- $5 million initiative recognizing grassroots activists and nonprofits through The Courage Project
- Individual honorees direct grants up to $50,000 to nonprofits of their choice
- First recipients include immigration advocates and educators fighting ICE detention
- Public nominations aim to democratize recognition of civic heroes
- Partner foundations seek to redefine American leadership ahead of 250th anniversary
In an era of polarized politics, The Courage Project emerges as a beacon for community-driven change. United Way Worldwide and eight philanthropic partners launched this $5 million initiative to honor ordinary citizens demonstrating extraordinary commitment to social justice. Unlike traditional awards, recipients wield direct influence over funding allocations, channeling grants between $25,000-$50,000 to grassroots organizations addressing systemic inequities.
The inaugural class of honorees reveals the program’s prioritization of overlooked frontline efforts. Florida’s United Way of South Sarasota County secured support for their legal aid program serving elderly and working-class residents. Colorado-based Women of Welcome received recognition – and crucial funding – for mobilizing evangelical women to protect asylum seekers through faith-based advocacy. This grant validates our belief that compassion transcends political divides,said director Bri Stensrud, whose organization battles fundraising challenges in today’s contentious immigration climate.
Perhaps the most striking example comes from New York’s Sackets Harbor, where three educators catalyzed a community uprising against ICE. When federal agents detained a local family, school staff orchestrated a campaign that freed the detainees and sparked national dialogue. Superintendent Jennifer Gaffney downplayed their courage: We simply acted on our duty to protect students.Their $50,000 grant now fuels youth programs through the Northern New York Community Foundation.
UCLA’s Dr. Jana Gallus highlights the award’s innovative design: Empowering recipients to allocate funds creates a recognition multiplier effect. It transforms honorees into philanthropists while spotlighting under-resourced causes.This approach aligns with emerging trends in participatory grantmaking, where impacted communities direct charitable investments.
With public nominations now open, organizers aim to challenge conventional notions of heroism. Most awards go to powerful figures,noted Freedom Together Foundation’s Deepak Bhargava. We’re lifting up those doing invisible work to preserve democracy itself.The timing proves strategic – as America approaches its semiquincentennial, these awards reframe national pride through community stewardship rather than partisan rhetoric.
Industry analysts note three critical insights from this initiative: First, trust-based philanthropy increases donor impact by leveraging local expertise. Second, public nomination processes democratize prestige typically reserved for institutional elites. Third, pairing recognition with financial agency creates sustainable momentum for social movements.
While The Courage Project focuses on grassroots efforts, conservative counterpart The Heritage Foundation launches parallel awards through its Innovation Prizes program. Though differing in ideology, both initiatives reflect growing recognition that local action drives national progress. As United Way’s Angela Williams observed: These honorees don’t seek glory – their quiet bravery rebuilds our social fabric every day.
