Submit Your Launch Pad Idea Here

The Launch Pad is a contest to find and support the five best ideas for improving communities. Share your idea by filling out the form below. You could win $5,000 and the support of the Encore Careers Community to get your idea off the ground.

You may only nominate yourself to be eligible for this contest. Please do not nominate organizations or other people. All entries must be submitted by 11:59PM, Eastern time, December 22 to be considered for the Launch Pad contest.

Email*

First Name*

Last Name*

City

State

Zip Code*

Phone

Tell Us About Your Idea

Describe your idea in 140 characters (this is the summary we'll use throughout the site):*

How does your idea address a community, national, or international social problem? Share your answer here in 700 characters or fewer (around 100 words):*

Tell us how winning $5,000 and the support of the Encore Careers Community would help you get your idea off the ground? Share your answer here in 700 characters or fewer (around 100 words):*

Select categories for your idea (you may choose more than one):

Education: Ideas that create educational opportunities for people of any age
Social Services: Ideas that improve services — and access to services — for those in need
Environment: Ideas that improve the environment in your community
Health Care: Ideas that increase awareness of health issues and/or access to health care services
Encore Careers: Ideas for engaging more people in encore careers combining purpose, passion and paycheck
Other: Ideas that do not apply to any of the listed categories

Who would likely community partners be if you were to try to make this idea a reality? Tell us here:

Have you already turned your idea into an organization, a startup, a nonprofit or a business? If so, tell us the name here:

You may include any links to websites or articles about your project here:

Tell Us a Little More About You

What inspires you about this idea and what excites you about the potential to make it a reality? Share your answer here in 700 characters or fewer (around 100 words):*

How will your work and life experience help you turn your idea into a reality? Tell us here in 700 characters or fewer (around 100 words):*

Do you have a business plan, working group, staff or volunteers? Share your answer here in 350 characters or fewer (around 50 words):

Upload an image here:

If you're selected as a finalist, we'd like to include a photo of you on the site. Submit one image here. Use the browser to find it on your computer. All we ask is that the image is a JPG or a PNG file under 3MB. Also, by attaching, you warrant that you own the attached image or have permission to submit the image for use in in the context of this program.

Gender (optional)

Male

Female

Transgender

Participants must be 45 years old or older to be eligible for the Launch Pad contest.

I confirm that I am 45 years old or older and a U.S. Citizen or legal resident.

Your age*

By checking the box below, I agree to the terms below. (You must agree to the following terms to be eligible to win the Launch Pad contest.)

I have read and understand the Launch Pad program rules and guidelines. By submitting this entry, I acknowledge that I am eligible to make this submission and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Civic Ventures and its directors, officers and employees from and against all taxes, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, claims, causes of action, suits, proceedings and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and other legal expenses, arising directly or indirectly from my submission to and participation in Launch Pad, including use of my name and any images I have submitted.

Click to open eligibility and rules in a new window.

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Civic Ventures and The Purpose Prize are registered trademarks. Launch Pad, Encore.org, and The Purpose Prize are programs owned and operated by Civic Ventures, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit California corporation.