, or immediate family members
- Former AARP staff or volunteers and immediate family members unless seven years have passed since service
Key Focus Areas
- Recognition of purpose-driven leadership later in life
- Support for scaling nonprofit impact and outreach
- Development of stronger operational, governance, and fundraising practices
- Expansion of measurable community benefits
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility based on age, residency, and organizational involvement
- Prepare a detailed application highlighting the nonprofit or project, mission, and measurable community impact
- Demonstrate ongoing leadership and commitment to the organization or project
- Submit the application by the specified deadline
Why This Prize Matters
- Recognizes the power of older adults to lead meaningful social change
- Provides financial and organizational support to amplify community impact
- Encourages sustained engagement and leadership within the nonprofit sector
FAQs
1. Who can apply? Individuals 50+ who founded a nonprofit or project and remain actively involved.
2. What is the prize amount? $75,000 plus one year of organizational support from AARP.
3. Can I apply if my project operates under a fiscal sponsor? Yes, if both the project and sponsor are U.S.-based tax-exempt entities.
4. Are affiliates or chapters of existing nonprofits eligible? No, only original nonprofit founders are eligible.
5. Can AARP staff or volunteers apply? Current staff and volunteers, and their immediate families, are ineligible. Former staff/volunteers may apply after a seven-year grace period.
6. What kind of support is included? Guidance on governance, succession planning, fundraising, evaluation, and organizational sustainability.
7. Is there a geographic requirement? The nonprofit or project must be based in the United States.
Conclusion
The AARP Purpose Prize® empowers older Americans to continue leading impactful initiatives that strengthen communities. By providing both financial awards and expert support, AARP helps founders scale their nonprofit work, enhance operational effectiveness, and create long-lasting social change.
For more information, visit AARP.