[1] The prize is administered by Hofstra University, New York as part of its efforts in the advancement of religious study,[2] and is supported by the Sardarni Kuljit Kaur Bindra Foundation,[1] funded by a gift from the family of Ishar Singh Bindra.
[1] Notable members of the selection committee included Desmond Tutu, Inder Kumar Gujral, Charles Schumer, Norm Coleman, David Rosen, and Martin E.
[4] The Dalai Lama was selected from a field of 75 nominees engaged in interfaith efforts throughout the world.
[4] Other notable individuals nominated included Arthur Schneier, Jagdish Gandhi, Sukhbir Singh Kapoor, Paul F. Knitter, and Frank Kaufmann.
Notable organizations and groups nominated included Hartford Seminary and the Molloy College Institute for Christian/Jewish Dialogue.