About the Program

“The program has helped broaden my focus from a social entrepreneurship model to a social movement model—one that turns recipients into activists.”
Sara Horowitz, Founder and Executive Director, Working Today and the Freelancers Union

Prime Movers are recommended for the program by a group of nominators. All of the leaders we select for the program have extensive expertise in their movements and a strong base of support both locally and nationally. Each year, we invite up to 12 new fellows to join our program. In addition to receiving grant funds of $60,000 over two years, Prime Movers participate in seminars on critical issues related to mobilizing masses and have opportunities to reflect on their experiences with their peers in the program.

Prime Movers apply their $60,000 grants toward developing individual leadership. Each fellow creates a two-year work plan that identifies the use for his or her grant funds that will most enhance the individual's contribution to his or her movement. Prime Movers often use their grants to attend leadership seminars, undergo media training, develop presentation skills, write books, or produce documentaries about their work.

Read a brochure about the Prime Movers program and fellows.