The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Solve is seeking nominations for the 2021 Elevate Prize to dramatically amplify the impact of innovators, activists and problem-solvers.

MIT Solve can build a powerful platform to mobilize communities, catalyze positive change and awaken the hero in all of us – at a time when it’s never been more needed.

The challenges facing them are complex and urgent; mitigating and adapting to the impact of climate change, creating safe environments where people can prosper, ensuring access to quality education and healthcare – even as the Coronavirus pandemic brings the inequity and inequality into stark light.

The increasingly interconnected world needs innovators and activists who can lead by example, stand as role models, and inspire more action, more change, and more good in the world. They are looking for extraordinary people leading high-impact organizations who are:

• Elevating opportunities for all people, especially those who are traditionally left behind
• Elevating issues and their solutions by building awareness and driving action to solve the most difficult problems of our world
• Elevating understanding of and between people through changing people’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors

Award Information

The Elevate Prize annually awards $5 million in prize funding and services to a radically diverse group of 10 leaders who are tackling the most urgent issues of time around the world.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Elevate Prize is open only to applicants from registered nonprofit organizations who are:
  • Founders
  • CEOs
  • Executive Directors
  • Members of their Organization’s Executive Team
• Submissions must be written in English.
• Applications must be submitted by an individual on behalf of themselves and their nonprofit organization. 
• In the event that an organization has multiple Co-Founders, team Members, etc. who are eligible to apply, they must select one individual delegate to submit the application.
• Individual applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Individual applicants must be affiliated with a legally established nonprofit entity/public charity (formed either under U.S. law or under the laws of the country of their residence).
• Staff members of The Elevate Prize Foundation, Inc., members of the Judging Panel, and such individuals’ family members are not eligible for The Elevate Prize.

Criteria

Applications are screened, then scored on the following criteria:

• Proven impact, with a track record of success.
• Feasibility, including a plan for financial sustainability.
• Scalability, with significant future impact planning.
• Capability, including demonstration of necessary skills.
• Partnership potential, allowing for significantly larger audiences.

For more information, visit MIT Solve.