Deadline: July 31, 2025
The Lipman Family Prize 2026 is now accepting nominations for its prestigious annual award recognizing leadership, social impact, innovation, and the ability to scale across sectors and geographies. The prize offers significant unrestricted funding and institutional partnership from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
If you are part of a nonprofit organization creating systemic change, this could be the opportunity to amplify your impact.
About the Lipman Family Prize 2026
The Lipman Family Prize 2026 honors organizations that are committed to solving social and environmental challenges through innovative and scalable solutions. The award is open to nonprofit organizations from around the world that demonstrate bold leadership and measurable results.
Each year, the prize recognizes three organizations:
- Grand Prize Winner: $250,000 in unrestricted funding
- Two Finalists: $150,000 each in unrestricted funding
Beyond financial support, recipients gain access to a powerful network through the University of Pennsylvania, executive education opportunities, and long-term support to scale their impact.
Application Timeline
Nominations and applications are accepted from:
July 1 to July 31, 2025
Organizations are encouraged to begin preparing early to ensure the submission of a compelling and complete application package.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Lipman Family Prize 2026, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Be a registered nonprofit (501(c)(3) in the U.S. or equivalent internationally)
- Operate for at least 3 years
- Provide proof of impact evaluation and effectiveness
- Have average annual expenses between $500,000 and $5 million over the last 3 years
- Must not engage in:
- Direct lobbying
- Religious-based programming
- Discriminatory practices
What the Prize Offers
💵 Financial Support
- Grand Prize: $250,000 unrestricted funding
- Finalists: $150,000 each unrestricted funding
🌐 Non-Financial Benefits
- Ongoing partnership with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
- Promotion via Wharton’s global social impact network
- Tuition-free executive education valued at ~$15,000
- Leadership development scholarship valued at ~$10,000
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are judged based on four core principles:
- Leadership – The organization demonstrates bold, values-driven leadership and a sustainable business model.
- Impact – Measurable outcomes and demonstrated success in addressing critical challenges.
- Innovation – Creative and distinctive approaches that stand out in their sector.
- Transferability – The potential for the model to be replicated or adapted in different contexts.
Application Process
The application process for the Lipman Family Prize 2026 involves multiple phases:
- Phase 1 – Online Application (July 2025):
Submission of essays and organizational/financial documentation. - Phase 2 – Due Diligence (September to December 2025):
Detailed review of shortlisted organizations. - Phase 3 – Semi-Final Interviews (Early 2026):
Selected applicants will participate in interviews and submit additional materials. - Announcement of Winners (April 2026):
Winners will be honored at a formal event in Philadelphia.
How to Apply
Applications for the Lipman Family Prize 2026 can be submitted through the official application portal:
📖 Click here to read more about the programme
Final Thoughts
The Lipman Family Prize 2026 is a unique chance for mission-driven nonprofits to gain global recognition, substantial funding, and strategic support from one of the world’s leading business schools. If your organization is working at the intersection of innovation and social change, don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your impact.
Need help preparing your application?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
