CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SHORT VIDEO ABOUT THE 2009 FINALISTS FOR THE MCNULTY PRIZE

In alphabetical order our five finalists are:

Download Press Release (PDF)

AGORA PARTNERSHIPS
Nicaragua

Ricardo Terán
Central America Leadership Initiative

After being raised and educated outside of his native Nicaragua due to civil war, Ricardo returned to co-found Agora with the conviction that small business entrepreneurs creating jobs in competitive, growth-oriented companies are the keys to attacking poverty and generating broad-based wealth in poor countries. Agora provides the in-depth consulting and support needed to launch successful, socially responsible enterprises, while their Venture Fund provides long-term strategic capital. Over the next three years Agora will expand operations to serve hundreds of growing businesses in Central America and Mexico.

Website: www.agorapartnerships.org

  Video:Click here to view Agora Partnership’s video submission.

HOPE COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
Mississippi Delta Region, US

William Bynum
Henry Crown Fellow

A pioneer in the community banking industry, Bill founded Hope to serve the “unbanked” of the Mississippi Delta Region and has helped thousands to get the resources they need to rebuild their lives and homes following hurricane Katrina. Hope offers access to affordable financial tools including commercial loans, mortgages, and rebuilding assistance to the nations poorest region and currently has over 27,000 members, 75% from low-wealth communities. Its success in strengthening communities, building assets and improving lives over the last decade has made Hope one of the nation’s leading community development organizations.

Website: Hope Community Credit Union

  Video: Click here to view Hope Community Credit Union's video submission.

LIBRAS DE AMOR
El Salvador

Alejandro Poma
Central America Leadership Initiative

A director of one of El Salvador’s largest conglomerates and Libras de Amor (LDA) founder, Alejandro believes that investing in nutrition is the most cost-effective and sustainable way to alleviate poverty. By educating and guaranteeing appropriate nutrition to the most at-risk pregnant women and infants, LDA lays the foundation for children to develop to their full intellectual and physical capacity and to lead healthy, productive lives. LDA serves 65,000 people and has reduced malnutrition by an average of 4% a year since 2004. Through an innovative campaign, LDA has motivated thousands of people to join a national crusade to overcome malnutrition.

Website: Libras de Amor

  Video:Click here to view Libras de Amor's video submission.

PROJECT REBIRTH
New York

James Whitaker
Henry Crown Fellowship

At the heart of filmmaker Jim Whitaker’s Project Rebirth is a unique film chronicling the strength of human spirit coping with disaster: the aftermath of September 11, 2001, to be released in 2010. Moving beyond the film, Jim seeks to aid victims of traumatic events, as well as first responders and to improve specialized care and support during and after major disasters with a Project Rebirth Center, currently rebirth-based educational and therapeutic content is being distributed through strategic partnerships with world-renowned research institutions and global service organizations.

Website: www.projectrebirth.org

  Video:Click here to view Project Rebirth's video submission.