Book Award

New Bridwell Institute Prize

The award will recognize the author of a book that makes an outstanding contribution to the public's broad understanding of American capitalism with a $15,000 prize.

The first recipient will be announce in spring 2026 for a book published in 2025. Nominations can be submitted below by December 31, 2025.

Call for Nominations is now closed.

The prize honors the Work of W. Michael Cox and Richard Alm. Over three decades, their research and writing has focused on explaining in clear language the working of America's free enterprise system, especially the relentless churning of markets and innovation that delivers progress in the form of higher living standards.

This award has been created thanks to Richard Alm's generous donation.

Mike and Rick wanted to use data and economic ideas to show Americans that freer markets make us richer and more government leaves us poorer. We hope the Bridwell Institute Prize will spur authors to follow in their footsteps. - Robert Lawson, Director