ATLAS NETWORK: Think Tank Shark Tank 2015

Year of Grant:  2014

Location: United States

Atlas Network has identified, trained, and supported think tank leaders in the U.S. and around the globe for more than 30 years. Since then, Atlas Network affiliated think tank insitutions have changed the conversation about freedom throughout the world. Some have had direct impact on public policy; others have created constituencies for free-market ideas where none previously existed. 

The Think Tank Shark Tank competition serves as both a reward and incentive for the top performers in the Atlas Leadership Academy. The excitement of receiving a large prize and the opportunity to compete in front of a distinguished audience drives more Think Tanks in this healthy direction of learning how to operate more effectively.

Applicants go through a thorough selection process and final candidates are coached by specialists. The top four contestants have six minutes to pitch their featured project to a panel of philanthropists and supporters for a chance to win a cash prize to complete their project. At the end, the winner needs to demonstrate the implementation and impact of the project in the year after receiving the award.

Finalists who do not win will also gain invaluable training and experience presenting their business plan to potential investors and are often approached by other philanthropists in the audience too.