Nominations are being accepted for The Fred Lindner Prize: the prize will include a $5,000 investment in an exceptional individual who is defying expectations by channeling his or her creativity and talent to address critical social problems at the local, regional, or national level. The winner will also be able to choose the organization of his or her choice to receive an additional $5,000.

Applications are available on this website or contact Carol Eschner at 414-291-7500 ext. 256.

Today, thousands of people in the second half of life have opened up a next chapter of innovation, productivity, and creativity, and, in the process, have transformed our communities and our country. They are living proof that aging does not mean stagnation and decline.

The winner will be effective and action-oriented innovator who has launched this initiative after his or her 50th birthday. He or she may be working in nonprofits, government, or for-profit organizations devoted to tackling the hardest challenges of our time: homelessness, social justice and human rights, violence, poverty and hunger, health, education, and the environment, to name a few.

He or she will be making his or her impact in many different ways. The winner may be a social innovator who has started a new organization; a catalyst for change whose innovative approaches have transformed an existing organization; or a grassroots activist playing a leadership role in improving communities or advancing a cause. And he or she will hold the promise of even greater accomplishments in the future.

The winner will be the most visible representative of a much larger network of socially engaged leaders in the second half of their lives. The aim of The Fred Lindner Prize is to tell the stories of this inspiring group, to create opportunities for furthering the innovative work they are doing, and to accelerate the changes in the way our society – nonprofit businesses, government, and for-profits alike – taps into the vast resources and commitment of these role models to advance the greater good.

The Fred Lindner Prize for Social Innovation in Wisconsin planning committee is comprised of representatives from the following five organizations: Interfaith Older Adult Programs, Inc., Helen Bader Foundation, E jj Olson & Associates, Milwaukee County Commission on Aging Advisory Council, UAW, and Wisconsin Association of Area Agencies on Aging. This committee aims to both recognize the efforts of exceptional individuals in honor of Fred Lindner and invest in their potential to contribute significantly to society.

The timeline for 2008 is as follows:
• Nominations close at midnight, Central Daylight Savings time, August 24, 2008.
• The winner of The Fred Lindner Prize is selected and notified on September 14, 2008.
• The winner of The Fred Lindner Prize is announced and an award luncheon celebration will be held on November 11, 2008.

For More Details and Nomination Forms, Contact:
Carol Eschner - 414.291.7500, Extension 256