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Applications for the 2021 LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco’s Holman Prize are now open.
Applications for the 2021 LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco’s Holman Prize are now open.

Applications for the 2021 LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco’s Holman Prize are now open.

Applications for the 2021 LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco’s Holman Prize are now open.

Apply for the Holman Prize with an innovative idea for your chance to win $25,000.
Apply for the Holman Prize with an innovative idea for your chance to win $25,000.
By Cecilie Skou Andersen, Communications Officer
The logos of Lighthouse San Francisco and the Holman Prize.
The logos of Lighthouse San Francisco and the Holman Prize.

Now in its fifth year, the Holman Prize for Blind Ambition annually awards up to $25,000 each to three blind people from around the world who have incredible ideas that will shatter misconceptions about blindness worldwide. The Prize is named after James Holman, a blind 19th century explorer who is the most prolific private traveler of anyone, blind or sighted, before the era of modern transportation. LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco, who awards the Holman Prize, is also thrilled to announce that this year one of the $25,000 prizes is sponsored by one of its close partners, Waymo.

The only qualifications for the Holman Prize are: 

- You must be blind or legally blind 

- Have a fantastically audacious idea

- Be 18 years old by October 1, 2021.

Do you know all about the Holman Prize already and are itching to submit your application? Maybe you’ve even already shot your pitch video. If you haven’t sent your pitch, what are you waiting for? But if you’re not quite ready to upload your 90-second YouTube pitch and fill out the application form, there’s no need to worry; applications close on March 14 at 11:59 pm PT so there’s plenty of time to get it just how you want it.

LightHouse understands just how different applications will need to be during this time of the pandemic, and recognizes this may affect the scope of some peoples’ plans. But don’t let the current constraints under which many of us are living dampen your enthusiasm or your idea. LightHouse will do everything possible if your idea is successful, to work with you and help you make it happen. Don’t let the pandemic blunt your ambition!

Want to see examples of great pitches? Check out the 2020 Holman Prize Finalists playlist. Also check out the Holman Prize frequently asked questions and if you don’t find your answer there, email holman@lighthouse-sf.org and the team will get back to you. 

Spread the word about the Holman Prize and follow Holman Prize on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Good health, and good luck!