Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize Grant

The Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, valued at $2.5 million, is the largest annual award for humanitarian efforts, honoring nonprofit organizations that have significantly alleviated human suffering. Established in 1996, the prize recognizes exemplary contributions and impactful work in the humanitarian field. Organizations nominated must demonstrate a proven track record, innovative program design, and effective partnerships. This prestigious award serves not only to honor achievements but also to inspire other nonprofits to enhance their humanitarian efforts.

NOTE: Nominator nominates an organization by completing the nomination form and uploading a signed nomination letter on the Hilton Humanitarian Prize nominations portal. This is represented by the pre-proposal deadline above.
The Foundation notifies the nominee of their nomination through email with a request to submit additional information online. Nominee completes Phase 1 application. The nominee will have approximately five business days to complete and submit their application through our online portal.
After the nominee submits their application, it undergoes an internal review process. Select nominees invited to complete Phase 2 application. Select nominees will be notified via email to submit additional information through the online portal. The nominee will have approximately ten business days to complete and submit their second application through our online portal.
Background
At $2.5 million, the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize is the world’s largest annual humanitarian award presented to nonprofit organizations judged to have made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering.
Inaugurated in 1996, as a tribute to Conrad N. Hilton’s lifetime of international humanitarian efforts, the annual award is presented to a nonprofit organization judged to have made exemplary and extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering. Following initial background and legal review, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize staff conducts an extensive evaluation of the candidates, which is then submitted to an independent, international jury that makes the final selection.
Evaluation considerations
The nomination letter should emphasize the organization’s accomplishments rather than future goals. Both historic and recent performance should be addressed. Following are elements to consider in describing your nominee’s work:
Extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human sufferingEstablished record of achievementDemonstration of impactAbility to serve as a model for other nonprofitsDemonstration of effective partnershipsInnovation in program designOrganizational capacity and administrative efficiency
Please refer to FAQ for additional informations.

Eligibility

Nominee eligibilityNominees must be organizations, not individuals.Nominees must be established, nongovernmental, publicly supported charitable organizations. U.S. Internal Revenue Service tax-exempt status—or the equivalent for international organizations—will determine eligibility. (International nominees will be contacted by the Foundation for appropriate documentation.)Nominees must be legally established for at least five years in order to be considered.Nominees must have expenditures greater than U.S. $750,000 in their most recent audited fiscal year of operation.It is strongly encouraged that if a nominee has multiple branch offices that the umbrella organization be the nominee.Nominator qualificationsThe nominator should have direct knowledge of the nominated organization’s work.

Ineligibility

The nominator may not be an officer or employee—or any other individual receiving remuneration for his or her services from the nominated organization. Board members may nominate providing they receive no payment for their service.The nominator may not be a family member of an officer or employee of the nominated organization.The nominator may not be the founder of the nominated organization.The nominator may not be a Conrad N. Hilton Foundation employee, board member, Prize juror or a family member of a Foundation employee, board member, or Prize juror.The nominator may not be a Hilton family member.A program or project initiative of a larger institution, regardless of whether it has its own budget, is ineligible for the Prize. The institution would need to be the nominee.