It wasn’t retirement, but the loss of her husband to cancer that set Nancy Sanford Hughes on her way to finding a new career bringing safe, efficient and healthful cookstoves to people in developing nations. As a result of the work that Hughes has accomplished as founder of StoveTeam International, she has won a $100,000 Purpose Prize, awarded to five people over age 60 each year who use their experience to start encore careers that focus on social good.

A recent study shows that approximately one in four Americans between ages 44 to 70 are interested in starting their own small businesses or social ventures. The research, conducted by Civic Ventures, goes on to state that of this 25 percent of the age range, or 25 million people, more than one third have already begun their ventures, while more than half are planning to start within the next 5 to 10 years.

Our sputtering economy needs more workers with entrepreneurial spirit. Civic Ventures suggests they might come from an unexpected demographic: workers who are approaching middle age or their retirement years. The group found that one in four Americans between 44 and 70 want to build an enterprise, and nearly half of them want it to be a business with a strong social impact. (This article also appeared on Dowser.)

Civic Ventures has awarded one of five 2011 Purpose Prizes and $100,000 to newly retired TechTown Executive Director Randal Charlton. Civic Ventures is recognizing Charlton for his work revitalizing Detroit's economy at TechTown and for his newest venture: a leadership role at Boom! The New Economy, a TechTown-affiliated program that provides training, one-on-one mentoring and internships to people over 50 who are exploring second careers.

Nancy Sanford Hughes, the founder of StoveTeam International, has received a $100,000 national prize for her work. Hughes was one of five winners of the 2011 Purpose Prize, awarded to social entrepreneurs who are older than 60. The prizes are awarded by Civic Ventures.

Civic Ventures is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people find meaningful, purpose-filled work in the second half of life. Each year the organization selects five people over who have made extraordinary contributions in their encore careers focusing on solving critical problems in education, health care, the environment and more. The organization has announced its 2011 Purpose Prize $100,000 winners.

The winners of the 2011 Purpose Prize were unveiled today by the Encore Careers campaign, and it’s an inspiring group – as usual. The annual award recognizes older career trailblazers who have demonstrated creative and effective work tackling social problems. Now in its sixth year, the prize was created to promote and encourage civic engagement among boomers.

They're game-changers, innovators, all past 60 and making a difference in their communities and the world. Meet the five winners of the 2011 Purpose Prize – $100,000 awards given to outstanding social entrepreneurs.