As an investor in people and ideas that can change the world, I make it a point to cross paths with talented, next-gen social entrepreneurs who are working to create meaningful change—innovations that will ultimately allow us to tackle chronic challenges and improve the lives of millions around the world.
What’s so special about the next generation and why work with them? Simply put, it’s the smart thing to do. At 80 million strong, the Millennial generation has defined itself as a generation of changemakers. They are known for their collective passion for social causes, their entrepreneurial spirit, their grassroots organizing abilities and their eagerness to reinvent and create new models for change. Like other young generations before them, they are idealistic, but what sets this generation apart is that they are turning their idealism into action. We’ve seen terrific examples of countless, passionate young people giving their all to innovate and to develop new solutions in their communities, across this nation, and around the world. Yet, for every young, fearless changemaker I work with, I know that there are 10,000 others out there who may never get a similar opportunity to turn their ideas into reality.
At the Case Foundation we have benefited from affiliation with an ever-growing pipeline of talented peers, partners and others. Part of this network is an exciting group of young social entrepreneurs who are actively shaping the future of the social sector. This group includes people like Alexandra Cart of Madeira Global; Fagan Harris of Baltimore Corps; White House Fellow Jonny Dorsey; Sasha Fisher of Spark MicroGrants; Sam Bonsey of the ImPact; and Ben Simon of the Food Recovery Network, just to name a few. What do they all have in common? In addition to being passionate about the causes with which they are involved, they are all age 30 or younger and were recognized earlier this year as part of the FORBES 30 Under 30—bold social entrepreneurs who are changing the social sector for the better.
But we know this is truly the tip of the iceberg. We know there are countless other inspired next gen social entrepreneurs with big ideas who are ready to scale their own businesses and change the world. So today, as part of the Case Foundation’s mission to invest in people and ideas that can change the world, we are proud to announce our sponsorship of the FORBES Under 30 $1 Million Change the World Competition—the largest-ever competition for young social entrepreneurs running for-profit and nonprofit enterprises that address global challenges. Through our participation we aim to lift up the most promising of the for-profit entrants with disruptive and scalable ideas who can best demonstrate how the power of business can change the world sustainably.
The Case Foundation, in partnership with Forbes, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation, the Pratt Foundation, the Keywell Foundation and entrepreneur Bob Duggan, will help select and fund the semi-finalists. Five semi-finalists will each win $100,000, and the overall winner will receive a $500,000 award. Submissions for the Competition will be accepted from July 22-August 26, 2015, and the six semi-finalists will be announced on September 9, before competing on the main stage at FORBES’ second Under 30 Summit from October 4-7, in Philadelphia.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to make your big idea a reality. If you are a social entrepreneur with a great idea and are under 30 I encourage you to enter the Change the World Competition today!
Also on Forbes:
