January 28, 2026
From international exposure to professional development, Goldman Environmental Prize winners receive a range of benefits to support their work as environmental advocates. Primary benefits of winning the Goldman Prize include financial support, media recognition, access to a global network of environmental leaders, and defense and security support.
1. Financial Support
The Goldman Environmental Prize has distributed more than $32 million to grassroots environmental leaders (and their organizations) from around the world.
Since its founding in 1989, the Prize has honored and supported grassroots environmental activists. Each Goldman Prize winner receives a cash award with no strings attached. The Prize also offers occasional grants to Prize winner organizations and partners with other funders to identify and support opportunities for grantmaking.
2. Media Recognition
Goldman Environmental Prize winners regularly receive coverage in major outlets like CNN, BBC, The Guardian, Mongabay, and more, sharing their stories worldwide and gaining global recognition.
Though a robust media strategy, the Prize elevates the platforms of environmental defenders, both within their home countries and around the world. With enhanced exposure, Prize winners can often expand or shift their work in positive ways.
Be sure to follow the Goldman Prize on social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) to help further elevate Prize winner stories.
3. A Global Network
Goldman Environmental Prize winners join a community of more than 200 environmental leaders across 98 countries.
The Goldman Prize celebrates the cultural and geographic diversity of grassroots environmental activists and seeks to build a global community of those who care about the Earth. Each year, the Prize recognizes individuals (and occasionally duos) from six regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and Central and South America. Prize winners are invited to participate in regional networking events, conferences, and digital forums, allowing them to build connections and collaborate across borders.
4. Defense & Security Support
The Goldman Environmental Prize provides resources to help safeguard its winners working in challenging and high‑risk environments.
Environmental defenders often face risks due to their advocacy work. The Goldman Prize recognizes the importance of building the capacity and strengthening the resilience of Prize winners to manage these risks as they continue their environmental work. Through its defense and security program, and in collaboration with partner organizations and security experts, the Goldman Prize offers holistic security risk assessments, recommends emergency protection grants, and supports specific measures in the areas of physical safety, digital security, and well-being.
