I have been thinking a lot about age-based attitudes in the nonprofit workplace lately even as it takes me longer and longer to stand from my editor’s traditional on-duty sitting position in my favorite office chair with the duct tape mended arms. I may be older, but I am more effective than when I was younger.  I have always thought about such things as aging at work. I have seen young and old fail and succeed in the nonprofit sector with roughly equal measures.

Today, I want to suggest that you acknowledge those around you who are older and more mature like me.  Encourage  the more accomplished of them – specifically founders of nonprofits over 50—to apply for a $50,000 award given out by AARP. The AARP Purpose Prize award is unusual in that it is specifically for an older founder instead of an up and comer. One of the qualifiers is that the applicant must have started their social endeavor after 40. Additionally, the cash award goes to the organization to help them succeed. Good stuff!

So, with that I pass along the link to apply – and let me know if you applied or know someone who applied! I’m just nosey that way.

Sincerely,

Ruth McCambridge

Founder and Editor in Chief Nonprofit Quarterly