Richard Louv Prize for
Innovation In Nature Connection
The Richard Louv Prize for Innovation in Nature Connection is open to any individual doing exemplary work to advance equitable access to nature in their community or region. The Richard Louv Prize recognizes innovative strategies for creating regular access to the benefits of nature everywhere children live, learn and play.
We believe equitable access to nature is achieved when systemic barriers to nature are removed and all members of a community — regardless of race, income, ability, identity or address — have regular opportunities to spend time in healthy outdoor spaces that are nearby, safe, welcoming and culturally relevant.
The Children & Nature Network created the Richard Louv Prize to honor the visionary leadership and contributions of its co-founder and Chair Emeritus, Richard Louv. His books have been translated and published in 24 countries, and his landmark book, Last Child in the Woods, helped launch an international movement to connect children, families and communities to nature.
PRIZE RECIPIENTS RECEIVE:
- Recognition by the Children & Nature Network’s Founders’ Council at the Nature Everywhere Conference.
- A feature article in the Children & Nature Network’s signature publication, Finding Nature News.
- $15,000 cash prize.
PRIZE RECIPIENTS:
2024 Nomination Process
Nominations for the 3rd annual Richard Louv Prize are now closed. Nominations opened on March 1, 2024, and closed on April 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
The Children & Nature Network Founders’ Council will review all nominations and recommend a winner to be approved by the Children & Nature Network Board of Directors.
The winner will be announced on May 31, 2024 at the Nature Everywhere Conference in Madison, Wisconsin.
Selection Criteria:
- Innovation: Nominee has demonstrated innovative or novel approaches to advancing equitable access to nature in their community or region, including, but not limited to, new funding strategies, unlikely partnerships, and creative approaches.
- Reach: The nominee’s work or its potential influence should extend beyond their organization, neighborhood and/or community.
- Potential for Scale: The nominee’s work should have the potential to be replicated or scaled.
- The 2024 Richard Louv Prize winner must be available to attend the Children & Nature Network’s Nature Everywhere Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, May 28-31, 2024. Travel expenses and conference fees for the winner will be covered by the Children & Nature Network.*
* Note, we will work to make accommodations for individuals who are unable to attend due to health or accessibility considerations.
About the Children & Nature Network
Our vision is of a world where every child has access to the benefits of nature everywhere they live, learn and play. The Children & Nature Network is working to advance equitable access to nature so that children — and the natural world — can thrive. We do this by:
- Fostering belief that a connection to nature is critical to children’s healthy development and that access to these benefits is inequitably distributed. We curate the largest collection of research on the human and nature connection and develop evidence-based tools, resources and training.
- Changing the big systems that impact children’s daily connection to nature. We provide technical assistance, peer learning and financial resources to support fundamental change within the big systems that impact children’s lives, including schools and city governments. We support re-writing the narrative of who wants to be and belongs in the outdoors.
- Growing and supporting an inclusive, cross-sector, multi-generational movement of children and nature advocates.
FAQs
Can nominations come from anywhere in the world?
Yes, this is an international prize recognizing work anywhere in the world.
Can I nominate an organization?
No, nominees must be individuals. The winner may choose to designate an organization to receive the prize money but is not required to do so.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes, self-nominations are welcome. Note that all nominations require two references who are not the nominator.
Can I nominate someone (including myself) that was nominated in the past?
Yes.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you need additional information please send an email with your question and contact information to: info@childrenandnature.org.
Inspiring Leaders
Through the Richard Louv Prize nomination process, we learn about remarkable leaders working to connect children, families and communities to the benefits of nature. Learn more about these children and nature champions in our Inspiring Leaders feature.