Honoring Integrity In Leadership And Service To Community
COVER ART: Sheila Hicks, an internationally renowned fiber artist, created Thread Bas-Relief in her Paris studio in 1972. The tapestry, measuring 36 by 12 feet, hangs in the lobby of One M&T Plaza in Buffalo, New York.
The Prize
Each year, the Robert G. Wilmers Integrity Prize honors an individual striving to better our world in a different field. Integrity in leadership and service to community are at the forefront of our search.
Efforts in the arts, education, environment, law, medicine, nutrition, social justice and social reform are eligible for the $50,000 award. You can apply for yourself or nominate another person for the prize.
The application window for 2025 submissions closed on April 1, 2025.
A legacy of integrity.
Robert G. Wilmers worked hard to live his life as a model of integrity and responsibility. He led his bank and businesses without compromise – and ensured that their successes positively impacted the communities they called home. We strive to see the spirit of his work continue through this annual award in his name.
Eligibility
The Wilmers Integrity Prize invites applicants and nominees who:
Work
Are working in the fields of culture, education, environment, law, medicine, nutrition, social justice or social reform to improve the world around them.
Lead
Act with integrity and exhibit leadership in their fields of work.
Reside
Are permanent residents of and currently reside in the United States.
Selection Criteria
Candidates will be assessed on three criteria.
Cause
Their work must advance the greater good of a community – local or national – by addressing inequity or otherwise driving positive change.
Character
They work hard, radiate curiosity, think independently, act with integrity and pursue principles without compromise.
Results
Their efforts have yielded substantial progress and are likely to continue doing so.
Timeline
The 2025 Wilmers Integrity Prize timeline.
December 1, 2024
Application window for 2025 Prize opens.
April 1, 2025
Application window for 2025 Prize closes.
November 2025
2025 Prize winner announced at event in New York City.
FAQ
Please read through our list of criteria to see if you qualify.
If you believe you qualify for this year’s award, or if you were nominated and received a notification to apply, please fill out our application form. There is no application fee.
The application window for 2025 closed on April 1, 2025. Please check back in 2026 to nominate someone for the prize.
The Robert G. Wilmers Integrity Prize honors individuals, rather than organizations. If there is a group or company you have in mind, consider an individual within whose work is essential to its operation, and let us know about that person.
This year’s application deadline is April 1, 2025.
The winner will be announced November 2025 at an event in New York City.
The award is $50,000, which can be used at the winner’s discretion.
Applications and nominations will be screened to ensure they fit our candidate criteria. Applicants who qualify will be evaluated by our Selection Committee. Those who advance further in the process can expect their references to be contacted by the Robert G. Wilmers Integrity Prize for an in-depth discussion. Finalists should expect to be vetted before the announcement of the winner in November 2025.
No. We are looking for individuals who work with integrity and make an impact in various fields. Our goal is to highlight important work in many disciplines.
If you don’t see the answer to a question you have, please contact us at info@wilmersintegrityprize.org and we will be happy to provide additional information.