The prize was established in 1979 by the Mendelssohn Society and the Berlin Cultural Administration and commemorates the work of the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, which was written in Berlin. By publicly honouring well-known and lesser-known people who have successfully campaigned for peaceful and tolerant coexistence, the prize is intended to help promote a humane and cosmopolitan atmosphere in Berlin. The prize is awarded to a personality, group or institution that has rendered outstanding services to the realisation of tolerance through their work in the fields of literature, religion, philosophy, social affairs or culture. The Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion accepts nominations. Personal applications are not possible.