What is the deadline to apply?
The application process is now closed. Finalists will be announced in late May and all applicants will receive written notification by early June 2013.

Eligibility

What are the eligibility requirements for the Awards of Excellence?
The organization receiving the $5,000 prize must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating in Texas.

Organizations or individuals that have won an Award in the past three years (2012, 2011, or 2010) are not eligible to apply. If you were a finalist in these years but did not receive the $5,000 prize, then you are eligible to apply this year.

Individual nominees must have served with the organization listed on the application within the past three years.

If selected as a finalist, an appropriate representative from the organization or the individual nominee must be present at A Night of Light on November 14, 2013 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Finalists will each receive 2 complimentary tickets to the event.

We operate as a nonprofit under an umbrella organization, but do not have our own 501(c)(3) status.

Are we still eligible to apply?

Yes, on the application list the parent organization as the applicant organization and list your operation as the specific program.

Can I apply in more than one category?
Absolutely – provided that you tailor your application to fit each award. There are no positive or negative associations with applying in multiple categories.

Can I win in more than one category?
No. You may be a finalist in multiple categories, but you may only be a winner in one.

Content
What if our organization is small and only has one or a few program(s)?

You can submit an application for a specific program or for the entire organization, whichever you think makes the strongest case.

How will our annual operating budget and/or organization size affect our chances?

Your size and budget have no effect on your chances to win an award as best practices in nonprofit management and leadership are universal. We ask organizational overview questions on our application to give our judges a clear picture of each organization.

Process
Who judges the Awards?

The Awards of Excellence are judges by a panel of esteemed leaders from the business and philanthropic communities. Past judges have included Brent Christopher, CEO of Communities Foundation of Texas, Lynn McBee, community volunteer; and Debbie Taylor, Southwest Regional Director and Texas State Director for Citi North America Community Relations.

What are the judges looking for?

Judges are looking for applications that are a good fit with the award category. They want a compelling story and measurable outcomes that prove you and your organization are making a real different in the community.

When will finalists be notified?
Finalists will receive a phone call and letter by the end of May. All applicants will receive communication by the end of June.

When do we find out if we won?

Winners will be announced live at A Night of Light on November 14. They will be kept secret up until that point.

When will the winners receive their $5,000 prize?

Winners will receive their check onstage at A Night of Light on November 14.  The nonprofit selected by the Corporation of the Year will receive their check in the mail the following week.

Are there any restrictions on how the prize money may be used?
Nope. The $5,000 prize is completely unrestricted.

Who can I contact for more questions?
Contact Robin Floch at Floch@cnmdallas.org for questions on applying.