The Sidney Hillman Foundation

Sidney Hillman Foundation
Formation1946
TypeNonprofit 501(c)(3)
13-5550943
Legal statusActive
HeadquartersNew York, New York
MethodsJournalism awards
President
Bruce S. Raynor
Executive Director
Alexandra Lescaze
SubsidiariesThe Sidney Award, The Hillman Prize
Revenue$430,000[1] (2024)
Expenses$553,000[1] (2024)
Websitewww.hillmanfoundation.org Edit this at Wikidata

The Sidney Hillman Foundation is an American charitable foundation that awards prizes to journalists who investigate issues related to social justice and progressive public policy.[2] The foundation, founded in 1946, is named for Sidney Hillman, who was the founding president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America and founder of the Congress of Industrial Organizations. The foundation awards the annual Hillman Prize in the United States and Canada, and the monthly Sidney Awards. The Foundation was headed by Bruce S. Raynor, former Executive Vice President of the SEIU, as of 2010.[3]

Hillman Prize

The Hillman Prize
Awarded forJournalism, social justice
CountryUnited States
Presented byThe Sidney Hillman Foundation
First award1950
Websitehillmanfoundation.org/hillman-prize

The Hillman Prize is a journalism award given out annually by the foundation. It is given to "journalists, writers and public figures who pursue social justice and public policy for the common good."[4] It recognizes journalists and public figures in traditional and new media forms.

Past winners include both established and emerging figures in their fields, as well as organizations. Murray Kempton was the first recipient in 1950. As of 2018, each winner receives $5,000.[5] In 2005, winners received $2000 and a plaque.[2]

The prize is awarded annually in the categories of: Book, Broadcast, Magazine, Newspaper, and Opinion & Analysis.[6]

Sidney Award

The Sidney Award is a monthly journalism award given out by The Sidney Hillman Foundation to "outstanding investigative journalism in service of the common good” from the previous month.[7][8] The Sidney Award was launched in 2009.[9][failed verification]

The Foundation announces the winner on the second Wednesday of each month. Recipients are awarded $500 and a certificate designed especially for the Sidney by New Yorker cartoonist Edward Sorel. Nominations can be made by anyone.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ a b "Form 990 2012". ProPublica. ProPublica. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  2. ^ a b "Hillman Awards Recognize Social Justice Coverage". Los Angeles Times. June 5, 2005. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  3. ^ Greenhouse, Steven (May 23, 2010). "Unions' Feud Leads to Moving of Journalism Awards Ceremony". New York Times. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  4. ^ "Hillman Prize information at the Hillman Foundation website". Archived from the original on 2009-08-06. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
  5. ^ Dvorak, A. (2018-11-20). "42 — and counting — journalism awards to apply for". Poynter. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  6. ^ "Hillman Prizes". The Sidney Hillman Foundation. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  7. ^ "Sidney Award Winners". The Sidney Hillman Foundation. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  8. ^ Feldberg, Sarah (April 29, 2025). "Chronicle reporters Jennifer Gollan and Susie Neilson win prestigious Hillman Prize". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2025-10-02. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  9. ^ "Client Spotlight: Sidney Hillman Foundation". CauseWired. Archived from the original on February 15, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2015.