The Awards of Excellence are presented to organizations and individuals achieving significant results in the following categories:

Excellence in Mission Achievement
(Organizations with operating budgets over $1,000,000)
This award will be given to an organization that has developed and implemented a program, project or technique clearly focused on advancing its mission. The program or process should be tied to an articulated mission statement addressing a critical community need. Clear demonstration of mission achievement can include efficiency in providing maximum services at the least cost, leveraging funding and collaboration with other nonprofits. Mission-focused organizations demonstrate significant improvement in: client service, financial performance, board and volunteer involvement and resource development.

Excellence in Mission Achievement
(Organizations with operating budgets under $1,000,000)
This award will be given to an organization that has developed and implemented a program, project or technique clearly focused on advancing their mission. The program or process will be tied to an articulated mission statement addressing a critical community need. Clear demonstration of mission achievement can include efficiency in providing maximum services at the least cost, leveraging funding and collaboration with other nonprofits. Mission-focused organizations demonstrate significant improvement in: client service, financial performance, board and volunteer involvement and resource development.

Excellence in Communications, in Honor of Robert Miller
Communicating the message about an organization’s work is an ongoing challenge in the avalanche of the information age. How has your agency developed strategies and executed a communication program that has successfully advanced its mission? This award will be presented to an organization that illustrates success in getting its message to its audience.

NEW! Excellence in Environmental Practices
This award will be presented to an organization that has implemented eco-friendly programs and/or processes to protect, improve, and preserve the environment including, but not limited to: energy-efficiency programs or facilities, recycling programs, educational programs, waste reduction, use of green products, sustainable environmental practices and/or policies, water and/or energy conservation and/or use of renewable energy. The organization should show creativity and innovation in approach, as well as measurable results in efficiency and impact.

Innovation in Nonprofit Leadership
Leaders in all sectors are challenged to respond to a rapidly changing environment. Innovative strategies can lead to improved performance and results. This award will be presented to a nonprofit executive director/CEO who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and vision in implementing innovative approaches, such as advanced business processes or program development to achieve measurable gains in organizational performance and efficiency.

Excellence in Board Leadership
An exceptional board leader works in constructive partnership with the chief executive, is mission-driven and strategic thinking, links bold vision and ambitious plans to financial support, expertise and network of influence, while ensuring that the organization has the infrastructure and internal capacity it needs. This award will be presented to a board chairperson who has made a significant contribution to the community and long-term impact on the organization and whose leadership exhibits best practices in nonprofit governance. The Center for Nonprofit Management will honor this leader by awarding $5,000 to the nonprofit organization that he/she serves.

Click here for information on criteria for selection and how to apply.