Role of the Allard Prize Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Allard Prize Foundation is a philanthropic organization based in Vancouver, Canada, dedicated to advancing integrity, anti‑corruption efforts and the protection of human rights around the world. Through the CAD $100,000 Allard Prize for International Integrity and related initiatives, the foundation provides significant financial recognition and global visibility to individuals, movements and organizations that show exceptional courage and leadership in exposing and resisting corruption and in strengthening the rule of law.
Established in 2012 with donations from Peter A. Allard, Q.C., the prize was originally hosted at the University of British Columbia before becoming fully independent in 2019. It is one of the pre‑eminent international awards in its field, presented biennially following an open, worldwide call for nominations.
Main funding instruments and initiatives
The core funding mechanism is the Allard Prize for International Integrity, awarded to a laureate selected by the Allard Prize Board, with additional honourable mentions in some cycles. Nominations are accepted continuously from the public and then assessed according to published prize criteria that emphasize courage, leadership, anti‑corruption impact, transparency, accountability and commitment to the rule of law.
Beyond the main prize, the foundation supports awareness‑raising initiatives such as a photography competition and curated galleries, short documentary films about laureates and honourable mentions, and public talks with leading thinkers and practitioners. While these activities may not always take the form of direct grants, they provide in‑kind support, exposure and platforms that amplify the work of funded and recognized actors.
General eligibility and assessment criteria
The Allard Prize is open to a broad spectrum of candidates: prominent public figures, grassroots activists, social movements, journalistic or investigative groups, NGOs and other organizations, whether for‑profit or non‑profit. The central requirement is demonstrable action against corruption or in defence of human rights, particularly where this advances transparency, accountability and fair legal systems.
Published criteria clarify how the foundation understands key concepts such as courage (acting despite significant personal risk or cost), leadership (inspiring others and catalysing change), anti‑corruption (addressing abuse of power in public or private spheres), transparency, accountability and the rule of law. These guidelines help orient nominators and ensure a consistent evaluation framework across prize cycles.
Governance, selection process and transparency
The Allard Prize Board oversees the program, sets strategy and makes final decisions on the laureate and any honourable mentions. An Allard Prize Manager screens and discusses nominations before preparing a shortlist, which is then shared with the Advisory Board for feedback. The Board’s final choices take into account the Advisory Board’s observations. Award ceremonies are public, and the foundation maintains an accessible archive of past ceremonies and detailed profiles of laureates and honourees on its website.
Supported audiences and global impact
Since 2013 the foundation has recognized a diverse group of journalists, whistleblowers, civil society leaders, investigative consortia and international initiatives from multiple regions. By combining financial awards with storytelling, video documentaries and public events, the Allard Prize Foundation seeks not only to reward past achievements but also to inspire broader societal engagement in fighting corruption and defending human rights worldwide.