Identifying the most creative people and organizations pursuing innovative, market-based solutions that will eradicate poverty in their communities.

State Policy Network’s vision is an America where all people can flourish because collaborative, entrepreneurial leaders have secured lasting social change, personal freedom, and economic opportunity at the state and local level.

The reality of poverty in the United States defies that vision. As long as tens of millions of Americans live in poverty, they cannot fully support one another in creating and maintaining the strong communities that have made America a beacon of hope around the world.

We’re excited to identify the most creative people and organizations pursuing innovative, market-based solutions that will eradicate poverty in their communities. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000.

First-round application deadline: Monday, February 3, 2025

About the Pathways to Prosperity Prize

Supported by grants from the John Templeton Foundation, Rising Tide Foundation, and the Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, the Pathways Prize inspires and accelerates projects that offer market-based solutions to the many challenges poverty presents to our communities.

The Pathways to Prosperity Prize was awarded for the first time in 2024. 

The Pathways Prize is highly competitive, and a limited number of awards will be made.  Grant award amounts range from $20,000 to $75,000 and winners meet with SPN staff quarterly to report on progress during the twelve-month period of the grant (Q3 2025-Q3 2026).  

We expect applications from those working in education, health, housing, food, economic development, social welfare, social connection, and criminal justice. Applicants may be able to draw attention to efforts in areas not mentioned above, so we welcome projects in areas not listed as long as they meet the prize guidelines and requirements.  

I know that, out of this, there's going to be vulnerable kids whose lives are changed…

Josue Sanchez
Area Director, CarePorta
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This highly competitive grant program is open to non-profits with a 501(c)(3) designation. SPN members with eligible projects are encouraged to apply, but applicants are not required to be SPN members to submit applications or compete.  

SPN will not consider requests for general operating support or capital improvement. Applications must be project-based (i.e., have a beginning and end date [even if that date falls beyond the twelve-month term of this grant] as well as clear success metrics).  

The competition occurs in two rounds:    

  • A first round that includes a short application soliciting basic information (opens January 6, 2025) 

  • A second, invitation round only follows the first round and requires a more detailed application (invited applicants will receive notice around February 24, 2025)   

Applications will be welcomed via online form submission. Hard copies or proposals submitted via email will not be accepted. All applicants will be asked to provide:   

  • Organizational information, including confirmation and documentation that your organization is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit.   

  • An executive summary (100 words or less) of your project   

  • An explanation of why you are applying for Pathways to Prosperity that includes:  

  • Demonstration of project’s alignment with the guiding principles listed above.   

  • An explanation of how the success of the project would be measured.  

Those who are invited to the second, full application cycle must also provide additional detail about their projects, including (but not limited to):  

  • Project outline and budget, including goals and detailed information about evaluation and impact, and how requested funds will be used over the following year.   

  • A video of team members explaining why the organization is applying for the Pathways to Prosperity Prize.  

  • Second-round applications will undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes external judges. Applicants who progress to the second round will be notified of results in late May.  

Only a small number of projects will be selected to receive a grant award. Our expectation is that fewer than five prizes will be awarded. 

Eligibility, Process & Awards

Refer a Candidate

Do you know an individual or organization who may benefit from learning more about SPN’s Pathways to Prosperity Prize and other opportunities?

Tell us about them >>

Is Your Project a Good Fit?

  • Does your project address poverty in your state, city, or community? 

  • Does your project increase individual and community freedom, ultimately reducing dependency on government assistance?  

  • Does your project have clear, measurable goals?  

  • If you reach those goals, will you be able to show others how your project has affected an indicator of poverty?  

  • Can you explain those goals to someone who is not an expert?  

Are you:  

  • An organization with a 501(c)(3) determination?  

  • Excited to share your learning with others across the country who may be able to adapt and apply it to improve their own communities?  

If you answered “yes” to these questions, we encourage you to fill out an application form to be considered once the application opens on January 6, 2025.

The Pathways to Prosperity Prize helps us support young people as they transition from education to employment.

Aaron Frumin
Founder and CEO,
unCommon Construction

Additional Benefits

SPN wants to know about your work.

Applying may qualify you for these additional benefits.

Strong applicants will benefit from other opportunities even if they do not ultimately win the Pathways to Prosperity Prize. Applicants of interest may receive support and resources including:    

  • Invitations to participate in Accelerator Workshop co-creation events.  

  • Information about or invitations to apply for other grant opportunities.   

  • Training and workshop opportunities.  

  • Invitations to SPN events, briefings, and networking.  

If one or all of these opportunities interest you, please indicate your interest in your Pathways application. 

Meet the 2024 Winners

  • 2024 Pathways to Prosperity Prize Winner: CarePortal

    CarePortal

    CarePortal connects local care stakeholders—the faith community, businesses, education, government, and nonprofits—with children and families in crisis

  • 2024 Pathways to Prosperity Prize Winner: Doxa Development

    Doxa Development

    Doxa Development revitalizes lives, families, and cities through community-based entrepreneurship. 

  • 2024 Pathways to Prosperity Prize Winner: Uncommon Construction

    Uncommon Construction

    unCommon Construction uses the build process to empower youth with the skills, network, resources, and experience to lead the workforce after high school or college.

Application Contact

We appreciate your interest in the Pathways Prize, and we look forward to receiving your application. Because of the interest in the prize and the number of requests we receive, we are not able to speak with applicants one-on-one during the first round.   

If you have technical issues with the application (e.g., you are unable to submit, the application page does not load, etc.), please contact us via this form. Requests for calls during the first round will be declined, though clarifying questions can be submitted via the form and we will do our best to respond in a timely manner.