The Hilton Humanitarian Prize 2027 invites nominations from across the globe to honor nonprofit organizations that have made outstanding contributions to humanitarian work.

Overview

The Prize is awarded annually to a nonprofit organization that demonstrates exceptional impact, financial transparency, and sustained operational credibility. The selection process involves a rigorous multi-phase review system, beginning with eligibility verification and proceeding to a detailed evaluation of organizational, programmatic, and financial information. Shortlisted candidates are required to submit further documentation, after which an independent international jury of distinguished experts selects the final laureate. Each year, hundreds of nominations are received, and incomplete or ineligible submissions may be disqualified without further notice due to the high volume of applications.

Funding and Benefits

The Hilton Humanitarian Prize carries a grant size of USD 2.5 million. Organizations do not need to operate internationally; both local and global initiatives are considered.

Eligibility

• Nominees must be established nonprofit organizations, not individuals.
• Organizations must be nongovernmental, publicly supported charitable entities that have been legally registered for at least five years.
• Applicants must provide audited financial statements covering five consecutive years and report expenditures exceeding USD 750,000 in the most recent fiscal year.
• Previous Prize Laureates, their affiliated local offices, member organizations, and programs operating under larger institutions are not eligible.
• Academic institutions are excluded unless they operate independently with their own tax-exempt status and financial reporting.
• Nominations must be submitted by a qualified, independent nominator with direct knowledge of the organization’s work. Nominators cannot be employees, founders, compensated affiliates, or family members of key personnel.
• Each organization may have only one primary nominator, though up to four additional letters of support may be included.
• Nominators must submit a signed nomination letter in English through the official portal, adhering to specified formatting and focusing on past achievements.
• Current and past grantees of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation are eligible, but Foundation staff and affiliates are not permitted to nominate organizations.

Application Process

Nominations are accepted only from qualified independent nominators who have direct knowledge of the nominated organization’s work. The process consists of two phases. In the first phase, nominated organizations complete eligibility verification and submit organizational, programmatic, and financial information. Shortlisted candidates then proceed to the second phase, which requires more detailed documentation. Finalists are assessed by the independent international jury before the final decision is made. All nominated organizations are notified of the results via email during the winter of the award year.

Deadline and Timeline

Nominations must be submitted by 29 April 2027. Results are communicated to organizations via email during the winter following the award year.