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For Immediate Release
Cambridge, MA - Soccer Without Borders has been named as one of three finalists for the 2016 Barry & Marie Lipman Family Prize, along with Hope Enterprise Corporation and Namati. The winning organization will receive $250,000 in unrestricted funds, as well as executive training and support from the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania. The grand prize winner will be announced at the official awards ceremony on April 28 in Philadelphia.
"The Lipman Family Prize identifies and promotes game-changing ideas that solve social problems. Of the more than 170 organizations we analyzed for this year's prize, Soccer Without Borders rose to to the top because of their innovative approach and their potential for social impact," said Umi Howard, Director of The Lipman Family Prize.
"We are honored to be among the finalists for this prestigious award, shining a spotlight on the urgent need for solutions to address the global refugee crisis, to build bridges across cultural divides, and to support displaced children and families to find home again," said Mary McVeigh, Executive Director of Soccer Without Borders. "We are especially grateful to be welcomed into this dynamic community of experts and change-agents around the world, and look forward to maximizing this learning opportunity.”
In addition to a chance at the $250,000 financial prize -- which is offered to the winner without restrictions -- the Lipman Family Prize finalists gain access to a growing network of change-makers and thought-leaders to accelerate cutting-edge change worldwide. The Prize connects those on the cusp of great change with resources, skills and people-power to expand the impact and influence of their ideas. Benefits include an executive education program, pro-bono consultation from University faculty and staff, peer learning events, as well as expert- and student-driven research to inform and guide their work.
About the Lipman Family Prize
First awarded in 2012, the Lipman Family Prize at the University of Pennsylvania is an annual global prize that advances creative solutions by inspiring people to think together in new ways. Administered by the Wharton School on behalf of the University of Pennsylvania, the Prize is committed to resourcing and connecting change-makers to bring innovative ideas to new places and problems around the world. Previous winners include iDE, READ Global, Breakthrough, and Riders for Health.
About the Wharton School
Founded in 1881 as the first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is recognized globally for intellectual leadership and ongoing innovation across every major discipline of business education. With a broad global community and one of the most published business school faculties, Wharton creates economic and social value around the world. The School has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students; more than 9,200 participants in executive education programs annually and a powerful alumni network of 94,000 graduates.
About the 2016 Finalists
Soccer Without Borders uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change, providing newcomer refugee, asylee, and immigrant youth with a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion, and personal success.
Hope Enterprise Corporation is a not-for-profit Community Development Financial Institution with a mission of strengthening communities, building assets and improving lives in economically distressed communities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, by providing access to affordable, responsible financial products and related services.
Namati is building a global movement of grassroots legal advocates who work with communities to advance justice. These advocates are solving problems on the front lines to ensure that people can protect their land, access essential services, and take part in the decisions that govern their lives.
Press Contacts:
Kyle Detz
Soccer Without Borders
857.264.0097
Kate FitzGerald
Lipman Family Prize
215.898.8999
kfitz@wharton.upenn.edu