2020 Grinnell Prize Call for Nominations

Aug 8, 2019

Grinnell College is accepting nominations from across the globe for the 2020 Grinnell College Innovator for Social Justice Prize. The College awards the $100,000 Grinnell Prize annually to individuals who show creativity, commitment, and extraordinary accomplishment in effecting positive social change.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to nominate someone who is:

  • A change-maker working on the cutting edge of social innovation;
  • A leader who collaborates to co-create solutions to pressing social issues;
  • A visionary who is tackling immediate challenges while also addressing related systemic issues; and
  • A mentor who inspires the next generation of social innovators

The Grinnell Prize is the largest award given by any U.S. college in recognition of social justice. It reflects Grinnell’s commitment to exploring issues of purpose, responsibility and social justice.

Grinnell College President Raynard S. Kington said, "The Grinnell Prize demonstrates our college’s historic mission to educate individuals who are prepared in life and work to use their knowledge and abilities to serve common good. It is my hope that Grinnell Prize winners inspire and challenge us to find ways to use our own values, insights, relationships, and educational experiences as catalysts to become purpose-driven change-makers throughout the world."

Nominations are open to both U.S. citizens and nationals of other countries. Nominees must have earned a bachelor’s degree between 2004 and 2020. No affiliation with Grinnell College is needed.

Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, and winners will be announced in spring 2020. Winners will be awarded $100,000, with half presented to the individual and half to the individual’s organization. Winners will also be required to travel to campus the first week in October 2020 to receive their award and participate in Grinnell Prize Week events.

Nomination details


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