The David Prize announced its 2025 cohort Tuesday, awarding $1 million in unrestricted funding to five New Yorkers with bold visions for the city’s future.

The winners include legal advocates, mental health innovators, community safety organizers and arts leaders.

Launched in 2020 by the Walentas Family Foundation, the David Prize awards five New Yorkers each year $200,000 with no strings attached. Unlike traditional grants, there’s no formal reporting or required outcomes: Winners can spend the money however they choose.

“The mission is to invest in … individuals in New York City that are relentlessly committed to the city,” Erika Augustine, executive director of the prize, said. “We learn every year from our open call around what New Yorkers need, what do they want, what do they wis

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