In addition to what the other poster said, the actual monetary prize comes out of the inheritance of one the wealthiest persons of the day. The prizes that are

In addition to what the other poster said, the actual monetary prize comes out of the inheritance of one the wealthiest persons of the day. The prizes that are fully under control of some scientist's organizations that could change their rules IIRC don't have nearly the same prize amount. Not sure how much the scientists care though.