Indianapolis Prize Boosts Finalist Awards

The finalists for what is considered to be the most prestigious award in animal conservation will now receive larger monetary awards. The Indianapolis Prize says the finalists will each receive $50,000 instead of the previously-awarded $10,000, thanks to a grant from Indy-based Lilly Endowment Inc.

The Indianapolis Prize says the increase will support the finalists’ work “to protect and save species on a global scale.”

“This grant is influential and meaningful for the Zoo’s efforts to support the heroes who are truly protecting nature and saving species,” said Dr. Rob Shumaker, chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Zoological Society Inc. “Lilly Endowment has once again demonstrated its support for our natural world. We are immensely proud to be stewards of such a generous gift and are grateful for their continued support.”

The biennial award provides a $250,000 unrestricted grant to an animal conservationist who “has achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species.”

Dr. Amanda Vincent won the 2020 Indianapolis Prize for her work on seahorse ecology and conservation. However, due to the pandemic, she did not receive the award until last year, which led to the award being presented on odd-numbered years going forward.

Nominations for the 2023 Indianapolis Prize are currently being accepted and the nomination period will close on February 25. The winner and finalists will receive their awards at the Indianapolis Prize Gala on September 30, 2023.