Unlike other awards for rising stars or lifetime achievements, this initiative uniquely emphasizes personal and professional development. Awarded by Trinity Hall and the Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation (CCSI) at Cambridge Judge Business School, the Prize offers winners a £10,000 cash award for development opportunities, expert mentoring from Cambridge Social Ventures at the CCSI, and access to a thriving network of social innovators at Trinity Hall.
Generously supported by Trinity Hall alumnus Graham Ross Russell, the Prize aims to bridge a critical gap in the ecosystem. Judges understand that many social entrepreneurs, deeply committed to their missions, often lack time and resources for personal growth. This award helps address that gap, empowering winners to unlock their full potential and drive greater social change.
Past winners have included people who run alternative city tours with guides who’ve been affected by homelessness, a bakery aimed at providing training and support for vulnerable women; a social enterprise which provides high quality day care for individuals who are socially isolated, many experiencing symptoms associated with moderate dementia; and a criminal law firm that ensures representation is provided throughout the legal process.
2024 Cambridge Social Innovation Prize winner JR Josephs is founder and CEO of Sirlute, a creative charity from East London, founded in 2019. Sirlute provides free creative learning in music, multimedia and fashion for marginalised and under-resourced young people aged 5 to 25. deemed at-risk. Their beneficiaries are from the majority, Black and ethnic minority backgrounds.
JR shares his thoughts on the impact of the prize:
“This recognition boosts my confidence and motivates me to continue striving for excellence. More importantly, it serves as a testament to the support and encouragement I've received from my mentors, colleagues, peers and loved ones. This win is a shared victory, and it strengthens my resolve to keep innovating and contributing to my field”.
Of the winners, Nicole Helwig, Executive Director of the Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation, says:
“The Cambridge Social Innovation Prize celebrates visionary social entrepreneurs tackling significant and complex social challenges across UK society. Social innovation thrives on the creativity and commitment of people from all walks of life. We welcome applications from a diversity of innovators, recognizing that lived experience often drives the expertise and passion needed to create meaningful change. This prize is an opportunity to amplify those voices and efforts, showcasing socially innovative ways to create positive impact.”
Anyone wishing to apply can view the criteria and application forms via prize website – https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/social-innovation/cambridge-social-innovation-prize/ The deadline for applications is 17 April 2025.
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