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The David Prize, an initiative of the Walentas Foundation, is offering $200,000 USD to five individuals with bold, innovative ideas to create meaningful and lasting change across New York City.
With $1 million USD in total awards, the programme supports passionate individuals developing solutions to social, cultural, economic and environmental challenges affecting local communities.
Unlike traditional grants, The David Prize provides unrestricted financial support, giving winners the freedom to develop their ideas and make a positive impact without conventional grant reporting requirements.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes individuals who:
Live and work in New York City, across its five boroughs.
Have an ambitious vision to improve the city and its communities.
Demonstrate a track record of taking action and creating positive change.
Have the determination and ability to turn their ideas into reality.
Could significantly benefit from the funding and recognition offered.
Applicants can be entrepreneurs, community leaders, artists, activists, educators or individuals working across other sectors.
Important: The prize is awarded to individuals rather than organisations. Applicants may be affiliated with a business or charity, but the focus is on the person and their vision.
What Can the Funding Support?
The prize welcomes innovative ideas across a wide range of areas, including:
1. Community Development
Projects strengthening local communities.
Initiatives addressing poverty and inequality.
Activities improving access to essential opportunities and services.
Programmes supporting underserved communities.
2. Social Innovation
New approaches to tackling social challenges.
Initiatives supporting young people and vulnerable residents.
Projects addressing barriers to employment and education.
Innovative solutions to local community needs.
3. Arts, Culture and Creativity
Creative projects celebrating New York City's communities.
Cultural initiatives encouraging inclusion and participation.
Programmes supporting artistic expression and community engagement.
4. Environmental and Economic Change
Community-led environmental initiatives.
Projects promoting sustainability.
Innovative approaches to economic opportunity.
Initiatives improving neighbourhoods and public spaces.
These are examples rather than restricted funding categories. Applicants are encouraged to propose bold ideas that could make New York City a better place.
Funding Available
Award Amount: $200,000 USD per winner.
Total Funding Available: $1 million USD.
Number of Awards: Five.
Funding Type: Unrestricted individual prize.
Location: New York City, United States.
Application Status: Open.
Application Deadline: 30 November 2026.
Reporting Requirements: No conventional grant reporting or impact metrics required.
How Are Applications Assessed?
Applicants are considered based on:
Vision: The originality and ambition of their idea.
Community Impact: How their work could improve New York City.
Track Record: Evidence of commitment and previous achievements.
Determination: Their ability to overcome challenges and deliver results.
Potential: How the award could accelerate their work and create meaningful change.
How to Apply
Interested individuals must complete the official online application through The David Prize submission platform.
The application process includes:
Step 1 – Initial Application: Submit a short application outlining your vision and how you intend to improve New York City.
Step 2 – Invitation Only: Selected applicants are invited to provide further information about their ideas and experience.
Shortlisting: The organisers conduct additional research and interviews with shortlisted candidates.
Final Interviews: Finalists participate in an interview before five winners are selected.
Nominations are optional, and individuals can apply directly without being nominated.