Organizer Information:
The Robert G. Wilmers Integrity Prize was established in 2019 to honor the legacy of Bob Wilmers, a philanthropist and CEO who believed in the power of education, the arts, and community responsibility.
Title & Description:
Applications and nominations are open for the 2026 Wilmers Integrity Prize.
Starting this year, the prize will honor three individuals striving to better our world in various fields, including the arts, social justice, and education. The prize seeks "impact makers"—tenacious leaders who thread integrity through their values and actions. This is not a lifetime achievement award, but rather a "game-changing" boost for individuals who are deep into their work, creating substantial progress, and have the potential to scale up their community impact.
Category:
Unrestricted Award.
(Open to efforts in the arts, education, environment, law, medicine, nutrition, social justice, and social reform).
Eligibility:
- Who: Individuals only (not organizations).
- Financial Status: Seeking those who have not yet received significant financial recognition or acclaim. Highly seasoned fundraisers with substantial philanthropic sources are not the target demographic.
- Scope: The applicant's work must be primarily focused within the United States.
- Criteria: Evaluated on three pillars: Cause (advancing the greater good/addressing inequity), Character (independent, unrelenting, acting with integrity), and Results (substantial, measurable progress).
Program Benefits & Awards:
- Award: Three (3) separate $100,000 USD unrestricted cash awards.
- Flexibility: The funds can be used entirely at the winner’s discretion.
Application Fee:
Free.
Application Requirements:
Artists can either apply directly for themselves or be nominated by someone else via the online form. The evaluation process includes an initial screening, a Selection Committee review, and for the top three candidates, a site visit and reference check.
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 (9:00 PM EST).
- Finalist Vetting: Summer/Fall 2026 (Top 10 finalists contacted; Top 3 vetted).
- Winner Announcement: October 2026.
Location:
United States.