2025 Lipman Family Prize
The Barry & Marie Lipman Family Prize is an annual global prize awarded by the University of Pennsylvania to recognise and support organisations making a positive social impact. The award focuses on leadership, impact, innovation, and transferability with three winners selected annually, receiving both monetary prizes and ongoing support from the University. The application process is rigorous, involving multiple phases of review by experts and culminating in the announcement of the grand prize winner at an award ceremony. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and application process in detail.
Purpose
The Barry & Marie Lipman Family Prize at the University of Pennsylvania annually honours leadership and innovation in the social sector, with a focus on significant impact and the potential to transfer effective practices globally. It aims to support and connect organizations across various service areas with the broader Penn community, leveraging the university’s resources to amplify social impact.
Award Components
1. Grand Prize: $250,000 unrestricted cash award.
2. Two Additional Winners: Each receives a $150,000 unrestricted cash award.
3. Non-Monetary Benefits for All Winners:
- Partnership with the University: Ongoing support, including access to resources and relationships to help scale the organization's work or improve sustainability.
- Promotion and Networking: Enhanced visibility of their work and accomplishments, along with network development within the Lipman Prize community and the larger Penn network.
- Executive Education Programs: Access to tuition-free programs at Wharton Executive Education and the Center for Social Impact Strategy, valued at approximately $15,000.
- Nonprofit Leadership Scholarship: Exclusive scholarship given in partnership with Penn’s School of Public Policy and Practice, valued at approximately $10,000.
Evaluation Criteria
Winners are evaluated based on four key qualities:
Leadership: Organizations that achieve sustainable good through exemplary models addressing universal problems, adaptable worldwide.
Impact: Proof of concept and readiness to scale, using the prize as a catalyst for growth.
Innovation: Unique and effective approaches to solving pressing social challenges.
Transferability: Potential for knowledge transfer across different geographies and needs, contributing valuable insights to the social impact community.
Eligibility
Registration: Must be registered as a nonprofit in the U.S. or hold equivalent incorporation status in their home country.
Operational History: Operating for at least three years with a proven track record of monitoring and evaluating their work.
Financial Criteria: Three-year average annual expenses between $500,000 and $5 million USD.
Restrictions: No direct lobbying expenses, religious content programs, or discriminatory practices.
Funding Usage: Prize funds cannot be redistributed to other organizations or individuals.
Relationship with the University of Pennsylvania
Applicants with direct existing relationships to University departments, staff, students, or faculty must assess their eligibility by contacting the Lipman Prize team. Examples of potential conflicts of interest include direct involvement with the Prize selection process or current affiliations with Wharton’s McNulty Leadership Program or Center for Leadership and Change Management.
Application Process
Phase 1: Open Application Round (July-September)
Submission: Online application with essay questions covering social challenge, model description, differentiation, impact measurement, and transferability.
Review: Applications reviewed by trained reviewers using a quantitative assessment framework.
Outcome: 24-40 organizations advance to Phase 2.
Phase 2: Top 24-40 Applications Round (September-December)
Submission: Existing documentation such as financial information, data evaluation tools, strategic plans, and information on staff leadership and board of directors.
Review: Lipman staff and Fellows, along with financial advisors, conduct a detailed review and due diligence.
Outcome: 12 organizations advance to Phase 3.
Phase 3: Semi-Finalist Round (December-February)
Submission: Additional information and a 2-3 minute video by the organization's executive leader.
Review: Detailed review by the Lipman staff, Fellows, and Prize Committee.
Outcome: 3 winners advance to Phase 4.
Phase 4: Grand Prize Winner Selection & Winners Partnerships (March-Ongoing)
Interview: Virtual interview with the Prize Committee.
Announcement: Winners participate in marketing, press release activities, and attend the Award Ceremony in Philadelphia, where the grand prize winner is announced.
Important Dates
July 1, 2024: Application Opens.
July 26, 2024: Application Deadline.
September 2024: Phase 1 ends; top 24-40 organizations notified.
December 2024: Phase 2 ends; semi-finalists notified.
February 2025: Winners selected and announced.
March 2025: Winners interviewed by Prize Committee.
April 2025: Grand Prize Winner announced at the Award Ceremony in Philadelphia.
Nonprofit Leadership Scholarship
In partnership with the Nonprofit Leadership Program at Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice, the Lipman Nonprofit Leadership Scholarship offers graduates a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL). The program serves nonprofit professionals preparing for leadership roles, career shifters aiming to create social impact, and international applicants seeking to enhance their leadership skills.
Admission Requirements for the Scholarship
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
For more information, click the "Apply Here" button above.