An inspiring new group of role models for "engaged retirement" is emerging. Unwilling to stuff envelopes or go off quietly to the sidelines, these change-makers are taking matters into their own hands and fashioning a new vision of the second half of life, one in which the expertise and talent of a lifetime is refocused on finding solutions to challenges in our communities, our country, and the world. They are living proof that aging does not equal stagnation and decline, that later life is a time of innovation, productivity, and creativity as rich as the younger years.

Yet, as a society, we have done little to elevate or underwrite the remarkable efforts of a new movement of individuals in their 60s, 70s, and beyond who constitute a lost continent of social entrepreneurship and leadership. This lack of recognition and investment reinforce the idea that the second half of life is a time of decline rather than a time of creativity, invention and contribution.

To remedy that situation, in 2006 Civic Ventures, with generous grants from The Atlantic Philanthropies and The John Templeton Foundation, launched a major initiative investing in a new generation of social innovators--individuals in the second half of life who are marshalling their accumulated experience to tackle some of America's most urgent issues.

At the heart of the effort is The Purpose Prize, which celebrates and supports outstanding individuals 60 or older who are already producing significant social innovation and accomplishing work of great importance.

Unlike any other major national award or fellowship, The Purpose Prize challenges prevailing perceptions by investing significantly in carefully screened social innovators over the age of 60. Each year we award five $100,000 prizes , as well as ten $10,000 prizes, to individuals who have demonstrated uncommon vision, determination and entrepreneurialism in addressing community and national problems. The Purpose Prize will tell the stories of these and dozens of other innovators in the second half of life.

Rather than a lifetime achievement award, however, we view the Purpose Prize as a down payment on what these 60-plus innovators will do next.

The Civic Ventures initiative also includes building a national network of socially engaged leaders -- "Purpose Prize Fellows" -- redefining the "retirement" years. Civic Ventures will connect these social innovators with each other, allowing them to share their stories and tell them to the world. The Purpose Prize Fellows network will offer resources and expert advice on seeking funding, developing a compelling story, building a local base of support, doing effective advocacy, and creating public relations and communications strategies.

Each year, Civic Ventures will provide an opportunity for this community to gather face-to-face. A national Purpose Prize Innovation Summit will bring together thought-leaders, scholars, activists, and funders with the Purpose Prize Fellows. Conversations with national leaders, panel discussions with the Prize winners, and in-depth workshops on social entrepreneurship will be interspersed with networking opportunities and cultural events.