Application Guide

How to Apply for Meme Prize, Existential Hope

at Existential Hope

🏢 About Existential Hope

Existential Hope is a project of the Foresight Institute, a leading think tank focused on emerging technologies and long-term futures. Unlike typical nonprofits, they blend rigorous futurism with creative storytelling, aiming to make positive long-term scenarios vivid and shareable. Working here means contributing to a movement that shapes how people imagine and build a better future.

About This Role

This is not a traditional employment role but a creative prize competition: you are invited to produce short-form media (memes, videos under two minutes, or written pieces) that depict a realistic, hopeful future. Your submission should show humanity overcoming major risks, leveraging transformative technology, or achieving global cooperation. The winning entry will receive $10,000 and recognition from the Foresight community, making this a high-impact opportunity to influence the conversation around existential hope.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve brainstorming and scripting a short video or meme that illustrates a hopeful future, researching current trends to ensure relevance, and refining your piece based on feedback. You might also engage with the Foresight community online to test ideas and build anticipation for your submission. Since this is a competition, most work is self-directed and flexible, but the deadline-driven nature means consistent effort is key.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Existential Hope

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Existential Hope Is Looking For

  • A creative storyteller who can distill complex future scenarios into engaging, shareable content that resonates with a broad audience.
  • Someone with a strong grasp of existential risks and transformative technologies, able to balance optimism with realism.
  • A self-starter comfortable working independently and meeting deadlines, with a knack for viral content creation.
  • Open to using AI tools for content creation, but committed to producing original work that reflects personal creativity.

📝 Tips for Applying to Existential Hope

1

Focus on a single, powerful idea that embodies existential hope—avoid trying to cover too many themes in one piece.

2

Leverage current trends in meme culture or short-form video to maximize shareability, but ensure the message remains clear and optimistic.

3

If using AI tools, ensure they enhance rather than replace your creative voice; judges value originality and human touch.

4

Submit early to allow time for feedback from peers or mentors, and to ensure technical issues don't derail your entry.

5

Engage with the Foresight Institute community on social media before submitting to understand what resonates with them.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

While not a traditional cover letter, your submission should include a brief statement that: 1) explains why you chose your specific future scenario and how it relates to existential hope; 2) highlights your creative process and any unique perspectives you bring; 3) demonstrates your understanding of Foresight Institute's mission and how your work aligns with it; 4) conveys your ability to create content with viral potential and clarity.

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore the Foresight Institute's website and past projects to understand their focus areas and tone.
  • → Review previous winners or finalists of similar prizes (if available) to gauge the level of creativity and production quality expected.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key existential risks (e.g., AI, biotech, climate) and transformative technologies to ground your scenario in reality.
  • → Follow Existential Hope and Foresight Institute on social media to see what content they share and engage with.
Visit Existential Hope's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you define 'existential hope' and what makes a future scenario realistic yet hopeful?
2 Can you walk us through your creative process for developing this piece?
3 What role do you think short-form media plays in shaping public perception of long-term futures?
4 How did you ensure your work was original and stood out, especially if you used AI tools?
5 What metrics or feedback would you use to measure the 'viral potential' of your content?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a dystopian or overly pessimistic scenario—this prize is specifically for hopeful futures.
  • Creating content that is too abstract or complex for a general audience; clarity and shareability are key.
  • Ignoring the submission guidelines (e.g., video length, format) or missing the deadline.
  • Using AI tools without adding original creative input, resulting in generic or impersonal content.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: November 1, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Existential Hope!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →