Seven Finalists Named for the 7th Annual Gregor G. Peterson Prize in Venture Philanthropy
The family of Gregor G, Peterson, in partnership with Hoplin Jackson Charitable Advisors, is pleased to announce this year’s finalists for the Gregor G. Peterson Prize in Venture Philanthropy. The Prize honors the life and legacy of Gregor G. Peterson, a pioneer in venture capital who believed deeply in mentoring hardworking entrepreneurs and promoting the values of freedom, equality, and justice. In his spirit, the Prize seeks to identify and accelerate the nation’s most innovative and effective non-profit organizations—those with bold, scalable ideas for solving our country's most pressing challenges.
The selection process is always rigorous, and this year was no exception. We received a record number of applications from an impressive field of leaders representing varied specialties and expertise. After a multi-stage review process involving in-depth research, interviews, in-person meetings, and analyses, we are thrilled to share the seven finalists for the 2025 Gregor G. Peterson Prize.
These organizations represent the best of nonprofit entrepreneurship. We are proud to introduce them to you.
The 2025 Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Always on Energy Research (AOER)
As America’s energy demands grow, particularly with the rise of AI, ensuring grid reliability is paramount. AOER is challenging flawed and outdated energy metrics by creating proprietary models that give policymakers and the public a more accurate understanding of the true costs of energy production. Led by founder and president Amy Oliver Cooke, a veteran leader of state-based think tanks and a former host of an award-winning radio show, AOER is empowering state leaders to make decisions that prioritize affordable, reliable power for all Americans.
Recognizing that education is not one size fits all, BPUE is mobilizing one of America’s most trusted institutions to build capacity for the school choice movement: the church. BPUE activates Black pastors to both transform underutilized church facilities into vibrant learning centers and schools, and trains pastors to remove barriers to education access in their home states. Founder Rev. Joshua Robertson brings a powerful personal testimony to this work, having overcome his own educational challenges to graduate from seminary with the highest GPA in his class. Now scaling nationally, this innovative model provides tailored educational opportunities for low-income youth while empowering faith leaders to become powerful advocates for school choice.
At a time of increasing ideological conformity on elite university campuses, the David Network is boldly advancing intellectual freedom by bringing together and nurturing a community of liberty-minded students, faculty, and alumni on 10 campuses. The Network is led by founder Lucas Cremers, a Columbia graduate and former investment banker at Goldman Sachs, with a vision for strengthening talent pipelines in the liberty movement. Rather than creating a siloed campus club, the Network strategically organizes across a wide range of campus groups—from athletic teams to fraternities. It is building a robust community equipped to defend free expression and restore open debate at our nation’s most prestigious and influential institutions.
While many think tanks have shifted toward political activism, EPIC is reviving the crucial role of trusted, non-partisan policy advisor. Guided by the leadership of President and CEO Paul Winfree, a former deputy domestic policy advisor in the White House, EPIC provides policymakers with trusted economic expertise. By providing rigorous, accessible, and timely analysis on the federal budget and economic issues generally, EPIC has become an indispensable resource for Members of Congress and their staff. EPIC’s behind-the-scenes work is shaping critical fiscal policy and steering America toward a more sustainable economic future.
Investor Choice Advocates Network (ICAN)
ICAN is defending the principle that every American should have the freedom to invest in their own future. This first-of-its-kind legal advocacy group challenges the SEC’s regulatory overreach which often creates insurmountable barriers for everyday investors and entrepreneurs. President Nicolas Morgan, a former senior trial counsel at the SEC, leverages his insider understanding of the regulatory process. Through strategic litigation and advocacy, ICAN is working to open capital markets to all, unleashing the full potential of American innovation.
Kite & Key Media
In a media landscape filled with misinformation, Kite & Key Media is a beacon of clarity. Co-founders Vanessa Mendoza, formerly of the Manhattan Institute, and Troy Senik, a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, bring a unique combination of policy and storytelling expertise to their work. Kite and Key masterfully translates complex, data-driven research on topics such as housing, energy, and education into engaging, visually compelling short-form videos that are captivating yet informative. By meeting younger audiences where they are—on platforms including YouTube and TikTok—Kite & Key is making nuanced policy ideas accessible and equipping a new generation with knowledge of the issues.
Paragon Health Institute
Paragon is at the forefront of developing free-market solutions to America’s healthcare crisis. Founder, Brian Blase, PhD, is a former White House special assistant for economic policy and has become one of Washington’s most respected and highly sought-after healthcare experts. With a reputation as the “gold standard” for speed and accuracy, Paragon’s research and policy recommendations have been central to major legislative reforms aimed at making healthcare more affordable and effective. This work empowers patients, reduces government waste, and fosters a more competitive and innovative healthcare system.
Congratulations to each of the seven finalists for their outstanding work and dedication to their respective missions. The winner of the 2025 Gregor G. Peterson Prize will be announced at the States and Nation Policy Summit, hosted by American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in December 2025.