FAQ

Piper Trust Encore Prizes for Exceptional Organizations recognize nonprofits and public agencies that are addressing critical human resource needs by engaging the growing numbers of people, age 50+, in leadership roles and encore career opportunities that enrich lives and advance the common good.

Piper Trust launched this prize opportunity in 2012; the prizes will be awarded every two years. The next opportunity to apply will be in Spring 2018.

Notify me when applications are being accepted ››

Up to three organizations (nonprofits or public agencies) will receive a prize of $5,000. In addition, one of the awardees may receive a $50,000 Piper Trust Encore Enhancement Prize to further its work of engaging the talents of older adults, age 50+, in the organization’s mission and social purpose work.

Yes, the $5,000 prizes and the $50,000 Encore Enhancement Prize are grants with terms and conditions.

Yes.

In 2012, 2014, and 2016 Maricopa County nonprofits were awarded Piper Trust Encore Prizes for Exceptional Organizations – view more information about these organizations here.

Other examples:

• A nonprofit engages encore workers as direct caregivers for its programs serving people with disabilities of all ages. The project specifically recruited and trained 50 older adults (age 50+) for placement in caregiver roles with clients.
• To fill the leadership transition challenges experienced by many nonprofits, a nonprofit recruits, trains, and places retired executives in interim director positions.
• A public safety agency recruits and employs encore workers to fill jobs at all levels. One-fourth of the department’s civilian and sworn workforce is age 50+, coming from previous careers in government, retail, and business.
• To provide homes to people living in substandard and overcrowded conditions, a nonprofit has purposefully built a multigenerational workforce.
• An environmental nonprofit uses a highly effective recruitment strategy that seeks the skills of experienced encore workers and further, ensures that retention is monitored and flexible schedules are offered.
• A technical training school employs retirees from the building trades as instructors to provide training and individualized support to an “at-risk” student population.

Notify me when applications are being accepted ››

The Selection Committee will review the applications using the following criteria:

• Intent: Are intentional practices in place to engage older adults, age 50+, in the organization’s social purpose work?
• Social Purpose: What is the social need addressed by the work/encore workers? Social purpose work refers to work that directly contributes to solving important social problems, meeting important social needs, and improving life for people and communities.
• Impact: How many individuals, age 50+, are engaged in encore roles at the organization and how are they being compensated? Note: Compensation is broadly defined and can include things such as stipends, salary, 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. How does the organization measure the impact of encore workers’ contributions?
• Creativity: Does the organization use resourceful solutions to overcome obstacles in recruitment or retention of encore workers or to expand opportunities for encore workers?
• Replicability/Expansion: Does the organization have an encore engagement model that is inspirational? Does it have a “best or promising practice” in place that could be replicated by other organizations? Can the model or practice be extended to engage more people?