Celebrating Courage in Democracy: The 2025 Kettering Democracy Prize

Carrot is proud to celebrate the inaugural winners of the Kettering Democracy Prize — an honor that recognizes extraordinary individuals advancing inclusive democracy around the world.

The Charles F. Kettering Foundation has awarded this year’s $100,000 prize to two powerful voices of democratic courage:

• Judith Browne Dianis, a civil rights advocate and Executive Director of the Advancement Project, who has fought for racial justice, voter rights, and an end to the school-to-prison pipeline for over two decades.
• Alexei Navalny, the late Russian opposition leader and global symbol of resistance to authoritarianism, whose bravery galvanized millions and left a legacy of unrelenting pursuit of transparency and freedom.

Selected by an external panel and the Kettering Foundation’s board of directors, these honorees embody the spirit of persistence and impact we admire at Carrot. Their commitment reminds us that democratic progress isn’t inevitable — it is fought for.

We’re honored to support platforms and partners that elevate this kind of work. Congratulations to the recipients, and to the Kettering Foundation for launching this powerful new tradition.

📰 Read the full press release
🔗 Learn more about the Kettering Foundation at kettering.org