The William E. Simon Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Social Entrepreneurship was awarded to an outstanding founder-leader of a long-established organization that had a proven track record of effectiveness and influence. Particular attention was paid to those who promoted personal responsibility, religious faith, persistence, and the value of hard work. The Prize was administered by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research and carried with it a $100,000 personal honorarium. The recipient was recognized and honored at a special event annually, until the Prize was retired in 2017.
Past winners include:
- 2017 the Late NYPD Detective Steven McDonald
- 2016 Chris Anderson
- 2015 Norman Atkins
- 2014 Sal Khan
- 2013 Fr. Tim Scully
- 2012 Brian Lamb
- 2011 Geoffrey Canada
- 2010 Richard Gilder and Lewis Lehrman
- 2009 Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin
- 2008 George T. McDonald
- 2007 Daniel A. Biederman
- 2006 Eunice Kennedy Shriver
- 2005 Wendy Kopp
- 2004 Elayne G. Bennett
- 2003 Charles W. Colson
- 2002 Rev. Eugene Rivers III
- 2001 Peter M. Flanigan