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Piper Trust Accepting Applications for 2014 Encore Prizes for Exceptional Organizations

NOTE:  The application process closed on June 11, 2014.
Awardees of Piper Trust Encore Prizes for Exceptional Organizations will be announced in November 2014.


VIRGINIA G. PIPER CHARITABLE TRUST Press Release
May 7, 2014

Piper Trust Accepting Applications for 2014 Encore Prizes for Exceptional Organizations
Prize Opportunity for Nonprofits and Public Agencies that Engage Baby Boomers in Encore Roles

PHOENIX, Ariz.—Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust is now accepting applications for the 2014 Piper Trust Encore Prizes for Exceptional Organizations. Encore Prizes recognize nonprofits and public agencies that are pioneering new ways of engaging adults, age 50+, in solving problems, meeting important social needs, and improving life for people and communities.

Piper Trust will award up to three organizations with prizes of $5,000 each. In cases of exceptional achievement, one of the three organizations may receive a $50,000 Encore Enhancement Prize to help expand its use of encore talent.

The encore movement engages baby boomers in roles that combine personal meaning with social impact. With more than 1 million people, age 50+, in Maricopa County, the encore movement is gaining strong momentum in Greater Phoenix. As these adults approach traditional retirement ages, a vast majority are not retiring. Instead, they want to contribute to the community in meaningful ways, using skills and talents they have acquired over a lifetime. Piper Trust’s Encore Prizes website features a new video about Maricopa County’s encore movement.

“Baby boomers want their lives to matter at this new stage of life. Encore opportunities speak to baby boomers’ hopes and our community’s needs,” said Judy Jolley Mohraz, president and CEO, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

More and more, as people enter their 50s and 60s, they look to a new turn in their working life that brings fresh challenges and rewards. For them, the next step is their encore—and many nonprofits and public agencies are finding among these encore adults a rich source of professional and technical expertise, maturity, and vision. Innovative organizations and skilled encore workers together create remarkable impact—new forms of community service, new avenues of leadership, and new solutions to social problems.

Nonprofits and public agencies in Maricopa County offering strong encore career opportunities can apply (or be nominated by others) for Piper Trust Encore Prizes for Exceptional Organizations. Nonprofits are required to have operated for a minimum of three years. The strongest applicants engage encore workers in strategic roles and provide some form of compensation to encore workers. Compensation is broadly defined and can include: stipends, salaries, health insurance, living allowance, expense reimbursement (e.g., mileage, meals); office space, administrative support, use of computers/Wi-Fi/cell phones; or other creative benefits.

The Trust established Encore Prizes in 2012 to celebrate existing encore engagement practices and to inspire more organizations to tap the experience of older adults. Mission of Mercy, Mesa United Way, and Neighbors Who Care were the inaugural 2012 Encore Prize awardees.

For more details and/or to submit an application for an organization visit www.pipertrust.org/encore. Applications are due June 11, 2014 through the online portal. Awardees of the 2014 Piper Trust Encore Prizes for Exceptional Organizations will be announced and celebrated at a fall event.

About Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust:

A private independent foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust honors Virginia Galvin Piper’s philanthropic commitment to changing lives and strengthening community in Maricopa County (Arizona). By investing in nonprofits and encouraging strategic planning for the future, Piper Trust strives to make Maricopa County a stronger, more nurturing and vibrant community. Since it began awarding grants in 2000, Piper Trust has invested more than $322 million in local nonprofits and programs. Piper Trust grantmaking areas are healthcare and medical research, children, older adults, arts and culture, education and religious organizations. For more information, visit www.pipertrust.org. For timely news and items of interest—join us on Twitter (@PiperTrust) and Facebook.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Leland, 480-556-7125 / [email protected]
Director, Communications and External Relations
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
1202 East Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona  85014