Via Jason at Communicopia, news of a new award for those who create open-source software that helps make the world a better place. Introducing the $10,000 Antonio Pizzigati prize for software in the public interest:

The new Antonio Pizzigati Prize for Software in the Public Interest will honor individuals who, in the spirit of open source computing, develop outstanding applications that help nonprofits become more effective in their ongoing efforts for social change.

”Within the world of public interest computing, no significant prize has up to now existed,” said Tides Foundation Director of Philanthropic Services Tod Hill. “The Pizzigati Prize aims to honor people working in the field and help create real solutions for activists working for positive social change.”

The prize is named for Tony Pizzigati, a promising young activist and software consultant who was killed in a car accident in the spring of 1995.

An announcement of the first winner is slated for later this month, and it will be worth checking out. The advisory panel for the award includes the brilliant Katrin Verclas, Network for Good’s Joseph Mouzon and the E-volve Foundation’s Allison Fine.