The Heritage Foundation has announced the winners of a special round of the 2025 Innovation Prizes, awarding $250,000 to five projects that aim to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. These projects are designed to elevate America’s founding principles and promote civic awareness and patriotism.
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action for America, praised the winners: “At this pivotal moment in American history, on the cusp of our 250th anniversary, the conservative movement is not just celebrating our founding—we’re reclaiming our future.”
He added, “The winners of this special round of Innovation Prizes are builders of that future. We’re proud to recognize five projects that have joined Heritage in reviving our founding principles. Together, we can reignite the flame of patriotism that gave life to our great country—and remind Americans that we are standing at the sunrise of a new Golden Age.”
The prize recipients include Cana Academy, Emergent Order Foundation, Herzog Foundation, Sophia Institute, and Dr. Matthew Mehan from Hillsdale College for his book “The American Family’s Book of Fables.” John Papola from Emergent Order Foundation expressed gratitude for receiving an award: “We are deeply honored by this award and the impact we hope to have together with The Heritage Foundation.”
The prizes were awarded following a survey revealing a lack of knowledge about U.S. history among registered voters. This initiative aims to educate Americans on their nation’s history and government while fostering deep patriotism.
Darrell Jones from Herzog Foundation commented on their recognition: “We’re honored to be a recipient… At the Herzog Foundation, we believe there’s no better way to celebrate our nation’s birthday than by taking the values that built America—faith, freedom, and family—on the road.”
These awards seek to inspire creative disruption within the conservative movement through various projects such as documentaries, educational resources for teachers, celebrations incorporating elements like American wildlife and folklore alongside historical texts.
For more details about these initiatives and their creators’ work towards enhancing public understanding of foundational values ahead of America’s milestone anniversary celebration next year visit The Heritage Foundation’s website.
