DesignEgg is pleased to announced its second year of Award Recipients.

In 2016, DesignEgg is focusing our efforts on small and mid-size non-profits. Although these organizations operate with modest budgets, their work benefits more than 250,000 people annually. They serve diverse populations with programs ranging from wilderness expeditions, culinary education, water rights advocacy, musical training, personal health awareness, and participatory theater. By providing these non-profits with over $15,000 in design, website, and photography services at no charge, DesignEgg will enhance the impact they make on their constituents across the country.

ALI AKBAR COLLEGE OF MUSIC

San Rafael, CA—Founded in 1967 by the legendary Maestro Ali Akbar Khan, the Ali Akbar College of Music’s mission is to teach, perform, and preserve the classical music of North India and to offer this great musical legacy to all who wish to learn. The non-profit college specializes in teaching sarode, sitar, and tabla, and all students are encouraged to study vocal music. Students learn the necessary musical skills, knowledge, and understanding to contribute significantly to their musical life. The school’s international student body ranges from beginner to accomplished professional and scholarships are available to those that require financial assistance. Learn more at aacm.org.

COLORADO WATER TRUST

Denver, CO—The Colorado Water Trust (CWT) works to restore and protect streamflows on Colorado’s rivers and streams. Increased demand for water, changes in precipitation and seasonal variation can create rivers that barely flow or have gone completely dry—stranding fish, damaging riparian habitat, and affecting the local economies that rely on rivers. CWT works with partners throughout the state to design and implement Water Rights Solutions and Infrastructure Solutions. They are restoring critical habitat for fish and other wildlife, creating improved economic opportunities, and bringing back to Colorado’s landscape the beauty of a flowing river.Learn more at coloradowatertrust.org.

THE CURRICULUM OF CUISINE

Portland, OR—The Curriculum of Cuisine (TCC) offers young adults the opportunity to learn culinary skills in conjunction with core academic subjects. Working with high school teachers, TCC brings professional chefs into the classroom to lead hands-on cooking lessons that dovetail with language arts, social studies, health, and science curricula. Lesson plans may include things like reading and writing relative to the culinary experience or analyzing the socio-cultural and political relationships around food and eating. TCC’s programs strengthen student interest and engagement across all subjects and encourage a lifetime of wellness. Learn more at thecurriculumofcuisine.org.

IMAGINATION THEATER

Chicago, IL—Since 1966, Imagination Theater has been providing audiences with original, dynamic, participatory theatrical programming that enhances well-being and creates a more civil, safe society. With audience participation at the core of every performance, students are given the opportunity to re-create scenes they live, with the chance to problem-solve and communicate with their peers in a safe setting. Their programs explore topics such as bully prevention, sexual abuse, healthy choices, HIV/AIDS awareness, and more. Each year, the organization reaches over 40,000 students, with many coming from at-risk or low-income households. Learn more at imaginationtheater.org.

MONTANA WILDERNESS SCHOOL

Bozeman, MT—The Montana Wilderness School (MWS) provides empowering expeditionary wilderness courses that foster personal growth and cultivate a conservation ethic. MWS believes wilderness areas are powerful spaces that offer amazing classrooms of knowledge gained through experiential hands-on learning and supportive teamwork. Students embark on rigorous, multi-week expeditions and emerge as more skilled, confident, and compassionate leaders with a deeper connection to the natural world. MWS strives to serve diverse and motivated youth in communities throughout Montana. Learn more at montanawildernessschool.org.

PASAND

Boston, MA and Bangalore, India—Pasand is a non-profit social enterprise that educates adolescents on personal health and wellness. Through an interactive and academically-rigorous curriculum taught by skilled facilitators, Pasand initiates conversations that encourage confidence and self-respect among its students and their communities. Their programs directly address the silence surrounding personal health education in South India and beyond. Pasand envisions a safe, gender equal world where all adolescents have the tools, confidence, and supportive environment they need as they navigate their own journeys to adulthood. Learn more at pasand.org.