Meet six extraordinary Californians who are successfully addressing some of the state’s most critical challenges. As recipients of the 2013 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards, each of them will receive $125,000 to support their work benefiting the people of California.

This year’s award recipients are helping to improve the lives of thousands of Californians every day. Whether it is increasing economic opportunity for low-wage workers or fostering a more productive learning environment for our elementary school children, these individuals remind us that the ingenuity and optimism needed to solve difficult problems exists throughout our state.

“I’m inspired by the transformative results these leaders have achieved by collaborating across sectors to come up with new and effective solutions,” said Jim Canales, president and CEO of the Irvine Foundation. “They each have excelled at building upon the assets of California’s residents and communities to improve the future of our state.”

Please join us in honoring and celebrating these inspiring leaders. Our aim is to shine a spotlight on their success, so that their proven solutions can inform state policymaking and better the lives of more Californians. We want to encourage others to help grow and replicate their models for an even greater impact on our state.

About the Awards

Now in its eighth year, the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards recognize and support individuals who are advancing innovative and effective solutions to significant state issues. Nominees may be working in any field — such as education, health, housing, economic development or the environment — in the public, private or nonprofit sector.

Since the program was launched, we have recognized 45 recipients, including both individuals and groups.

Nominate a Leader

Nominations for the 2014 awards were accepted through April 10, 2013 and are now closed. We anticipate nominations for the 2015 Leadership Awards will open in January 2014.

The Foundation provides each award recipient with $125,000 to support his or her work to benefit the people of California. At least $100,000 is designated for core support of the leader’s project or organization, and up to $25,000 may be used for professional or organizational development activities. The Foundation also assists recipients in sharing their promising approaches with policymakers and practitioners.

Learn more about the awards.