Chicago Ideas Week Announces Return of the Bluhm/Helfand Social Innovation Fellowship

CHICAGO, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago Ideas Week (CIW), a seven-day platform for ideas, innovation and community, is pleased to announce its continued partnership with the Bluhm/Helfand Social Innovation Fellowship.

The fellowship will bring entrepreneurs from across the globe to Chicago for the week of October 8-14 to join other global thought leaders who will drive ideas into actionable results.  It is designed to recognize social entrepreneurs that have developed innovative ventures addressing social needs, and provides them with exposure to nationally recognized business and community leaders, funding to support their cause, and a platform for growth.

The fellowship, created by philanthropists and entrepreneurs Leslie Bluhm and David Helfand, is now accepting applications through May 21. Three applicants will be selected and will receive a $10,000 contribution to their venture and the chance to participate in Chicago Ideas Week as a speaker.

"With Leslie and David's vision and generosity, we were able to recognize and support the ideas of outstanding entrepreneurs last year," said Brad Keywell, founder and co-chairman of Chicago Ideas Week. "These young leaders were an integral part of the week and made meaningful connections with prominent Chicagoans and thought leaders. With this fellowship, we want to support the next generation of socially minded entrepreneurs."

Members of the 2012 fellowship class will present their social ideas alongside established professionals during a CIW event celebrating social entrepreneurship. In addition, each fellow will also be invited to meet with and receive guidance from Leslie Bluhm and David Helfand, as well as other prominent leaders. Last year's mentors included CIW Co-Chair and former Mayor Richard M. Daley, Equity Group Investments Chairman Sam Zell, Livestrong CEO Doug Ulman, Groupon Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Eric Lefkofsky, and charity: water Founder and CEO Scott Harrison.

"I was thrilled and inspired by our first class of fellows and the way the program was integrated with Chicago Ideas Week," said Leslie Bluhm. "Our unique partnership provides an unparalleled platform for these innovators to connect and share their stories with other young leaders, building a passionate community. By selecting three recipients this year, we'll be able to offer a highly personalized experience and program to each one of our fellows."

Social innovators 35 years of age and under can apply for the fellowship online at www.chicagoideas.com/bhsi between now and May 21. Winners will be announced in mid-July. People of all ages can submit their recommendations for potential fellows.

About Chicago Ideas Week
Chicago Ideas Week is a premier annual gathering of global thought leaders created to drive ideas into actionable results. It is the platform for ideas, created for innovators, thinkers, doers and interested citizens from across Chicago, the greater Midwest, and the world. CIW's goal is to stimulate new initiatives and ventures, create new connections and collaborations, and establish a community of people who have the desire to achieve great things. For more information, please visit www.chicagoideas.com.

About Leslie Bluhm & David Helfand
Leslie Bluhm and David Helfand have spent many years committed to making a positive impact through philanthropy in the Midwest, as well as nationally. Leslie is the founder of Chicago Cares, the largest volunteer service organization in the Midwest today. Leslie's ambition in creating the Bluhm/Helfand Social Innovation Fellowship is to help grow and guide the next generation of socially minded entrepreneurs. David is co-president of Equity Group Investments, a Chicago-based private investment firm founded by Sam Zell. David serves on the boards of the Children's Memorial Hospital, Field Museum, National Louis University and on the Executive Committee for the Zell/Lurie Real Estate Center at University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. His philanthropic focus is the advancement of education and entrepreneurship.

Jessica Malkin
Executive Director, Chicago Ideas Week
312-662-7708
[email protected]

Emily Kellam
MSL Chicago
312-861-5262
[email protected]

SOURCE Chicago Ideas Week