Templeton Freedom Awards for Excellence in Promoting Liberty
– the largest international prize program that celebrates think tank contributions to the understanding of freedom –
Think tanks around the world are increasingly playing a substantial role in the public policy process. In order to highlight some of the most innovative work being done by this growing group of organizations, the Atlas Economic Research Foundation has launched the Templeton Freedom Awards program in 2003, thanks to a generous funding from the John Templeton Foundation, as a means of creating virtuous competitions that will improve the effectiveness of think tanks, reward those making significant contributions, and give them publicity and funding to expand their visibility and program activities.
Named for the late investor and philanthropist, Sir John Templeton, the Templeton Freedom Awards recognize excellent work by institutes and scholars who address important subjects related to advancing the understanding of freedom. The TFA program enhances and expands Atlas’s traditional efforts to help those who are changing the world for the better.
The TFA program takes inspiration from two champions of freedom and free enterprise: Atlas founder, Sir Antony Fisher, who envisioned a worldwide network of think tanks advancing the principles of a free society; and Sir John Templeton, whose philanthropy reflects the same innovative, pioneering spirit he brought to international investing.
Atlas has noted that empirical data, published by organizations that study the causes and effects of economic freedom, has consistently shown that:
- High levels of economic freedom are correlated with high standards of living.
- The countries enjoying the greatest economic freedom have been governed for periods of time under systems of common law.
- There exists a positive correlation between levels of governmental regulation and corruption; corruption, in turn, contributes to the stifling of economic growth.
- Most countries near the bottom of the scale of economic freedom are also infamous for religious intolerance and violations of human rights.
If human beings in all parts of the world are to flourish in the 21st century, economic freedom will need to advance where there is presently poverty and hopelessness. The market order will need to replace central planning. Individuals operating outside the legal economy will need to be brought into a legal order respectful of contracts and property rights. The virtues that support successful capitalist economies - such as working to establish trust and finding opportunity through service to others - will need to take root in cultures presently infected by suspicion and rivalry.
Atlas believes that this long-term mission of improving the climate of ideas is best pursued through the work of independent institutions that are devoted to researching and promoting the principles of a free and virtuous society.
In 2008, three new prize categories were added to the program to honor special achievements using Innovative Media, by a University-based Center, and by a Young Institute. These categories complement the program’s traditional prizes; for developing and promoting Free-Market Solutions to Poverty, combining traditional think tank work with Social Entrepreneurship, explaining how Ethics and Values relate to free competition, reaching new minds through Student Outreach, and showing Initiative in Public Relations.
The 2009 Templeton Freedom Awards program grants a $10,000 prize to each winner. Two winners will be chosen in each of the 8 categories: one represents an “established institute” (older than eight years), and one is an “emerging institute” (eight years or younger). With the exception in the Young Institute category, restricted to groups younger than 5 years old, one winner is chosen from a developed country, and another from more difficult parts of the world.
