The University of Pennsylvania and The Wharton School are pleased to announce the three finalists for the 2013 Barry & Marie Lipman Family Prize.

In its second year, The Lipman Family Prize received applications from 115 organizations dedicated to global causes including disaster recovery, economic development, education, environmental sustainaibility, gender equailty, healthcare, housing, hunger/safe water, and poverty alleviation.

The finalists below were chosen after rigorous evaluation by a committee of faculty, students and staff spanning the University. We recognize these organizations for their ability to create sustainable solutions and for their potential to transfer their knowledge to others working to make a positive impact.

The winner of the Lipman Family Prize will be announced in the early spring and will receive a cash award of $100,000.

d.light Designs has empowered over 8 million off-grid customers in 40 countries enabling them to enjoy the benefits of bright solar-powered light while eliminating the dangers of kerosene. Through innovative breakthroughs in design, distribution and market engagement, d.light is transforming the solar-powered lighting market.

Microclinic International is revolutionizing how chronic diseases are prevented and managed worldwide. They have demonstrated that healthy behaviors can spread through preexisting social networks of friends and family more effectively than through traditional physician/patient relationships. They call this movement “contagious health.”

READ Global has established 62 Rural Education and Development Centers across Bhutan, India and Nepal, creating opportunities for education, enterprise and community development. Their model emphasizes empowerment, requiring an investment from the community they serve and a commitment to establishing for-profit rural enterprises to generate operational income for the Centers.

 As finalists, all three organizations will enter into an ongoing relationship with the University of Pennsylvania and The Wharton School, including free access to Wharton Executive Education programming, partnerships with faculty researchers, internships with graduate students, and development of course content.

About the Lipman Family Prize

Awarded annually, the Prize is given to one organization that demonstrates leadership and innovation in the social sector and possesses the potential to transfer their best practices to others. The ultimate goal is to spread the global lessons found in local success. The Prize is made possible by a generous gift from Wharton alumnus, Barry R. Lipman and his wife, Marie.

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