In 1996, in support and affirmation of individuals whose life work has advanced the interfaith ideal, the Temple of Understanding established the Juliet Hollister Award. Named in honor of our founder, Hollister Awards are granted to individuals who are:

1. Religious figures who bring interfaith values into the place of worship were the faithful congregate; and
2. Secular figures who promote greater understanding of spiritual values in areas such as the arts, education, media, government, science, law and ecology.

Past awardees include Karen Armstrong, Dr. Coleman Barks, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Dr. Thomas Berry, Dr Suheil Badi Bushrui, Majora Carter, Fr. Thomas Keating, Sir Vilayat Inayat Khan, Dr. Hans Kung, His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, His Royal Highness Prince el Hassan bin Talal, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, H.E. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, Henry Luce III, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Wangari Maathai, Peter Max, the Very Rev. James Parks Morton, Her Majesty Queen Noor, Daniel Pearl (accepted at the time by Dr. Judea Pearl), Cokie and Steven Roberts, Mary Robinson, Sri Swami Satchidananda, Maestro Ravi Shankar, Russell Simmons, Dr. Karan Singh, Bhai Mohinder Singh Alowalla, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Venerable Dr. Yifa.