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Meet the 2025 Award recipients

The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards recognize leaders whose innovative solutions to critical state challenges improve people’s lives, create opportunity, and contribute to a better California.

The Foundation spotlights these leaders, helps share their approaches with policymakers and peers, and provides each of their organizations with a grant of $350,000 and additional resources.

Nominations Open February 18.

Nominations for the 2027 Leadership Awards will be open February 18 – March 20, 2026. Get ready to nominate by reading more about the selection criteria, eligibility, and nominations timeline.

2025 Award Recipients

The 2025 Award recipients are tackling critical issues such as Indigenous science and food sovereignty, Latina civic leadership, environmental justice, Black maternal health, equity in library services, and representation in entertainment.

12 Finalists Selected for the 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards

Thank you to all who nominated California leaders for the 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards Your submissions continue to highlight the...

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