Resident-led Change

The Torchlight Prize

The Torchlight Prize was established by the Family Independence Initiative to recognize and reward groups of families, friends, or community members who have self-organized to strengthen their communities or neighborhoods.

This country has a long history of regular people working together to create a better future for their families and communities. In the work of the Family Independence Initiative over the last 10 years we've found that across the country, in communities with the fewest resources, this tradition continues. These everyday people come together without an organization or agency or with philanthropic funding; they do it on their own, “Do-It-Yourself” style.

At the heart of FII’s efforts are strategies that increase the control and choice that low income people hold in their lives and strategies that reinforce community and reward initiative. For those of us looking to impact these communities it’s time to recognize and invest directly in the problem-solving capacities, ingenuity, and ambitions that these self-organized groups demonstrate. The solutions generated by the people in communities present the most sustainable and scalable route to social and economic mobility.

By recognizing and supporting these groups of everyday people we can amplify their impact.

Learn more about the Torchlight Prize, read the winners' stories, or nominate a group.