The Courtney Loprest Award honors the lives and work of two exemplars in society,
Dr. Hugh Courtney and Dr. Pamela Loprest.

The award is given to an individual working on eradicating poverty in their community or on a national level. Applicants must be 21 years or older.

This is a global award; individuals may apply from anywhere. Submitted applications must be written in English.

Applications are due by February 20, 2026. On a separate document that you convert to a PDF before submission, please provide the information requested in items #1 -7 and submit the pdf with a cover email to courtneyloprest@bergelinstitute.org.

1. Name

2. Address

3. Phone number

4. Email address

5. Date of birth

6. Essay 1: Describe what you do for your job and the path that has brought you to this work. Include an explanation of why you do what you do and how you believe you can help end poverty through your current work or work that you would like to do in the immediate future. In your essay, feel free to discuss your perspectives on poverty, why it persists, and how you feel we are doing in our current efforts to end it. (minimum 4 pages, single-spaced)

7. Essay 2: Discuss how you will unite people of all political philosophies in your work. Focus on pragmatic steps versus ideas or philosophies. (minimum 3 pages, single-spaced)
   

Selection process:

• All applications are due by February 20, 2026.

• The review of applications will take place through March 20, 2026.

• Finalists will be notified by April 1, 2026. Interviews of finalists will take place in April 2026.

• Interviews may be in-person or via video.

• The winner will be notified on May 1, 2026.

• The 2026 Courtney Loprest Award will be presented in Florida on August 14, 2026, at the Institute’s summer meeting.

• The winner’s travel and lodging will be paid for by The Bergel Institute.