Championing Changemakers
The $2.5 Million Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize
Every year, the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize honors a nonprofit leading efforts to alleviate human suffering. At $2.5 million, the Prize is the world’s largest annual humanitarian award presented to nonprofit organizations. With this recognition, we celebrate organizations setting a global benchmark for excellence and advancing the collective progress of humanity.
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In honor of Conrad Hilton’s lifetime of philanthropic endeavors, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize shines a light on nonprofits working to improve human lives. Launched in 1996, the Prize set a precedent by recognizing the achievements of nonprofit organizations rather than individuals, focusing attention on the great need for humanitarian aid worldwide. In doing so, it became a beacon in the world of philanthropy, inspiring others to reward innovative and effective solutions to addressing social needs.
The idea for the Prize was suggested by Hilton Foundation Director James Galbraith. The Foundation Board saw an opportunity to mount an important and uplifting initiative, which proceeded down a thoughtful and professional pathway and established a Prize Exploratory Committee under Jim’s chairmanship, with Dyanne Hayes serving as staff support. The committee scanned the prize landscape and found that the initial concept (giving funds to an organization, not an individual) was indeed unique, and formulated a plan of action that brought it to life. -
Initially set at $1 million, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize was one of the highest monetary awards in history—equal to the Nobel and Templeton Prizes. In 2005 and 2015, the board increased the Prize to $1.5 million and then to $2 million in celebration of its 10th and 20th anniversaries. For its 25th anniversary, the Prize grew to its current size of $2.5 million, maintaining its status as the world’s largest annual humanitarian award presented to a nonprofit organization.
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Every year, the Foundation issues a worldwide call for nominations. Out of hundreds of nominations, a shortlist is developed and extensive due diligence is conducted. An independent, international jury comprised of eight jurors, each serving one or more four-year terms, then selects the recipient. Six of the jurors are chosen from among persons prominent in the humanitarian field, while the remaining two jurors include a Hilton family member and a Hilton Foundation board member.
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The Hilton Humanitarian Prize continues to inspire action and commitment towards alleviating human suffering around the world. By shining a spotlight on exceptional humanitarian work, the Prize aims to propel global efforts towards a future that embraces the benefit and progress of all humanity.
