Social innovation is what moves societies forward—through solutions that help solve compelling social issues, making life better and more equitable for all. 

The Dallas Foundation, the first community foundation in Texas, awards the Pegagus Prize each year to a local organization applying innovative approaches to addressing community needs. Today it announced the three finalists for this year’s $50,000 prize.

The annual social innovation grant is given to a nonprofit organization, a for-profit organizations with a charitable purpose, or a hybrid organization applying innovative approaches to addressing community needs. Since its inception, the Pegasus Prize has been an early investor in innovative organizations including Bonton Farms, After8toEducate, Yoga N Da Hood, 2S Industries, Impact Ventures and most recently, FreeWorld. 

Faster, cost-effective, data-driven solutions

The Dallas Foundation uses the prize to discover organizations that are already finding something on their own—innovative ways to find solutions that are “faster, cost-effective, data-driven, and create better outcomes for residents of Dallas County.”

This year’s finalists are Kosmos Arts & Tech, Project Lorenzo, and Seeds 2 STEM. 

“All three of these finalists embody everything the Pegasus Prize stands for,” said Matthew Randazzo, president and CEO of The Dallas Foundation, in a statement. “These organizations share a focus on fueling change that enables individuals to reach their full potential. We can’t wait to see how receiving The Dallas Foundation’s Pegasus Prize amplifies the impact and reach of one of these incredibly worthy causes.”

 All three organizations share a goal of creating pathways out of poverty that can enact true community change: 

[Photo: Kosmos Arts & Tech]

Kosmos Arts & Tech’s Switch Workshop offers young adults a reflective, dynamic, and creativity-driven workshop designed to help them switch their thinking into a “success mindset.”

[Photo: Project Lorenzo]

Project Lorenzo’s Skilled Jobs Program helps people leave homeless shelters and low-wage jobs by providing Google certification training and other IT skills training, mentoring, and job placement services. 

[Image: Seeds 2 STEM]

Seeds 2 STEM’s Youth HUB offers a career readiness solution that enables job seekers and high school students to build their workplace readiness skills—delivered through a self-paced, career-focused online learning management system.

The winner will be announced tomorrow (Tuesday) at a 5 p.m. ceremony in the Convene Conference Center at Pegasus Park.

Foundation just crossed $1 billion in total giving since 1929

Since 1929, the Dallas Foundation has brought together people, ideas, and investments in Greater Dallas so individuals and families can reach their full potential. Earlier this month, it announced that it had crossed the $1 billion mark in total giving during its history. In 2021 alone, the foundation, in partnership with more than 400 fundholders, invested over $80 million into the community.

For more information about The Dallas Foundation and the Pegasus Prize, go here. 

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