To the present day, the International Balzan Prize Foundation has awarded its prizes to more than 100 scholars, scientists, personalities and organizations who have distinguished themselves on a worldwide level in the exact sciences or in the humanities, or who have been involved in outstanding humanitarian initiatives.

In 2001, the Articles of the Balzan Foundation established a stipulation that the winners of the annual prizes must destine half of the prize to finance research projects that are preferably carried out by young scholars or scientists.