Zadužbina Desanke Maksimović was founded to honor the legacy of
Desanka Maksimović, shortly after her passing in early 1993, by the
National Library of Serbia and the city of
Valjevo. The poetry prize was established as an integral part of the foundation a few months later, and first awarded in 1994. The prize is presented at a ceremony traditionally held on Maksimović's birthday, May 16, during the literary event
Desankini majski razgovori (Desanka’s May Conversations). The prize includes a bronze statue, a charter written in calligraphic script and a financial part. Additionally,
Zadužbina Desanke Maksimović organizes a conference dedicated to the winner’s poetry, and publishes a collection of academic papers about the winner’s work. == Recipients ==