The Alcan Prize for Sustainability

The Alcan Prize for Sustainability is a US$1 million prize to be awarded each year to not-for-profit, non-governmental, and civil society organizations that are working diligently to make our world a better place. Alcan provides the funding but has entrusted the decision-making to the world's leading proponents of sustainable development. The Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) manages the program, issuing the Call for Entries, assisting organizations with their applications, coordinating Assessment Panels to select an annual short list of finalists, and supporting the Adjudication Panel in its deliberations.

The Adjudication Panel, composed of distinguished, international experts on sustainability issues, reviews the accomplishments and intentions of short-listed applicants, selects an annual winner, and determines which short-listed applicants merit Alcan Bursaries (see below). Potential panel members are identified by IBLF, Alcan Inc., and the international networks available to these organizations. Alcan does not participate in the selection process.

Objectives of the Alcan Prize for Sustainability

- Recognize and reward not-for-profit, civil society and non-governmental organizations that have made and continue to make significant contributions to integrating economic, environmental, and social sustainability for the benefit of present and future generations.

- Advance and increase awareness of local, regional, national or international not-for-profit, civil society, and non-governmental organizations engaged in sustainable activities

- Foster a legacy of sustainability by supporting the work of Prize recipients and enhancing their ability to build capacity and have a further impact in the future

- Communicate sustainability practices and programs through the collection and promotion of examples

- Generate volunteering opportunities for Alcan employees and their families and encourage the involvement of Alcan people in their communities

In addition to the US$1 million prize to be awarded to a single organization, the adjudication panel will have the opportunity to recognize non-winning finalists by awarding Alcan Bursaries. The bursaries will be awarded at the discretion of the adjudication panel based on merit. Alcan Bursaries are redeemable for a suitably qualified senior member of staff to attend the University of Cambridge Program for Industry in England and earn a Post Graduate Certificate in Cross Sector Partnership. The course is a mix of residential and distance learning, run in partnership with International Business Leaders Forum, The Copenhagen Centre, and the University of Cambridge.

The Alcan Prize for Sustainability website