- Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
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The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is an American non-profit charitable foundation, established in 1944 by hotel entrepreneur Conrad N. Hilton. It remained relatively small until his death on January 3, 1979 when it was named the principal beneficiary of his estate. Conrad's son, Barron Hilton contested the will to gain interest in some of his father's estate, but in 2007, Barron Hilton announced that he would leave about 97% of his fortune (estimated at $2.3 billion),[1] to a charitable remainder unitrust which will eventually be merged with the Foundation,[2] of which he is currently the chairman of the board.[1]
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Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
The Foundation's mission is derived from the last will and testament of Conrad N. Hilton that directs the organization to "relieve the suffering, the distressed, and the destitute."[3] The Foundation now focuses on ten areas: providing safe water; ending chronic homelessness; preventing substance abuse; caring for vulnerable children; supporting Catholic Sisters; confronting sight loss; overcoming multiple sclerosis; responding to disasters; nurturing Catholic schools; and educating students for hospitality industry.[4]
The Foundation's current assets are approximately $2 billion. Since inception, the Foundation has awarded nearly $940 million in grants. Currently more than 50% supports international charitable projects.[5]
Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize
The Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize is awarded annually by the Foundation. It was inaugurated in 1996 and is the largest humanitarian award in the world. Its annual award of USD 1.5 million is currently equal to one of the six Nobel Prizes.[6]
The award is presented to a nonprofit organization judged to have made exemplary and extraordinary contributions in alleviating human suffering. Following initial background and legal review, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize staff conducts an extensive evaluation of the candidates, which is then submitted to an independent, international jury that makes the final selection.
According to the Foundation, "The Prize is not only intended to recognize and advance the efforts of the recipient organization, but also to call attention to the worldwide need for humanitarian aid and encourage others to expand their support." The creation of the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize by the Foundation was inspired by the will of Conrad Hilton.
"There is a natural law, a Divine law, that obliges you and me to relieve the suffering, the distressed and the destitute. Charity is a supreme virtue, and the great channel through which the mercy of God is passed on to mankind. It is the virtue that unites men and inspires their noblest efforts.[7]
— Conrad N. Hilton
Prize winners
- 1996 - Operation Smile
- 1997 - International Rescue Committee
- 1998 - Médecins Sans Frontières
- 1999 - African Medical and Research Foundation
- 2000 - Casa Alianza
- 2001 - St Christopher's Hospice
- 2002 - SOS Children's Villages
- 2003 - International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims
- 2004 - Heifer International
- 2005 - Partners in Health
- 2006 - Women for Women International
- 2007 - Tostan Organization
- 2008 - BRAC
- 2009 - Program for Appropriate Technology in Health
- 2010 - Aravind Eye Care System
- 2011 - Handicap International
References
- ^ a b "Barron Hilton to Donate 97% of Estate to Hilton Foundation". Planned Giving Design Center, LLC. December 26 2007. http://www.pgdc.com/pgdc/news-story/2007/12/27/barron-hilton-donate-97-estate-hilton-foundation. Retrieved April 2 2011.
- ^ "Hilton fortune to go to charity". BBC News. 2007-12-27. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7161358.stm. Retrieved 2010-04-26.
- ^ Excerpt from the Last Will and Testament of Conrad N. Hilton
- ^ Conrad N. Hilton Foundation website
- ^ "New Frontiers in Doing Good: A Family Foundation". Leaders Magazine. 2011-04-02. http://www.leadersmag.com/issues/2011.2_Apr/New%20Frontiers%20in%20Doing%20Good/LEADERS-Steven-Hilton-Conrad-N.-Hilton-Foundation.html. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
- ^ Tattersall, Nick (2007-08-12). "Grass roots African group wins top world aid award". Reuters online (Reuters). http://africa.reuters.com/country/DJ/news/usnL12256053.html. Retrieved 2007-08-30.
- ^ Excerpt from the Last Will and Testament of Conrad N. Hilton
External links
Categories:- Humanitarian and service awards
- Foundations based in the United States
- Organizations established in 1944
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