Open the Books launches the Adam Andrzejewski Memorial Scholarship

BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF | PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPEN THE BOOKS

One year after the passing of Open the Books founder Adam Andrzejewski, his legacy of transparency and accountability continues to inspire action. To honor his vision, the nonprofit has announced the creation of the Adam Andrzejewski Memorial Scholarship, a $25,000 annual award recognizing an outstanding student who demonstrates exceptional leadership in promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility.

Adam Andrzejewski was more than a successful entrepreneur. Fifteen years ago, he walked away from the business world with a bold idea — to make government spending visible to every citizen. His guiding belief, “every dime, online, in real time,” became the foundation of Open the Books, now the largest private repository of public spending in history.

In 2019, Adam Andrzejewski shared with Hinsdale Magazine his motivation to run: “It’s the mystique of the marathon, a leap into the unknown.”

“Adam believed that transparency is the foundation of trust in a free society,” said John Hart, CEO of Open the Books. “He proved that one determined citizen can change the national conversation, challenge entrenched power, and inspire millions to demand accountability. This scholarship isn’t just about remembering Adam — it’s about equipping a new generation to carry the torch for government transparency.”

A Mission That Changed the Conversation

Under Adam’s leadership, Open the Books filed more than 550,000 Freedom of Information Act requests, launched forensic audits across all levels of government, and built tools that empower everyday Americans to track how their tax dollars are spent. His work set a new national standard for open government, making it easier for citizens to “follow the money” at the federal, state, and local levels.

What began as a simple idea — that sunlight is the best disinfectant — grew into a movement. Adam’s combination of entrepreneurial drive and civic passion made him a rare figure in public life: a “happy warrior” who believed optimism and truth could change the course of democracy. He spent his days building systems that outlasted headlines, guided by the conviction that transparency is not partisan — it is patriotic.

The Scale of Transparency

Today, Open the Books continues to expand on that vision. The organization operates what it calls “the largest private database of public spending in human history,” containing more than 10 billion data points. These include federal expenditures, state checkbooks for all 50 states, municipal budgets, and millions of salary and pension records. All of this information is freely available to journalists, researchers, elected officials — and most importantly — to American taxpayers who want to know how their money is used.

“Adam believed that transparency is the foundation of trust in a free society.”

– JOHN HART, CEO OF OPEN THE BOOKS

Open the Books is a project of American Transparency, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that accepts no government funding, a principle that preserves its independence and credibility. The nonprofit’s investigative reports have been cited by national media outlets and used by policymakers from both parties to promote spending reform and ethical governance.

“Adam’s vision was rooted in a simple but powerful idea — that government should work for the people, and the people should have the tools to see how their money is spent,” said Abe Andrzejewski, Adam’s brother and member of the Open the Books board. “He poured his heart into that mission every single day. Honoring his legacy by empowering the next generation of transparency champions is exactly what he would have wanted.”

About the Scholarship

The Adam Andrzejewski Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a high school junior or senior, or a current college student, who has shown a strong commitment to transparency and accountability within their school, community, or local government.

The recipient will receive a $25,000 award toward college expenses and recognition at an annual Open the Books event. Selection will be based on a 500-word essay and roadmap detailing how the student has advanced financial transparency or accountability, demonstrated leadership, and shown passion for public service, journalism, or government reform.

Continuing the Work

To ensure this scholarship continues for years to come, Open the Books has launched a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $100,000 by December 31, 2025.

“Adam’s work was fueled by optimism, courage, and the belief that ordinary citizens can hold the powerful accountable,” said Craig Mijares, chairman and co-founder of Open the Books. “This scholarship will pass that torch to young leaders who share his passion for truth and transparency.”

Through this scholarship, Open the Books aims to inspire a new generation of civic leaders — those who, like Adam, believe that knowledge is power and that transparency is the foundation of trust.

Donations to the Adam Andrzejewski Memorial Scholarship Fund can be made online at OpenTheBooks.com or by emailing [email protected]. ■