The $5,000 Awards of Excellence are presented to organizations and individuals achieving significant results in the following categories:

Excellence in Social Innovation
(Organizations with operating budgets over $1,000,000)
Formerly the Excellence in Mission Achievement award, the Excellence in Social Innovation awards will be awarded for a socially innovative program/project that creates positive impact in achieving the organization’s mission. Social innovation is a novel solution to a social problem that is more effective, efficient and sustainable. Clear demonstration of social innovation can include bringing new ideas to old problems, addressing barriers to service, increasing efficiency by providing maximum services at the least cost, leveraging funding, and collaborating with the business community, government and/or other nonprofits.  Socially-innovative and mission-focused organizations are results-oriented and demonstrate significant positive change around a specific social issue.  

Excellence in Social Innovation
(Organizations with operating budgets under $1,000,000)
Formerly the Excellence in Mission Achievement award, the Excellence in Social Innovation awards will be awarded for a socially innovative program/project that creates positive impact in achieving the organization’s mission. Social innovation is a novel solution to a social problem that is more effective, efficient and sustainable. Clear demonstration of social innovation can include bringing new ideas to old problems, addressing barriers to service, increasing efficiency by providing maximum services at the least cost, leveraging funding, and collaborating with the business community, government and/or other nonprofits.  Socially-innovative and mission-focused organizations are results-oriented and demonstrate significant positive change around a specific social issue.

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 $5,000 award will be presented to an organization that illustrates success in getting its message to its audience.

Excellence in Environmental Practices
This $5,000 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.  The Center for Nonprofit Management will honor this leader by awarding $5,000 to the nonprofit organization that he/she serves.

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.

NEW!  Corporate Social Responsibility Executive of the Year
This award will recognize and celebrate a corporate employee who exemplifies extraordinary leadership in the advancement of its company’s corporate citizenship and the nonprofit community as a whole.  It will be presented to a corporate social responsibility executive who has demonstrated keen understanding of and sensitivity to the nonprofit community and its issues; delivers and invests in high impact projects with long-term effect; and raises the visibility and awareness of critical issues important to improving the quality of life for North Texas citizens.  Potential nominees can include individuals who work in community relations, corporate foundations, social responsibility, public affairs and marketing departments at a for-profit corporation.

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