![Cato 50th Anniversary Logo](https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/2026-06/cato-50-horizontal.png) ## Vision for *Liberty* Award Write the best case for a freer world. For nearly 50 years, the Cato Institute has championed liberty—and in 2027 we’re offering a top award of $50,000 to whoever makes the case best. [Applications Open March 1st, 2027](#reminder) The Cato Vision for Liberty Award honors the most original and compelling works advancing individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. --- In a noisy political environment, familiar arguments are not enough. We are looking for fresh insights and breakthrough ideas that challenge conventional wisdom and open new paths for liberty. We will begin accepting article submissions on March 1, 2027. Start thinking about your article submission now. You do not need a policy background, an academic title, or a famous name. The award is open to US residents of the 50 States and Washington, D.C., 18 or older. Academics, entrepreneurs, policy professionals, Hill staffers, students, government employees, private sector workers, independent thinkers, and anyone else are all welcome. Need some help? We’re also accepting entries with multiple authors. What matters is the quality of your thinking and your writing. [Sign up for an Email Reminder](#reminder) The *Awards* --- First place### The *Thomas Jefferson* Award Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence and made individual liberty the American founding creed. $50,000 Second place### The *David Boaz* Award For more than four decades, David Boaz built the Cato Institute and defined the modern libertarian project, including in his book *The Libertarian Mind*. $25,000 Third place### The *Trenchard & Gordon* Award Writing under the pen name “Cato” in the 1720s, John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon published *Cato’s Letters*, the essays on liberty and power that inspired the American founders and gave this Institute its name. $12,500 --- ### Award Details **Length:** 1,500 words or fewer **Language:** English only **Submissions open:** March 1, 2027 **Deadline:** July 4, 2027 **Winners announced:** September 2027 The *Prompt* --- “Write an article in support of libertarianism, analyze the world through a libertarian lens, propose an innovative libertarian policy proposal, or pen an article *with a distinct libertarian theme*.” Argue your point with philosophy, social science, psychology, economics, empirical evidence, mathematics, your wits, or any other intellectual tools at your disposal. That is the whole prompt. There is no assigned topic, no required discipline, and no preferred format. A philosophical argument, an empirical analysis, a policy proposal, and an essay that defies category all compete on equal terms. The best entries will say something true and important about liberty that has not been said before, or say something familiar so well that it reads like a discovery. How to *Enter* Submit your article through the submission portal by July 4, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. --- Your submission must include the following. → Your article, in English, as a PDF or Microsoft Word document, no more than 1,500 words. Citations, figures, tables, and appendices do not count against the limit. → A separate title page with your full name, email address, physical address, and phone number. Keep your name and contact information off the article itself. → A brief bio of 250 words or less. → A short answer to one question. What thinkers, authors, or people have influenced you the most? You may submit more than one entry, but no entrant will win more than one award. If a winning entry was submitted by multiple authors, the prize amount shall be divided equally between the authors. Questions? Contact [visionforliberty@​cato.​org](mailto:visionforliberty@cato.org). **Sign up for a reminder when submissions open for the Cato Vision for Liberty Award on March 1, 2027.** [text](#) #### Frequently Asked Questions --- #### Who can participate? Residents of the 50 United States and Washington, D.C., aged 18 or older, except Cato Institute employees and their immediate family members. #### What is the award prompt? Write an article in support of libertarianism, analyze the world through a libertarian lens, propose an innovative libertarian policy proposal, or pen an article with a distinct libertarian theme. Argue your point with philosophy, social science, psychology, economics, empirical evidence, mathematics, your wits, or any other intellectual tools at your disposal. #### What are the awards? The Thomas Jefferson Award, $50,000 for first place. The David Boaz Award, $25,000 for second place. The John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon Award, $12,500 for third place. #### Is there a word limit? No more than 1,500 words, not counting citations, figures, tables, or appendices. Articles must be written in English and submitted as PDF or Microsoft Word documents. #### Can I submit more than one entry? Yes, but each author can win only one award. #### Can I submit a co-authored article? Yes. If a co-authored article wins, the prize amount shall be divided equally between the authors. #### Can I use AI tools to write my article? Yes, you may use AI to help outline, develop, write, edit, and review your submission or otherwise contribute to it. You are responsible for the accuracy of every word you submit and you may not use AI in a way that plagiarizes, defames, or otherwise infringes on the rights or intellectual property of another. You are therefore responsible for ensuring that any AI output incorporated in your submission is original, non-infringing, and complies in all ways with the Official Rules. #### Who will judge the articles? A select group of Cato scholars and employees using a standardized rubric in stages. #### What are the key dates? Submissions open March 1, 2027. The deadline is July 4, 2027. Winners will be announced by September 2027. #### Will Cato publish my article? Cato may publish winning essays or excerpts at its discretion. #### How do I submit? Through a submission portal that will be available on March 1, 2027. Additional questions? Consult the Official Rules or contact [visionforliberty@​cato.​org](mailto:visionforliberty@cato.org). #### May I publish my submitted article? Yes, you may self-publish your article after submitting it to the Vision for Liberty Award. You may also publish your article elsewhere if you retain the rights. [Read Official Rules](https://www.cato.org/vision-for-liberty-award/official-rules)