Lucky Ducklings is all about engaging the next generation of difference-makers and givers who want to help those in need while also bringing their friends along for the ride so their impact can only increase.  

Faisal was a 2nd generation Lucky Duck and embodied the spirit of sharing your luck. And like a lot of things he did, Faisal brought his friends along for the ride. “Be like Faisal” was a common mantra. After Faisal’s tragic passing in 2022, we created the Faisal Badani Lucky Ducklings Impact Initiative where we award $25,000 to fund a difference-making program in Faisal’s honor. And this $25,000 investment is selected by current Lucky Ducklings.

Current Lucky Ducklings will vote on and award $25,000 to one of four programs: The “Be A Friend” program, sleeping bag coats, the Food & Water Initiative, or paid internships for youth on the brink of homelessness at Cristo Rey High School.

Prior winners:

• 2023: Hotel vouchers for youth
• 2024: Food & Water Initiative
• 2025: Tutoring for youth at risk of homelessness

Selection process 

The Lucky Duck Foundation will provide several opportunities and programs for the Lucky Ducklings to consider to receive the Faisal Badani Impact Initiative funding. Each opportunity will aim to alleviate the suffering of homelessness, with a particular emphasis on aiding homeless youth. 

After discussing the opportunities at the advisory board level, a poll will be distributed to all Lucky Ducklings, whereby each Lucky Duckling will cast his/her vote for where they would like to invest the Faisal Badani Impact Initiative. 

Any ties or “close calls” will be reviewed and deliberated by the Advisory Committee. 

The final decision would be formally announced at the Lucky Ducklings end of year banquet / homeless symposium.

Lucky Ducklings Innovation Competition

In addition to selecting which programs receive the Faisal Badani Lucky Ducklings Impact Initiative funding, Lucky Ducklings will participate in an annual Homeless Innovation Competition.

Working in small teams, Ducklings will choose one of the finalist programs and develop a concrete proposal to improve its effectiveness, efficiency, or scalability. Proposals may focus on program design, operations, partnerships, cost structure, data and measurement, or participant experience.

Teams will present their recommendations to Lucky Duck Foundation board members, with winning proposals informing how Impact Initiative funds are deployed and, where appropriate, piloted with partner organizations.

The competition is designed to give Lucky Ducklings hands-on experience applying analytical thinking and creativity to real homelessness interventions – extending Faisal’s legacy by pairing generosity with thoughtful action.