The Domino Award
Turn Your Idea Into a Movement.
The Domino Award supports individuals with compelling ideas that can spark chain reactions of positive change. You don't need a track record. You need an idea and the courage to begin.
What if one small action could change everything?
Alex was four years old when she decided to open a lemonade stand. Not to buy toys — but to help other kids fighting cancer, just like her. That single lemonade stand sparked a movement that has raised over $250 million for childhood cancer research and inspired millions of people around the world.
Alex didn't start with a business plan or a massive budget. She started with a simple idea and the belief that it mattered.
That's exactly the kind of idea we're looking for.
What Is the Domino Award?
The Domino Award recognizes and supports individuals who have compelling ideas that can spark a chain reaction of positive change. We call these ideas 'Branches' — because like dominoes branching off in different directions, each idea has the potential to inspire countless others.
If you have an idea brewing — an idea you believe could make a real difference if you just had some support to get it started — this award is for you.
What You'll Receive
1. Financial Support
$1,000 to help you take that critical first step. Intentionally modest — because we believe small actions lead to big things. And because our community often rallies behind compelling ideas with additional support far beyond what we provide alone.
2. Expert Coaching
Five 90-minute sessions over one year with experienced Topplers Impact Coaches. They'll help you refine your idea, navigate challenges, build momentum, and stay motivated when things get hard.
3. Visibility & Platform
Your Branch will be featured on our Impact Platform, where thousands of people in the Topplers community can discover your work, follow your progress, and see the chain reaction you're creating.
4. Community Support
Access to the Topplers Community — a growing network of people who believe small actions add up. They're ready to share your story, contribute skills, make connections, and amplify your impact.
This isn't just an award you win and walk away with. It's the beginning of a partnership.
Who Should Apply?
You don't need credentials, experience, or a 50-page plan. You need:
- • A Compelling Idea — An idea that addresses a real need or creates positive change. It could focus on education, poverty, the environment, kindness, service, or anything else that sparks hope and helps others.
- • A Chain Reaction Mindset — You believe one small action can lead to another, and another. Your idea isn't just about immediate impact — it's about setting something in motion.
- • The Courage to Start — You're ready to take the first step, even though the outcome is uncertain. You're willing to learn, adapt, and keep going.
- • Authenticity & Integrity — Your idea comes from a genuine desire to help others, not for personal gain or self-promotion.
- • A Belief That You Can't Do This Alone — You recognize that turning ideas into impact requires support, collaboration, and community.
What makes the Domino Award different:
- • We support people, not just organizations. You don't need to be a registered nonprofit.
- • We celebrate small beginnings. We don't expect you to have it all figured out.
- • We build community around your idea. You're not just receiving funding — you're joining a network.
- • We believe in chain reactions. We're watching for the ripples, not just the direct impact.
2026 Award Timeline
Cycle 1
- • Applications Open: March 2026
- • Winners Announced: June 2026
- • Awards Given: 5 Branch Builders
Cycle 2
- • Applications Open: Summer 2026
- • Winners Announced: Late 2026
- • Awards Given: 8 Branch Builders
- • Application Review — Our selection committee carefully reviews every application.
- • Finalist Interviews — Selected applicants participate in brief conversations with our team.
- • Winner Announcement — Recipients are publicly celebrated and introduced to the community.
- • Onboarding & Launch — Winners are matched with Impact Coaches and begin their journey.
- • Ongoing Support — Throughout the year, winners receive coaching, visibility, and community backing.
Your Idea Matters
You don't have to cure cancer or solve world hunger to make a difference.
Alex didn't set out to build a $250 million foundation — she just wanted to help other kids like her. But she took that first step. And one lemonade stand led to another, and another, until a movement was born.
Maybe your idea is:
- • Teaching kids in your neighborhood a skill that changes their trajectory
- • Starting a community garden that brings people together
- • Creating a support network for people facing a challenge you've overcome
- • Organizing a simple act of kindness that inspires others to pay it forward
- • Building something that didn't exist before but desperately needs to
Whatever it is — if you believe it could spark something bigger — we want to hear about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a registered nonprofit?
No. We support individuals with ideas, not organizations. You apply as yourself.
Do I need to match a specific cause area?
No. We're open to ideas across education, poverty, environment, kindness, community service, and beyond. If your idea creates positive change and has the potential to inspire others, we want to hear it.
Is $1,000 really enough to make a difference?
For us it's a start, not a ceiling. The Topplers community often rallies behind compelling ideas with additional support — time, skills, connections, and funding — far beyond what we provide directly.
Can I apply if I've already started?
Yes. If you're in the earliest stages — with an idea you've just begun — you're still eligible. We're looking for people at the beginning, not people who are already established.
What if I'm not selected?
We'll let you know directly and personally. We encourage you to stay connected with the Topplers community and consider applying in a future cycle.