GUIDELINES

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization in good standing. New or existing groups, and those operating at the state or national level, are encouraged to apply, provided that they are requesting support for an innovative project. Only applications that are project-specific, rather than general operating support, will be considered. 

Priority will be given to those projects that: 

• Empower parents to make their own education choices  
• Secure our borders and reduce crime  
• Ensure free and fair elections  
• Reduce the growth of government spending and inflation  
• Counter the threat of Communist China  
• Hold Big Tech accountable  
• Protect unborn life and family formation  
• Promote leadership development
• Unleash American energy 
• Root out the Deep State

Learn more about these issues here. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications for the Innovation Prizes are now open. To be considered for this round of prize funding, applications must be received by 11:59 pm ET on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Prior to submitting a full application, we encourage you to reach out to see if your project and organization would be a good fit for the Innovation Prizes. Feel free to email us a brief project description, and if the project falls within the guidelines and objectives of the Innovation Prizes, you will be notified and encouraged to apply for the next round.   

Email inquiries can be sent to [email protected], and we will follow up with you.   

Applicants will be required to provide the following: 

• A description of the project, its objectives, desired outcome, and timetable 
• A project budget, specific request for an award amount, and supporting documentation  
• A list of the participants in the project and their qualifications  
• A description of the organization, list of the board of directors, the total operating budget for the current fiscal year, and annual report    
• Copy of the IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status  
• A copy of your most recent IRS form 990

Additional information may be requested if needed for further evaluation.  

PREVIOUS WINNERS

2024 Innovation Prizes 

• American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• American Accountability Foundation
• Carolinas Academic Leadership Network
• Center for Christian Virtue
• Claremont Institute
• The College Fix
• Feds for Freedom
• Immigration Accountability Project
• Institute for Family Studies & Ethics and Public Policy Center

2023 Innovation Prizes

• Communio
• National Association of Scholars
• Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs
• Speech First
• Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation

2022 Innovation Prizes

• Alliance Defending Freedom
• Americans United for Life
• Charlotte Lozier Institute
• Defense of Freedom Institute
• Forge Leadership Network
• Georgia Center for Opportunity, Pelican Institute for Public Policy, and Texas Public Policy Foundation (Alliance for Opportunity)
• Independent Women's Forum
• State Financial Officers Foundation
• Thomas Jefferson Institute (Virginia Education Opportunity Alliance)

I’D LIKE TO APPLY FOR AN INNOVATION PRIZE. WHERE DO I START?  
Prior to submitting a full application, we encourage you to reach out to see if your project would be a good fit for the Innovation Prizes. Feel free to email us a brief project description, and if the project falls within the guidelines and objectives of the Innovation Prizes, you will be notified and encouraged to submit an application. Email inquiries can be sent to [email protected], and we will follow up with you. To submit an application, please see the “Apply” section below.

MY PROJECT RELATES TO AMERICA’S 250^th ANNIVERSARY. CAN I APPLY?
We encourage all non-profits with innovative projects related to America’s semiquincentennial to apply for the America’s 250th Innovation Prize. The application round will open Friday, January 31, 2025. Details will be available soon.

Projects eligible for this special prize round include educational initiatives, cultural events, public forums, exhibitions, books, and films. If you are unsure whether your project qualifies for the America’s 250th Innovation Prize Round, please email [email protected], and we will be happy to provide feedback.

IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?  
No, there is no fee.  

CAN A NEW NON-PROFIT APPLY FOR CONSIDERATION?   
Yes. There is no requirement regarding the age of the institution.  

DOES THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION EXPECT TO INFLUENCE THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF MY ORGANIZATION  IN RETURN FOR THE PRIZE?  
No, but it is anticipated that Heritage will help to publicize the awarded project, and prize recipients may collaborate with Heritage and other groups in their efforts.    

HOW WILL THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION ADMINISTER THE PRIZE PROCESS? 
Applicants will be notified that their application has been received, and applicants may be asked to answer further questions or take part in a more detailed discussion of your project.  

HOW WILL THE WINNERS BE ANNOUNCED? 
Prize winners will be notified by The Heritage Foundation privately, followed by a public announcement.    

WHAT REPORTING WILL BE REQUIRED?  
A report detailing the impact of the project is expected.  

CAN AN ORGANIZATION SUBMIT MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR DIFFERENT INITIATIVES? 
Yes. 

CAN A PAST RECIPIENT APPLY FOR A NEW PRIZE? 
Yes. 

WHAT IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS? 
Questions and letters of inquiry may be sent to [email protected]  

APPLY

Click here to apply!

Please note that there are two pages to the application form. The first page consists of questions and the second page contains a Dropbox link for uploading documents.

The option to print a PDF copy of your application will be available once the form is submitted.

To download a preview of the application questions before submitting the application form, please click here.

Applications will close on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.