Six Finalists Named for the 6th Annual Gregor G. Peterson Prize in Venture Philanthropy

The family of Gregor G. Peterson, in partnership with Hoplin Jackson Charitable Advisors, today announced the 2024 finalists for the $250,000 grant, payable over three years.

All six finalists are U.S. nonprofits with bold ideas and a demonstrated capacity to effectively advance the human condition while honoring the touchstone concepts of liberty, equality, and justice—the mission of the Prize.

Hoplin Jackson completed due diligence on all nominees, including reviewing of written materials, conducting interviews with leadership, and more. 

The following six nonprofits or new projects are the Gregor G. Peterson finalists for 2024:

·       Available to All

·       Bluebridge Alliance

·       Emergent Order Foundation (“Radical Discourse”)

·       Informing America Foundation

·       Investor Choice Advocates Network (ICAN)

·       National Microschooling Center

The winner of this year’s Gregor G. Peterson Prize in Venture Philanthropy will be announced in-person in December 2024 at the ALEC States & Nations Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. 

You can read more about the finalists and their leaders below.

Available to All, Covina, California

Available to All believes that all kids deserve access to a quality public education, regardless of their background, zip code, or disability.  As a watchdog nonprofit, it seeks to promote  standards of fairness in admission policies and attendance zones of all public schools, including charter schools, magnet schools, and traditional public schools ensuring that the very best public schools are truly open to the public.  Available to All is led by Tim DeRoche, an expert in education policy and the author of A Fine Line: How Most American Kids are Kept Out of the Best Public Schools.

Bluebridge Alliance, Puyallup, Washington

Bluebridge seeks to restore confidence in public safety and, specifically, in local police forces to keep communities safe by providing discretionary funds for police forces.  Access to a fund aims to: 1) provide people in crisis with immediate relief 2) build a deep appreciation and trust for our police forces by creating situations when people engage with the police in a non-confrontational way; and 3) improve police officer mental health and agency culture to improve recruitment, retention, and crime reduction.  Brian Spracklen, a CEO who hails from a law enforcement background, launched this nonprofit in Washington State and is seeking to scale his effort nationally.

Emergent Order Foundation’s “Radical Discourse” Platform, Austin, Texas

Emergent Order is a professional studio dedicated to advancing the principles of liberty in culture through content creation and production of commercials, music videos, and digital shorts. It launched a new project called “Radical Discourse” in 2024. Using music videos and rap rhythms specifically, Radical Discourse aims to explain complex ideas and generate dialogue among young people.  EOF tackles important issues such as climate change, immigration, economics, and more in debate form.  John Papola, CEO, is seeking to build on his nationally acclaimed rap videos (e.g., Fear the Boom and Bust: Keynes vs. Hayek) by creating a new genre of music video debates.

Informing America Foundation, Rockville, Maryland

IAF seeks to build a national and coordinated network of news outlets and public policy organizations on the center-right.  IAF works with journalists, researchers, and whistleblowers to report on stories ignored by the mainstream media and incentivizes cooperation by providing funds for individuals and entities engaged in the dissemination of news stories it finds critical for our country.  CEO Deborah Meyers, a veteran of cable television and the entertainment industry, is seeking to reach new audiences with the truth.

Investor Choice Advocates (ICAN), Los Angeles, California

Investor Choice Advocates Network (ICAN) believes in the freedom of people to choose how to invest their own money and works to break down barriers to capital markets, unleashing the full potential of American markets and empowering innovators.  It specifically aims to restrain the power and overreach of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Experienced attorney and President Nick Morgan seeks to provide smaller investors and entrepreneurs—those of ordinary means—with access to legal counsel when challenging the SEC. 

National Microschooling Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

The Center aims to be the national leader of the microschool movement, expanding the growth and success of these pioneering small schools and providing resources to leaders, families, policymakers, and others.  Microschools are nontraditional, innovative, multifamily small learning environments, usually created by parents or educational entrepreneurs.  Husband and wife team, Don & Ashley Soifer, are offering start-up assistance, training, educational resources, legal support, research, and policy leadership.