The Law & Social Policy Legacy Award was launched in 2021 to recognize organizations defending and advocating for low-wage workers’ rights and to increase knowledge of this work in the philanthropic community. The Public Welfare Foundation spent more than a decade supporting public policy and system reforms to improve the lives of low-wage working people in the United States. This prize commemorates and builds on the Public Welfare Foundation’s support to the field and honors the critical role law and social policy organizations play in building an economy that works for all.

A $10,000 award will be given by EOF with support from the Public Welfare Foundation annually until 2030 as part of their legacy investment in the Workers’ Rights field. There are no restrictions or limitations on the use of the $10,000 award. Awardees are recognized at EOF’s Annual Budget and Tax Briefing, in front of dozens of funders. A short video about the winner’s work is also produced to share during the recognition event and with EOF members and partners.

Nominations are evaluated on the following criteria:

• The nominee engages in both law and policy to defend and advocate for low-wage workers’ rights.
• The nominee meaningfully impacts the lives of individual low-wage workers and advances structural and systemic change.
• The nominee employs a strong worker-engagement model and centers the voices of low-wage workers in their work.
• The nominee’s work stands out among their peers.