Three New York organizations have announced a competition for nonprofits in Westchester, New York City and Long Island that awards $60,000 in cash prizes. Now in its ninth year, the New York Community Trust Nonprofit Excellence Awards program honors outstanding management practices in eight areas.
Nonprofit Coordinating Committee, an organization that represents nonprofits, created the competition in 2007 and serves as the tax-exempt manager of the program. The New York Community Trust, which supports nonprofits, and Philanthropy New York, a membership organization for foundations based in the tristate area, also collaborated on the awards program.
Three Westchester nonprofits have won the competition in the past. Yonkers-based Leake & Watts, a nonprofit that supports at-risk children and families, took the top prize last year.
A committee of more than 30 judges will select the winning nonprofits after a three-stage process that includes a thorough review of each organization”™s management practices and detailed feedback on their strengths and weaknesses.
“More than simply a chance for prize money, the Excellence Awards process is a unique opportunity for nonprofits to improve their management practices, thanks to the selection committee”™s expert guidance,” said Michael Clark, president of the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee, in a statement. “The result is better outcomes for the people and causes that these nonprofits serve.”
Judges will review eight areas of nonprofits’ management practices, including focus on results, governance structure, financial management, diverse and culturally competent organizational practices, human resources, information technology practices, communication, and fundraising and resource development.
The Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York will hosts clinics for nonprofits to learn more about the program. Organizations can attend one of the five sessions offered:
”¢ March 18 ”“ NPCC, Manhattan
”¢ March 19 ”“ Bronxville Public Library, Westchester
”¢ March 27 ”“ Adelphi University, Long Island
”¢ April 1 ”“ ART/NY South Oxford Space, Brooklyn
”¢ April 2 ”“ Baruch College, Manhattan
More information about the program and workshops is available at npccny.org, and applications guidelines and the application are on npexcellence.fcny.org. The application deadline is May 1.
This article has been corrected to reflect that the competition is only for nonprofits in Westchester County, New York City and Long Island.
