Excellent Emerging Organization Award

2013 Finalists for Excellent Emerging Organization Award

Three Chicago-area organizations are finalists for the 2013 Excellent Emerging Organization Award:

• Gonzo Soccer
• Porchlight Counseling Services
• Supplies for Dreams

The recipient organization will receive a $2,500 unrestricted grant, a capacity-building package valued at over $25,000, and a commemorative award. The recipient organizations are recognized at the annual Symposium on June 4, 2013.

Portrait of an Excellent Emerging Organization

In reviewing the nonprofit organizations that were nominated for this year's award, the selection committee considered young organizations whose potential for growth and impact is high. The winning organization demonstrates that it is capable of leadership within its subsector, as well as innovation in its programs and service delivery. While young and small, the organization practices financial stability, sound management, and visions and plans for its future success.

Eligibility

In order to be considered for the award, an applicant must be a 501(c)3 organization and its primary mission focus must benefit Chicago and/or its surrounding communities. Staff, board members, and volunteers may nominate their own organizations. Applicant must also meet the following requirements:

• Organization has been in existence for 10 years or less
• Organization budget must not exceed $750,000
• Organization must have 10 or less full-time staff members

Award Benefits

The winning organization will be announced at the Axelson Symposium luncheon on June 4, 2013. The award aims to strengthen the capacity of the winning organization to improve services and efficiency.  The selected nonprofit will receive a capacity-building package valued at over $25,000 and a $2,500 unrestricted grant donated by Curtis Jones and Paula Banks-Jones. The package includes:

• $1,500 in professional development programs. Sponsored by the Axelson Center.
• A legal assessment of the organization’s internal operations, alerting management to any potential legal or regulatory issues. Sponsored by the Community Economic Development Law Project.
• A wide-ranging, in-depth organizational assessment to identify key strengths and opportunities, and then develop a strategically-focused capacity-building plan for capitalizing on them and ensuring ongoing progress. Also a six-month coaching package. Sponsored by Executive Service Corps of Chicago.
• A half-day communications workshop. Sponsored by Community Media Workshop.
• Creation of a short promotional video. Sponsored by Gretchen Hasse.
• One year organizational membership. Sponsored by Donors Forum.
• 12-month donor software subscription. Sponsored by DonorPath.
• Financial check-up including up to two hours of conversation on internal processes and procedures plus two-hour onsite computer training. Sponsored by Lumity.

Archives: 2013 Call for Nominations

(The information provided below is for historical purposes, to help applicants better understand the process.)

Contact the Axelson Center by email or by phone at (773) 244-5747 to nominate an organization for this award. Organizations do not need to be nominated in order to apply, but members of the community are welcome to nominate organizations that they know. If you do nominate an organization, please include a contact person, their email and phone number so that we may contact them to complete the application.

Application and Review Process

1. Complete and mail/email the initial application (postmarked no later than March 1, 2013). Include a copy of your 501(c)3 letter. Electronic files are preferred.
2. The initial applications will be reviewed and 3-5 organizations will be chosen to complete an interview with the review committee. The qualifying organizations will be notified no later than March 22, 2013.
3. These organizations will schedule interviews with the committee between March 22 and early April.
4. All qualifying organizations will receive special recognition at the Symposium luncheon on June 4, 2013.

The quality and completeness of the application is essential as it will serve as the primary basis for assessment. In this regard, all questions should be answered directly and explicitly; generic responses are not acceptable. Incomplete applications—including indirectly addressed criteria—or omitted financial data will limit our ability to assess your organization and ultimately will prevent your organization from being considered.