News Notes
The India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA), a U.S.-based coalition of 21 nonprofit, philanthropic, and charitable organizations focused on India, has announced its 6th Annual Youth Essay Competition. This year’s theme, #FutureByYou, emphasizes youth agency and empowerment in building a better tomorrow for the world, and for India in particular.
Since the competition’s inception, shortly after IPA’s public launch in 2019, it has served as a platform for young voices to engage with global challenges and philanthropic action. Students are encouraged to research one of the most challenging issues facing India today and write a well-researched and compelling essay that outlines the challenges and opportunities of their chosen topic. Each year around10 essays are published on the India Giving Day website, giving students an opportunity to have their voices and ideas heard and to identify allies in advancing their visions of a better world.
“We believe young people have the ability to think of complex social challenges in new ways and propose innovative solutions,” said Alex Counts, Executive Director of the India Philanthropy Alliance. “This competition reinforces that they have the power to shape India’s future through thoughtful analysis and pragmatic ideas.”
The competition will be judged separately for Middle School and High School youth by a panel of nonprofit professionals. Winners in each category will have the opportunity to present their ideas at a national gathering of philanthropists, business leaders, and nonprofit executives in the fall of this year and to direct a grant of $1,000 to the charity of their choice. Runners-up can direct a $500 grant to a nonprofit they select and have their essay promoted on IPA’s website and social media channels, and to its network organizations.
The deadline to submit an essay is July 1, 2025. Winners will be notified in late August or early September at which time they will be contacted to coordinate travel plans. Airfare and accommodation to the philanthropy conference will be provided by the IPA.
For more details, visit indiaphilanthropyalliance.org.
