The AARP Purpose Prize award is a national award in the United States that celebrates people 50 and older who are using their life experience to make a difference. Through the Purpose Prize award, AARP celebrates the creativity, innovation, and inspiration that life experience brings.

Through this important annual award, AARP seeks to create a world in which it is the norm for people age 50 and over to leverage their life’s wisdom and lived experience to find a new purpose, make a difference, and be valued for their innovative ideas. Up to seven Winners who have founded a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organization will win $50,000 for their organization to honor the Winner’s achievements. They will also have access to a number of technical assistance organizational supports and resources to help broaden their organizations’ impact.

All applications go through a formal and structured review process that includes several rounds of review by a prestigious jury of national leaders who have used their life experience for good and AARP staff reviewers. Based on the selection criteria, the jury and the AARP staff reviewers make final Winner selections which are subject to the approval of an AARP executive.

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

Commitment to Diversity

AARP staff reviewers and jury are committed to principles of diversity, inclusion and equity. From its inception, this award was created and intended to uplift the voices and lived experiences of all people — regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability status.