Our Mission
The Goldman Environmental Prize honors the achievements and leadership of grassroots environmental activists from around the world, inspiring all of us to take action to protect our planet.
About the Goldman Prize
The Goldman Prize recognizes grassroots environmental champions for significant efforts to protect and restore the natural environment. The Prize views grassroots leaders as those leading campaigns locally, effecting positive change through community participation.
Prize winners are announced each April, coinciding with Earth Day. They are celebrated with a live ceremony in San Francisco.
A Global Community
The Goldman Prize believes that a strong environmental movement requires diverse talents, perspectives, and leadership. Each year, the Prize honors six (or seven) grassroots environmental heroes, each of whom represents the world’s six inhabited regions:
Benefits of the Goldman Prize
From international exposure to professional development, Goldman Prize winners receive a range of benefits to support their work as environmental advocates.
Financial
Support
Media
Recognition
A Global
Network
Defense &
Security Support
A Green Legacy
Reflecting a lifelong commitment to philanthropy and the environment, the Goldman Environmental Prize was founded in 1989 by San Francisco civic leaders Richard and Rhoda Goldman, who sought to recognize grassroots leaders who didn’t receive the attention they deserved. The duo envisioned the Prize as a way to demonstrate the international nature of environmental problems and draw public attention to the global need for action. The work of the Prize continues today with Richard and Rhoda’s children and grandchildren.
“People of ordinary backgrounds doing extraordinary things to save our Earth.”
—Richard Goldman
Philanthropist and Co-founder
