United Way Worldwide has launched a $5 million initiative, The Courage Project, to spotlight individuals and nonprofits demonstrating extraordinary civic bravery—offering up to $50,000 in grants to nonprofits selected by each awardee.
United Way Worldwide, in collaboration with several philanthropic foundations, has unveiled “The Courage Project,” a landmark initiative designed to elevate and support civic bravery across the United States. This year-long campaign is set to distribute up to $5 million in grant funding to nonprofits chosen by honorees—individuals and small groups who have made remarkable contributions to their communities through acts of selfless service and advocacy.
The project, which highlights the often-overlooked work of grassroots changemakers, awards grants of up to $50,000 to a nonprofit organization designated by each honoree. Unlike many traditional awards, The Courage Project prioritizes community-driven nominations and a wide lens on what constitutes public service, creating an inclusive platform that brings national attention to local heroes.
A National Spotlight on Everyday Bravery
Launched as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, The Courage Project seeks to redefine civic recognition in America. The aim is simple yet profound: to identify and elevate individuals who have gone beyond expectations to support their neighbors and uphold democratic values, often without receiving any public acknowledgment.
Angela Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, expressed that the spirit of the project lies in recognizing those whose efforts stem from a deep love of community. “They don’t do it because they want recognition. They aren’t elected officials. It’s not something where they are required to do this work. They do it out of a love of humanity,” she stated during the initiative’s launch.
First Honorees Exemplify the Spirit of the Project
The initial round of awardees offers a powerful glimpse into the broad spectrum of civic courage in America:
United Way of South Sarasota County, Florida
This regional chapter was recognized for its tireless legal aid efforts, particularly for low-income workers and older adults. By ensuring access to legal services, the organization helps safeguard the rights and dignity of vulnerable residents, addressing a crucial yet often underfunded area of community support.
Women of Welcome, Colorado
A faith-driven nonprofit that mobilizes evangelical Christian women in support of immigrant and asylum-seeking families, Women of Welcome stands out in a politically charged climate. Director Bri Stensrud acknowledged the challenges her organization faces in fundraising for immigration work, noting that “being seen and supported means the world to us and helps open doors we couldn’t have imagined.”
Sackets Harbor Educators, New York
A trio of educators from a small school district in upstate New York—Superintendent Jennifer Gaffney, Principal Jaime Cook, and teacher Jonna St. Croix—were honored for their swift and heartfelt mobilization to support a local family detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Their collective efforts included contacting elected officials, rallying the community, and ensuring the students affected were not left behind. “Coming together as a community in this way was simply the right thing to do,” said St. Croix.
A Coalition of Support and Trust
The Courage Project is backed by several prominent philanthropic entities, including the Freedom Together Foundation, CFLeads, The James Irvine Foundation, and the Surdna Foundation. These partners bring both financial support and strategic input to the initiative, strengthening its reach and potential impact.
Deepak Bhargava, President of the Freedom Together Foundation, noted that the initiative’s value lies not just in its funding, but in the stories it tells. “Most awards are reserved for elite circles or people in the spotlight. These awards are about recognizing those on the front lines of community care and justice.”
Public Nominations: A Pathway to Inclusive Recognition
Central to the initiative’s design is a commitment to democratizing recognition. Anyone can nominate a potential awardee through The Courage Project’s official website. The goal is to ensure the nomination process is as inclusive as the stories it hopes to uncover.
Jana Gallus, a professor who studies recognition systems, emphasized that open nominations help shape broader cultural narratives. “Who we choose to recognize influences who feels seen, who is empowered to act, and who gets remembered in the history books.”
Looking Toward America’s 250th Birthday
As the nation heads toward its semiquincentennial in 2026, The Courage Project resonates with a growing movement to renew civic engagement and rebuild trust in democratic institutions through grassroots action. Rather than celebrating the well-known, this effort focuses on illuminating the quiet courage found in everyday settings—classrooms, legal clinics, churches, and neighborhood meetings.
By redirecting national attention to unsung heroes, The Courage Project fosters a culture of gratitude and civic mindfulness. It invites Americans to not only celebrate these acts but to emulate them, creating a ripple effect of engagement and empowerment across communities.
How to Get Involved
The Courage Project is now accepting nominations from the public. If you know someone who exemplifies civic courage—whether a teacher, neighbor, activist, or community volunteer—you can share their story and help them receive the recognition they deserve.
For full details and to submit a nomination, visit thecourageproject.org.
