Dubai: The seventh edition of the Hope Makers initiative has received more than 21,000 nominations and applications within three weeks of its launch.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the latest edition in October to identify new Hope Makers and celebrate philanthropists across the region.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), said: “In every village and every town across the Arab world, there are young men and women whose positive energy can change their communities for the better.”
He added: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched Hope Makers to shift community culture toward positivity, optimism and collaboration to drive lasting change.”
The seventh edition continues to accept nominations and applications through www.arabhopemakers.com, with the initiative aiming to collect tens of thousands of stories of hope from across the Arab world and highlight the people behind them.
Individuals, volunteering groups and non-profit organisations undertaking community-focused work can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. The winner will receive a Dh1 million prize.
Operating under MBRGI, Hope Makers seeks individuals and organisations across the Arab world and globally that have developed impactful projects, programmes, campaigns or creative initiatives on a voluntary, non-profit basis.
Eligible efforts can include initiatives that improve lives, alleviate suffering, support social, economic, cultural or educational development, or address challenges within communities.
Applications and nominations must meet a range of criteria. The initiative must demonstrate originality and innovation and contribute to improving people’s lives, making a positive difference in the community, supporting vulnerable or underserved groups, alleviating suffering or providing relief to people affected by disasters.
Applicants must also have a recognised record of community service and humanitarian work and demonstrate commitment to mobilising available resources to ensure the success of their initiatives.
Organisations, institutions and humanitarian or charitable associations applying must be officially registered as non-profit entities.
Initiatives must also demonstrate sustainability and scalability and deliver a tangible impact within their local communities or measurable and verifiable change among their target beneficiaries.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed first launched Hope Makers in 2017, when he posted an advertisement on his official social media accounts seeking a Hope Maker and offering a Dh1 million reward.
The initiative aims to highlight people who dedicate their time, effort and resources to serving others, helping those in need and improving lives, while sharing their stories and projects through traditional, digital and new media.
It also provides financial support to the most impactful Hope Makers to help them expand their reach and continue their work, while seeking to promote a culture of hope, positivity and giving across the Arab world.