India Philanthropy Alliance Announces 6th Annual Youth Essay Competition

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – The India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA), a U.S.-based coalition of 21 nonprofit, philanthropic, and charitable organizations focused on India, has launched its 6th Annual Youth Essay Competition.

The 2025 competition, themed #FutureByYou, seeks to empower young voices and spotlight their role in shaping a better world, with a particular emphasis on India’s future.

Students are invited to research one of India’s most pressing issues and write a well-researched, compelling essay that addresses the challenges and potential solutions related to their chosen topic.

The competition will be judged separately for Middle School and High School categories by a panel of nonprofit professionals. Winners from each category will be invited to present their ideas at a national conference attended by philanthropists, business leaders, and nonprofit executives in the fall of 2025.

Each winner will also have the opportunity to direct a $1,000 grant to the charity of their choice. Runners-up will receive a $500 grant to direct to a nonprofit of their choice and have their essays promoted on IPA’s website and social media channels.

This competition is open to U.S. middle and high school students, both citizens and permanent residents.

The deadline for submissions is July 1, 2025. Winners will be notified by late August or early September and will receive airfare and accommodations for the philanthropy conference.

“We believe young people have the ability to think of complex social challenges in new ways and propose innovative solutions,” said Alex Counts, Executive Director of the India Philanthropy Alliance. “This competition reinforces that they have the power to shape India’s future through thoughtful analysis and pragmatic ideas.”

For more information: https://www.indiaphilanthropyalliance.org/2025youthessay