Three contest deadlines in June

First, our essay contest with the Financial Times is drawing to a close. Submit the best essay on "Business and Development: The Private Path to Prosperity" and win $30,000. There are $60,000 in prizes for the runners-up, too. Deadline is June 30.

Second, nominations are being accepted until June 4 for the second Shell-Newsweek World Challenge contest, which looks for “projects that make a real difference in local communities”. Last year’s prize went to Coconets – an innovation from the Philippines that turns coconut husks into nets that prevent soil erosion. The three finalists will receive a trip to the Hague for the award ceremony, where the winner will pick up $20,000. Here are the rules.

Third, Fast Company and Monitor Group are launching the fourth annual Social Capitalist Awards to recognize outstanding organizations in the field of social entrepreneurship. They’ve tweaked the process – including many more winners than last year’s 25, a less time-consuming application, and no limit on repeat wins. This year, they are especially interested in corporate partnerships. Winners will be listed in the magazine’s December issue and be invited to a January 2007 gala. Register now to receive the June 1 application, due June 30.

Our earlier posts on the 2006 Social Capitalist awards and the IFC-FT essay contest.