Meet five extraordinary Californians who are successfully addressing some of the state's critical challenges. As recipients of the 2012 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards, each of them will receive $125,000 to support their work benefitting the people of California.

This year's award recipients are helping to improve the lives of thousands of Californians every day. Whether it is cultivating a new generation of farmers or helping transform the lives of formerly incarcerated youth, they remind us that the ingenuity, resourcefulness and determination needed to solve tough problems exist throughout our state.

"In difficult times, we must not lose sight of the creative solutions and transformative results that Californians are achieving on some of our most significant problems," said Jim Canales, president and CEO of the Irvine Foundation. "We want to shine a spotlight on these inspiring leaders, and we want to encourage others to help grow and replicate their successful models for an even greater impact on our state."

Please join us in honoring and celebrating their success, so that their proven solutions can inform state policymaking and better the lives of more Californians.

About the Awards
Now in its seventh year, the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards recognize and support individuals who are advancing innovative and effective solutions to significant state issues. Nominees may be working in any field — such as education, health, housing, economic development or the environment — in the public, private or nonprofit sector.

Since the program was launched, we have recognized 39 recipients, including both individuals and groups.

Nominations for the 2013 awards are now open. Please help us recognize effective, innovative leaders, and nominate someone you know for a James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. Nominations are due Friday, March 30, 2012.

The Foundation provides each award recipient with $125,000 to support his or her work to benefit the people of California. At least $100,000 is designated for core support of the leader's project or organization, and up to $25,000 may be used for professional or organizational development activities. The Foundation also assists recipients in sharing their promising approaches with policymakers and practitioners.

Learn more About the Awards.