Grupo Vidanta Foundation Prize: Contributions to the Reduction of Inequality and Poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Prize is a joint initiative by the Organization of American States (OAS), the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB) and the Grupo Vidanta Foundation. Its aim is to provide recognition and support for outstanding projects carried out in Latin America and the Caribbean to reduce poverty and inequality and fight discrimination.
It further aims to ensure that such efforts are made known and that its contributions be shared with the purpose of:
- Developing greater knowledge and expertise in the field;
- Influencing decision-making on public policies;
- Creating greater awareness and rallying public opinion on key issues relating to poverty, inequality and discrimination in Latin America and the Caribbean;
- Promoting humanitarian values and solidarity among the general public; and
- Fostering corporate philanthropy and social responsibility.
Key features
The Prize will be announced on an annual basis in the month of September and the first prize will be bestowed in October 2010.
All nationals of the countries of the Americas, and of Andorra, Spain and Portugal, may participate.
All individuals or community based civil organizations or non-governmental institutions which, because of their nature or work are concerned with the reduction of poverty and inequality and combating discrimination in Latin America and the Caribbean, may present submissions.
The prizes will be in United States dollars. One first prize of US$ 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand U.S. dollars), a second prize of US$ 75,000.00 (seventy five thousand U.S. dollars), and a third prize of US$ 50,000.00 (fifty thousand U.S. dollars). All three will be contributed in their entirety by the Grupo Vidanta Foundation. The prizes may not be divided, or withheld, or bestowed posthumously, and will be awarded, subject to prior notification, in Mexico City in October 2010.
The procedure governing the granting of the Award will be based on the principles of publicity, transparency, objectivity and non-discrimination. The submissions will be evaluated taking into consideration the candidates’ backgrounds, the importance of their projects, and bearing in mind the following criteria:
- Innovation: from a conceptual viewpoint (in the field of scientific work or the incorporation of new technologies and processes) or in the area of implementation.
- Quantifiable results and impact: the projects must have demonstrated concrete results and benefits.
- Duration and transference: the projects must exhibit their capacity for continuity over time, provide knowledge and experience extensive to other beneficiaries, and be applicable in other fields.
- Environmental sustainability: the entries must be environmentally friendly.
The jury will announce its decision on the basis of the majority of votes issued and will inform the Secretary General of the OAS and the Secretary General of the SEGIB of such decision by means of a formal explanatory document.
