The Umhoefer Prize for Achievement in Humanities

The purpose of the Umhoefer Prize is to seek out, choose, and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the Humanities in books, films, discs, or other materials that are generally available to the thoughtful reader, viewer, and listener.  A prize recipient may be a writer, translator, photographer, editor, artist, actor, or other participant in the human creative enterprise.

The selection process is not made public, and is carried out with immense care and consideration. Many hundreds of possible recipients are considered each year. No list of “finalists” is announced, or “losers” identified. Instead, after a vigorous search and a deeply thoughtful selection, we name valuable work that we believe offers a meaningful experience to thoughtful people, from blossoming students to retired scholars.

The Umhoefer Prize Includes:

• An original 4” bronze sculpture of a young woman reading, titled “Favorite Pastime”, signed and numbered by sculptor Nancy Aldritt Smith from a limited bronze pour commissioned by the Foundation

• A modest monetary prize, usually $1,000 to $3,500

• Announcement of the prize in an ad space in The New Yorker magazine

• A bookstore copy of the magazine in an archival board and sleeve

• A framed copy of the announcement

• Participation in the book purchase program through which the foundation makes gifts of copies to students at art centers, schools, or colleges and to thoughtful readers in the general public

The Foundation is not a grant-giving organization, but our website welcomes nominations for The Umhoefer Prize in the areas mentioned above.