Mads Wiel Nygaard's Endowment is an annually awarded literary prize from the publishing house Aschehoug. The prize is a recognition of superior literary work. The publisher's editorial management makes the award based on their collective judgement of merit. Applications are not accepted. The endowment is awarded in recognition of (1898–1952). Nygaard was the chief executive officer of Aschehoug. In 1940, he replaced his father William Martin Nygaard as CEO and served in that position until his own death during November 1952.