We just launched the second stage of our THINK Prize Financial Challenge, answering the question “How might we use the power of communities to financially empower those who need it most?" The first stage of the challenge (Research and Ideas phase) was about gathering as many insights and ideas as possible. Just like a rocket launch, the first stage is about igniting a larger community/rocket. During this stage, 152 ideas were shared with the community. The second stage is about focusing on shortlisted ideas, igniting the community by refining the final 25 ideas through comments, questions, and forming teams in order to help them achieve even greater impact. Here are just a few of the 25 featured contributions:

• Tip Your Future: A savings program that empowers people to treat their future selves, just a tiny bit, every day.
• A personalized financial guide and incentive system could change the way we interact with daily purchases: The ideal app would present data in the right context, structure incentives to encourage positive behavior, and enable social interactions.
• Re.look = turning credit union members’ declined loan applications into approvals: A non-profit 'Re.looks' @ decline factors & puts would-be borrowers on a 30, 60, 90 or 180 day track to being able to re-apply successfully.

We invite you to explore the final 25 ideas and join a conversation – this is where we make ideas happen!