The Cato Institute honors Charles Koch with the 2025 Milton Friedman Prize for Advancing Liberty, one of the most distinguished awards in the field of individual freedom and limited government.
The recognition recognizes Koch’s decades-long commitment to advancing a free and open society through principled business leadership and transformative philanthropy.
As chairman and co-CEO of Koch Industries and founder of Stand Together, Koch is celebrated for his steadfast belief in equal rights, mutual benefit, and the power of bottom-up innovation. His philosophy of Principle-Based Management has shaped not only one of America’s largest private companies but also inspired countless civic and educational initiatives to empower individuals to realize their potential.
“Charles Koch has done more than champion liberty—he’s invested in building institutions that sustain it,” says Cato Institute President and CEO Peter Goettler.
“His vision, generosity, and dedication have expanded opportunities for millions and have had a profound impact on how freedom is understood and pursued around the world.”
The award will be presented on Thursday, May 1, at a special dinner at the Washington Hilton.
The evening features a conversation between Stripe co-founder and CEO Patrick Collison and Cato’s Ryan Bourne, and Goettler serves as the evening’s host.
