The Pinnacle Prize is a celebration of extraordinary people making a significant impact on Kansas City through bold, selfless actions. Our goal is to recognize and provide meaningful support to those who don’t just talk about change but actively create it, showing us all what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.

“Significant impact” means making waves! It’s about creating change that doesn’t just stop at one group or neighborhood but ripples through the whole community. This could take many forms—improving social equity, advancing educational opportunities, or fostering a healthier community. What ties it all together is the commitment to better the lives of others in a profound and sustainable way.

Our top winners get $100,000 each with no strings attached, along with a platform to share their story. Think of it as a boost of both resources and recognition—game-changing support for world-changing people. It’s our way of saying we believe in you, your vision, and your power to make a difference.

Because we get it—visionaries need flexibility. We believe the people driving change know best how to use the award to further their impact. No conditions, no stipulations. Just support, trust, and the freedom to keep doing what matters most—whether that’s expanding an initiative, funding new projects, or simply investing in one’s own development. The possibilities are as diverse as the recipients themselves.

We choose to honor individuals because we believe in the power of one person’s vision to spark collective change. Organizations can drive progress, but it’s people—visionary, dedicated, and courageous people—who turn ripples into real change. These are the stories that often go untold, and The Prize seeks to give these hidden heroes the support and recognition they deserve.

We’re looking for leaders, 45 and under, who are tackling real problems and making a big heart-shaped dent in Kansas City. We prioritize candidates whose efforts benefit the community as a whole, and who have the optimism, courage and resilience to consistently push forward and inspire others. 

The Pinnacle Prize is limited to candidates 45 years or younger. The age cap is to prioritize supporting early to mid-career leaders who are actively making a difference now and capable of significant future contributions to the Kansas City community.

Each year, we select two Pinnacle Prize winners. This approach enables us to shine a light on a diverse array of impactful leaders across multiple areas of focus, ensuring our recipients reflect the vibrant fabric of Kansas City’s communities.

The Pinnacle Prize was established in 2021 by the late Kenneth Baum and Ann Baum – a generous couple who grew up in Kansas City, with a long history of philanthropic support for the arts, education, conservation, and social services. The Prize is endowed through the G. Kenneth Baum and Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund.

The nomination process begins with a simple but powerful question: Who do you know that’s making a difference? Nominations are submitted by our network of nominators and reviewed confidentially. We encourage nominators to highlight the nominee’s contributions, motivations, and the impact they’ve made on Kansas City.

Nominators come from all walks of life—community leaders, business owners, educators, past Prize recipients and more. What they share is a deep love for Kansas City and an appreciation for those who work to make it better. Some nominators have known their nominee for years, while others may have only recently seen them in action, but all identify the potential for continued personal growth and positive community impact.

After nominations close, our nominating committee and selection panel go to work. All nominees who meet selection criteria are considered as a candidate. We take a deep dive into each candidate, evaluating not just what they have done but why they’re driven to keep going. After two rounds of careful review and narrowing down, a small group of finalists are interviewed by our selection panel. The process runs from late summer to late fall, recipients are announced in December.

The nominating committee and selection panel are trusted advisors with a wealth of experience in local nonprofits and philanthropic giving, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of each nominee. Their expertise spans multiple fields and reflects the broad scope of The Pinnacle Prize.

Confidentiality helps protect the integrity of the process and the privacy of everyone involved. It allows our committee and selection panel to conduct a thoughtful and thorough evaluations, free from outside influence or pressure. We believe this approach keeps the focus on the merits of each nominee’s contributions, not the competition.