1. Online Nominations
During the Nominations Period, which lasts about six months, online nominations for the Aurora Prize are open at auroraprize.com. Any member of the public may nominate candidates for the Aurora Prize.
2. Secretariat Screening and Expert Panel Voting
The Secretariat tracks the nominations in the nominations management and voting system (“voting system”) through two phases: Eligibility and Information Sufficiency Assessment and Evidence Assessment. The Expert Panel members are provided secure personal access to the voting system for assessment of the eligible nominees against the Aurora Prize Selection Criteria, to shortlist top candidates.
3. Nominee Participation Outreach and Due Diligence
Top candidates are contacted by the Secretariat to inform them of their nomination and that they are shortlisted for the Aurora Prize. At this stage, Nominees are asked to confirm their willingness to participate, to nominate up to three organizations that they see as the inspiration for their achievement or the means to create a legacy for the work that they are undertaking and provide additional information/evidence, if required. Concurrent with the Nominee Participation Outreach, top candidates are assessed for criminal convictions, allegations of professional impropriety and perceptions in the public realm. A professional organization is utilized to perform necessary due diligence. The Expert Panel is also asked to use their connections for candidates’ background checks. Top candidates may be eliminated if they no longer meet the criteria.
4. Selection Committee Review and Voting for Aurora Humanitarians
The Selection Committee members receive secure personal access to the voting system, review profiles of shortlisted candidates and select their top-5 nominees at their discretion. Afterwards, the Selection Committee meeting takes place (may be held online) where a discussion and vote takes place to select the target number of potential Aurora Humanitarians (three to five candidates).
5. Due Diligence of Aurora Humanitarians and Their Designated Organizations
At this stage, potential Aurora Humanitarians undergo the final in-depth due diligence process. Some or all of the candidates may be eliminated if they no longer meet the Aurora Prize criteria. All organizations nominated by potential Aurora Humanitarians must meet the Designated Organization Eligibility Requirements.
6. Aurora Humanitarians Announcement
Upon the completion of the due diligence process the Aurora Humanitarians are publicly announced at a special press conference organized in Yerevan, Armenia on April 24. The potential Designated Organizations are announced together with the Aurora Humanitarians.
7.Selection Committee Final Voting
The Selection Committee meeting takes place (may be held online) to conduct the final discussion and voting to select the Aurora Prize Laureate. The Laureate is determined by unanimous consensus of the participating Selection Committee members.
8. Laureate Announcement and Aurora Prize Ceremony
The Laureate is announced at the Aurora Prize Ceremony. The Prize Laureate receives a US $1,000,000 award and a unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by supporting the organizations that help people in need.