What is the California Prize?

What is the California Prize? Back in 2008, the University of San Francisco worked with Susan and Philip Marineau to establish an award for an individual or organization in California that models selfless service in pursuit of the common good, especially efforts benefiting the poor and marginalized.

In recognizing those who contributed significant advancements or innovations in serving the public, particular attention is given to those who:

Improve the delivery of services to the underserved
Expand assistance to the underserved
Facilitate access to the democratic process for marginalized populations
Advocate on behalf of underserved populations
Mobilize underserved communities to secure necessary service or assistance

The recipient of the California Prize for Service and the Common Good receives a prestigious hand-crafted medal and a $10,000 cash prize in recognition of embodying the core values of the Leo T. McCarthy Center and the University of San Francisco.

The medal is a unique gift in itself. Here is a detail of the actual medal, explaining the significance of the design elements.

CA Prize components

This year, join us May 12 for the California Prize Gala honoring this year’s recipient, Salesforce.org. Salesforce.org joins a unique group of California organizations and individuals, including Faithful Fools, the San Francisco Free Clinic, the San Francisco Giants, the Beneficial State Foundation, Alice L. Waters, and Lynn C. Fritz. All proceeds benefit community-engaged learning programs housed under the McCarthy Center