Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Launches “Piper Trust Encore Prize”

VIRGINIA G. PIPER CHARITABLE TRUST Press Release
May 7, 2012

Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Launches “Piper Trust Encore Prize”
Opportunity for an Organization to Receive Up To $55,000 for Engaging Older Adults in Social Purpose

PHOENIX, Ariz.—To recognize and build on the achievements of nonprofit and public sector organizations that engage the talent of people over 50 in “Encore” roles—Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust is launching the Piper Trust Encore Prize.

The Encore concept—engaging people over 50 in roles that combine personal meaning with social impact—has been gaining popularity across the country, and particularly in Phoenix, as nearly 10,000 people each day turn 60 in the United States.

Piper Trust will award up to three $5,000 prizes to organizations; one of the three winning organizations may receive a $50,000 “Encore Enhancement Prize” in addition, to expand the organization’s use of Encore talent. The Piper Trust Encore Prize is anticipated to be awarded every other year.

“Since its inception, Piper Trust has strategically invested in programs and innovations that support older adults. The Piper Trust Encore Prize is a way for us to not only recognize our local organizations for the work they are doing to engage older adults in meaningful work—but to advance the growth and understanding of Encore roles and the tremendous impact they can have on individuals, organizations, communities, and society at large,” said Judy Jolley Mohraz, president and CEO, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

“The first of 78 million baby boomers have begun to hit the traditional retirement age but many aren’t retiring in traditional ways—or for that matter at all,” said Marc Freedman, founder and CEO, Civic Ventures—a San Francisco-based nonprofit think tank focused on boomers, work, and social purpose. “Instead, tens of millions want to contribute in meaningful ways to their communities, using the skills and talents they have acquired over a lifetime.”

Nonprofit and public sector organizations, within Maricopa County, can apply (or be nominated by others) for the Encore Prize. The Encore Prize targets organizations that engage experienced older adults (age 50+) in making significant contributions to the organization’s work in paid and/or unpaid roles. Preference will be given to organizations that provide some form of compensation. Compensation is broadly viewed and can include health insurance, stipends, salary, living allowance, expense reimbursement (e.g., mileage, meals), office space, computer use, Wi-Fi, cell phones, administrative support, or other creative benefits.

“Mature adults that either want to retire or retool, have something of great value—experience—and as such, organizations are learning to tap their expertise in new ways,” said Nora Hannah, CEO, Experience Matters and former business executive; Experience Matters is a Phoenix nonprofit focused on connecting talent with community needs. ”The benefits are three-fold: the organization gets invaluable talent, the individual gets personal satisfaction from doing work that makes a difference, and ultimately the community advances closer to its goals of a better life for all its citizens.”

There are 1.1 million people in Maricopa County who are age 50 or older.

“We commend Piper Trust for taking this important step toward building a community that values all its citizens and invests in what older adults can give back,” added Freedman.

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 $290 million in local nonprofits and programs. The Trust had total grants paid of $21.9 million in fiscal year 2012. 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. Follow us on Twitter @PiperTrust; and visit us on Facebook.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Leland, 480-556-7125 / kleland@pipertrust.org
Director, Communications and External Relations
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
1202 East Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona  85014