Critical Impact Awards

No assessment of America's social progress over the last century would be complete without a celebration of philanthropy's impact. Grantmaking foundations have supported innovative - and often bold - solutions to societal issues, enhancing the common good in every corner of the world. The Council on Foundations believes that extraordinary efforts deserve widespread recognition. Therefore, the Council is proud to announce the creation of its Critical Impact Awards [pdf]. This non-competitive awards program will celebrate grantmaking at its finest: grantmaking that has changed lives and communities - perhaps even nations - for the better. What We're Looking For The Council is seeking nominations for grant-funded projects that have had a demonstrated impact on the common good - locally, nationally and/or globally - and that can serve as models for others in philanthropy. Who is Eligible We are seeking nominations of programs that: - Are funded by family, independent, operating, public or community foundations, or by international or corporate grantmakers (either individually or in collaboration with others). - Have documented evidence of enduring positive impact on people, institutions or communities. - Have established philanthropy as the innovators or architects of social change, providing real philanthropic leadership. We especially encourage nominations that address the four issue areas that will be highlighted at the Council's 2007 conferences: poverty, public health, environment and disaster preparedness. In addition, special attention will be given to programs that show an unusual level of creativity, innovation, sustainability and risk-taking. Categories To ensure fairness, nominations will be grouped into one of five categories: - Under $5,000 - $5,000- $10,000 - $10,000-$50,000 - $50,000-$100,000 - Over $100,000 Selection Process The selection committee, composed of former Council board members, will determine which programs deserve to be recognized. The selection committee's decisions are final and not subject to review. (Please note: Depending upon the strength of the submissions, the committee reserves the right, for any category, to select multiple projects or to decline to make a selection.) We strongly encourage you to nominate projects that have had a significant impact in enhancing the common good but were funded with small to medium-sized grants. Field Input To help us identify programs worthy of being highlighted, we invite Council members, regional associations of grantmakers, Council-recognized affinity groups, Council constituency committees and colleague organizations to make nominations. Notification We will showcase the constituencies' selected programs - along with their funders, grantees and nominators - at their respective 2007 Council conferences, as well as on our website, in our Ten Critical Contributions of Foundations to Society brochure, in a media release and in other articles and publicity vehicles. Deadlines Nominations for family foundation programs must be received by October 31 and will be recognized at the Family Foundation Conference (to be held in Baltimore, February 25-27, 2007). Nominations for programs funded by independent, public and operating foundations, as well as for international and corporate grantmaking programs, must be received by January 8, 2007, and will be recognized at the Annual Conference (to be held in Seattle, April 29-May 1, 2007). Nominations for community foundation programs must be received by May 24, 2007, and will be recognized at the Fall Conference for Community Foundations (to be held in San Francisco, September 17-19, 2007). Nomination Form Instructions: Complete the nomination form [pdf] in its entirety. In preparing your answers, please feel free to include any information that you think is relevant, even if it is not specifically requested. The questions should guide, but not limit, your responses. Your responses should not exceed two typewritten pages. Please submit the nomination form, along with all supporting materials, by the appropriate due date, to: Critical Impact Awards Council on Foundations 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20036 If you have questions, please contact Evelyn Gibson, director for Award Programs, at evelyn.gibson@cof.org or 202/467-0471.