Indianapolis Prize Searching for Wildlife's Greatest Heroes

Nominations for the 2025 Indianapolis Prize — the world’s leading award for animal conservation — opened today and will close on Feb. 26, 2024. The Winner will be awarded $250,000 and five Finalists as well as an Emerging Conservationist will be awarded $50,000 each. The Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species.

The Indianapolis Prize has recognized more than 150 of the most innovative conservationists from around the world and awarded more than $5.6 million. Through this prestigious award, honorees gain global visibility and influence. Nominees for the Prize have dedicated their lives to the preservation of our planet’s wildlife and wild places. The Prize honors their heroic work and provides a higher platform from which to tell their stories of adventure and inspiration.

Indianapolis Prize Nominations

To be accepted as a Nominee, an individual must have accomplished an achievement or series of achievements that have resulted in a demonstrable, positive impact on an animal species or group of species that improved long-term survival. Consideration will be given to various aspects, including challenges overcome, quality of science involved and measurable outcomes resulting from work. The impact of achievements under consideration must be clearly recognizable when evaluated by the Nominating Committee and Jury.

Nominations are available online and due by Feb. 26, 2024. For complete guidelines and to learn more about the nominating process, visit the Prize website, send an email to nomination@indianapolisprize.org or call 317-630-2004.

Emerging Conservationist Applicants

Applications will be accepted for the 2025 Emerging Conservationist, an award which supports conservationists under 40 years of age with the talent and determination to make a significant impact on saving an animal species or group of species. This individual will receive a $50,000 monetary award to further their conservation work. This award is made possible through a grant from the Kobe Foundation.

Applicants must submit a formal application and supporting materials prior to Feb. 26, 2024. For guidelines and to learn more about the application process, visit the Prize website. To request an application, send an email to application@indianapolisprize.org or call 317-630-2004. Applications are available in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, Russian or Arabic, and must be requested no later than Jan. 5, 2024.

The Indianapolis Prize is international in its scope. Nominees for the Indianapolis Prize and applicants for the Emerging Conservationist must be living, and recipients participate in the Gala at which awards are presented. Honorees are also expected to participate in additional educational and social events during the Gala Week. Events take place biennially in the fall locally in Indiana as well as additional locations across the continental U.S.