The Make It Your Own Awards^TM is an online grants program from the Case Foundation that challenges people from all walks of life to choose what matters most to them, decide what kind of community they want, and take action together.

The program was inspired by research showing that many people feel disconnected from public leaders and institutions and don't believe they have the power to make a real difference in their community. These findings were the spark for a report we released in 2006 -- Citizens at the Center: A New Approach to Civic Engagement by Cynthia Gibson. The paper suggests that if people are actually going to get engaged and stay engaged in their communities, one thing has to happen first -- they must be given more chances to connect with one another (including those they might disagree with), and figure out how they can work together for the common good.

Who's in the running?

Last fall, nearly 5,000 applicants submitted ideas for making a difference in their communities. In January, we announced the Top 100 semifinalists. Now 20 finalists, who each received a $10,000 grant, remain. We need you to decide which four will receive an extra $25,000 for their cause.