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Nominations open for the Right Livelihood Award Program

Deadline: 16-Jan-2026

The Right Livelihood Award recognizes and supports outstanding individuals and organizations driving social, environmental, and human rights change. Winners receive financial or honorary awards, lifelong access to a global network, and international recognition to amplify their impact and protect their work.

Overview

The Right Livelihood Award celebrates exceptional achievements that address urgent global challenges and promote sustainable change. It is designed to recognize, protect, and amplify the impact of Laureates’ work. The Award also serves as a protective mechanism for individuals facing threats to their safety or freedom by generating international attention and support.

Key Features:

  • Annual selection of three Cash Awards and one Honorary Award

  • Financial support is directed to projects or initiatives, not personal use

  • Laureates gain lifelong access to the Right Livelihood network of global change-makers

  • Provides visibility and protection for activists under threat

Eligibility and Nomination Process

  • Nominations are submitted via the online form by qualified nominators

  • Consent of nominees is mandatory; for imprisoned nominees, a family member or legal representative may provide consent

  • Nominations are confidential; publicizing nominations or nominees can lead to disqualification

  • All nomination information is securely stored and used solely for evaluation

Evaluation and Selection

  • A Jury convenes annually in September to review nominations

  • Winners are announced at a press conference in Stockholm

  • Formal award ceremony occurs later in the year

  • Selection emphasizes:

    • Demonstrated impact of the nominee’s work

    • Potential to amplify positive change

    • Alignment with the principles of social, environmental, or human rights advancement

Award Types

  1. Cash Awards

    • Support ongoing projects or expand activities

    • Never intended for personal use

    • Helps scale impactful initiatives

  2. Honorary Award

    • For nominees whose primary need is recognition, not money

    • Provides equal access to the Right Livelihood network and support

Why It Matters

The Award strengthens the global ecosystem of change-makers, connecting Laureates to resources, networks, and visibility. By recognizing and supporting innovative solutions, the program enhances social, environmental, and human rights outcomes, while offering protection for vulnerable activists.

How to Apply / Nominate

  1. Submit a nomination through the Right Livelihood online form

  2. Provide detailed information about the nominee’s work and achievements

  3. Ensure consent from the nominee or legal representative

  4. Await contact from the Foundation’s research team for additional context and verification

  5. Maintain confidentiality throughout the process

Tips for Nominators

  • Focus on the social, environmental, or human rights impact of the nominee

  • Highlight ongoing or potential projects that could benefit from recognition or funding

  • Ensure all submitted materials are accurate, complete, and compliant with the “do no harm” principle

FAQs

1. Can imprisoned individuals be nominated?
Yes, with consent from a family member or legal representative.

2. Are nominees eligible for personal financial support?
No, Cash Awards are only for supporting initiatives or projects.

3. Can nominations be publicized?
No, confidentiality is strictly required; breaches may lead to disqualification.

4. How many awards are given annually?
Three Cash Awards and one Honorary Award.

5. What support do Laureates receive beyond the award?
Access to a lifelong global network of change-makers, mentorship, and advocacy support.

6. Is prior recognition necessary for nomination?
No, nominees are evaluated on the impact and potential of their work, not past awards.

7. When are Laureates announced?
Winners are announced at a press conference in Stockholm, with the formal ceremony later in the year.

Conclusion

The Right Livelihood Award offers a unique combination of recognition, financial support, and international protection for individuals and organizations addressing critical global challenges. By connecting Laureates to a powerful network and resources, it helps expand the reach and effectiveness of transformative work, ensuring long-term impact and visibility for causes that matter.

For more information, visit Right Livelihood.