What's Happening?
The Elevate Prize Foundation, founded by Joseph Deitch, aims to empower leaders, activists, and innovators by providing annual unrestricted awards to social entrepreneurs worldwide. The foundation's mission, 'Make Good Famous,' focuses on amplifying the visibility of high-impact leaders across various sectors, including climate justice and criminal justice reform. Recent winners include David Flink, Lisa Hunter Romanelli, and Kwane Stewart, who are recognized for their contributions to educational equity, mental healthcare, and veterinary care for pets of homeless families, respectively. The foundation also includes Elevate Studios, a media arm designed to amplify the stories of changemakers.
Why It's Important?
The Elevate Prize Foundation's approach to philanthropy highlights the importance of visibility in driving social change. By providing unrestricted funds and media amplification, the foundation supports leaders who can multiply the impact of their resources. This model not only addresses funding needs but also enhances the public profile of social entrepreneurs, potentially attracting more support and inspiring collective action. The foundation's efforts contribute to advancing social justice and equity across various fields, benefiting communities and individuals who are often marginalized.
What's Next?
The foundation plans to expand its initiatives with Elevate Cities, focusing on local heroes and hyper-local impact. This new initiative aims to drill down into community-level change, potentially increasing the foundation's reach and influence. Additionally, Joseph Deitch is expanding his personal philanthropy, funding cancer research and community health projects, reflecting his commitment to leveraging resources for broader societal benefits.
Beyond the Headlines
Elevate Prize Foundation's emphasis on storytelling and media amplification underscores the cultural shift towards recognizing social entrepreneurs as influential figures. By raising their profiles, the foundation challenges traditional perceptions of fame and success, promoting a narrative where social impact is celebrated alongside celebrity achievements.