Throughout New York City, dedicated individuals take action in response to the city's most pressing social issues. The Union Square Awards Program was established in 1998 to encourage grassroots activism as a means of strengthening communities in New York City. Award winners are visionaries and risk takers who, motivated by a passion for human rights and social justice, create projects and build organizations to address the city's social, political and economic issues. Their work makes vital contributions to the city and serves as an inspiration to others.

The Union Square Award is made once a year. Individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary initiative responding to critical issues in New York City and whose projects or organizations have not yet received substantial funding and public recognition are considered. Specifically, the award supports work in the areas of homelessness and hunger; HIV/AIDS prevention, education and treatment; youth leadership and organizing; family and community development; economic self-sufficiency and conflict resolution. To read about the work of past awardees, click here.

Prospective candidates are identified through a nomination process. Review for each year's awards begins in January and is ongoing through June. Each nomination is reviewed as it is received. In the fall, the names of the individuals and projects emerging as the strongest candidates are submitted to the Union Square Awards Selection Panel. Winners are notified of their decisions and receive the award in November. The award consists of a grant of up to $50,000.

> Click here to submit your nominations. <