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About The Purpose Prize® from AARP

Honoring extraordinary people 50-plus who put their purpose into action

The 2026 AARP Purpose Prize Winners (L-R): Aaron Casillas, Jacquelyn T. Thomas, Spence Limbocker, Harold Garman, Ilyssa Manspeizer, Larry McCord.
Photo credits (L-R): Cassidy Araiza, William DeShazer, Greg Kahn (2), Stephen Voss, Jennifer Silverberg for AARP.

2026 winners of The Purpose Prize from AARP (L-R): Aaron Casillas, Jacquelyn T. Thomas, Spence Limbocker, Harold Garman, Ilyssa Manspeizer, Larry McCord.


Purpose is a powerful force for good. The Purpose Prize® from AARP honors extraordinary people age 50 and older who are creating positive change in their communities while supporting AARP's mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Each winner receives $75,000 and a year of support to help grow their nonprofit's impact. Support may include fundraising strategy, governance and succession planning, data and evaluation and prospectus development. 

Could you be our next Purpose Prize winner? Applications are currently closed, but sign up here to receive updates when applications reopen in early 2027!

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. who are 50 or older. Odds of winning depends on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules for details, including full eligibility requirements. Administrator: AARP.

a crystal award

Meet the 2026 Winners of The Purpose Prize

The Purpose Prize annually recognizes extraordinary nonprofit founders working to address the needs of Americans 50 and older.