What is the Essl Social Prize?
The Essl Social Prize was established by Martin and Gerda Essl in 2007 and is meant to set a visible example of humanity in our society. The award was presented for the first time on 14 March 2008.
In the spirit of social responsibility, the Essl family aims to provide with the prize long-term support and assistance to people in need.
The prize focuses on projects developed by private initiatives and social entrepreneurs. Each year effective and groundbreaking projects and ideas, developed by entrepreneurs in the social sphere and particularly worthy of support, are awarded a sum of EUR 1 million.
The Foundation of the Prize
Articles of Association
The Articles of Association of the Essl Foundation specify that, beginning in 2008, a sum of EUR 1 million is to be distributed in the scope of the international Essl Sozial Prize initiated by the benefactors.
A Social Advisory Board, together with the benefactors and the spokesperson of the Family Advisory Board, provides support in the selsection of the social projects. The funding provided is to be earmarked for 8exclusive) use by the projects and spent in an effective manner.
The Essl family has been in business for many generations. The Essl family is guided by the Christian faith which, both ethically and as a tradition, informs all of their actions in everyday life.
All of the Essl family's thoughts and actions are guided by the principles of openess, honesty and, above all, respect for creation in all its diversity, wether mankind or nature.
Aims of the Prize
- Support of proven social projects and/or groundbreaking ideas developed by entrepreneurs in the social field
- Recognition of the social entrepreneurs for their archievements and commitment
- Education and advancement of social entrepreneurs
- Transfer of know-how from business to social enterprises with the intention of promoting, and improving, long term, entrepreneurial thinking.
Prizewinners' Responsibilities and Commitments
The winners of the Essl Sozial Prize must be social entrepreneurs who have realised a social project which is:
- exceptional by international standards
- groundbreaking
- sustainable
- successful
Prizewinners are obliged tu use any funds granted under the prize:
- in an appropriate manner
- economically
- for the alleviation of need
- to provide a report on it
In subsequent years prizewinners shall agree, on a voluntary basis, to act as jurors in the selection of future winners of the Essl Social Prize.
The aim is to identify, on an annual basis, exceptional social projects that meet the funding criteria.
