April 16, 2013
Cameron Foundation launches 2013 nonprofit recognition awards
The Cameron Foundation has launched its seventh annual recognition award programs, which will award up to $90,000 to area nonprofits at the Foundation’s Annual Grant Awards Ceremony in October. Organizations will compete for the Cleveland A. Wright Award for Outstanding Community Service and the newly named Handy L. Lindsey, Jr. Award for Excellence in Organizational Management.
The Cameron Foundation’s Cleveland A. Wright Award for Outstanding Community Service rewards nonprofit organizations for outstanding work that improves the quality of life of residents in The Cameron Foundation’s service area. This award is named in honor of The Cameron Foundation’s first president and current board member for his leadership and untiring service to the community. For a nonprofit to compete for the Cleveland A. Wright Award, a community member must first nominate the organization. Individuals are encouraged to nominate groups that they feel have demonstrated a commitment to caring and generosity of spirit, as well as openness and accessibility. The deadline for nominations is May 15, and includes a cover page, found at camfound.org/recognition-awards/cleveland-a-wright-award, along with a brief letter describing how the organization demonstrates these qualities. The nomination form also is available by calling the Foundation at 804 732 8900. Organizations meeting the award criteria will then be contacted and invited to submit an application. One nonprofit organization among the candidates will be honored with an unrestricted $40,000 gift in the fall. Last year, a panel of community representatives chose CARES, Inc. to receive the Cleveland A. Wright Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Nonprofit organizational staff or board members may apply for the Handy L. Lindsey, Jr. Award for Excellence in Organizational Management on behalf of their organization. The program recognizes organizations that model best practices in management and inspire replication of these practices in the nonprofit community. Beginning in 2013, this award is named in honor of the Foundation’s first President and CEO for his belief in aspiring to excellence in philanthropy, and for his dedication in supporting local nonprofits to achieve greatness. The organizational management award process was developed to assist organizations with conducting a practical self-assessment. Applications can be found on the Foundation’s website at camfound.org/recognition-awards/excellence-in-org-management, and the deadline for submission is June 19. One nonprofit will receive a single, unrestricted $30,000 award for demonstrating excellence in overall organizational management. Up to two honorable mentions will be made to organizations demonstrating excellence in one or more of the specific areas reviewed during the scoring process. The honorable mentions are accompanied by gifts of $10,000 each.
Last year, The James House Intervention/Prevention Services was honored with first place for the organizational management award, after receiving an honorable mention in the previous year. The review committee also voted to recognize CCHASM and Gateway Homes with honorable mention gifts during 2012.
The Foundation will host an informational workshop about this year’s Handy L. Lindsey Award for Excellence in Organizational Management on Tuesday, May 14, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and again on Thursday, May 16, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Foundation’s office, 228 South Sycamore Street in Petersburg. The workshop is free to attend, but participants are asked to sign up directly with Program Officer Valerie Liggins at vliggins@camfound.org. Organizations interested in applying for the Cleveland A. Wright Award for Outstanding Community Service can contact Senior Program Officer Risha Stebbins at rstebbins@camfound.org with any questions.
About The Cameron Foundation
The Cameron Foundation is a private foundation that supports the work of nonprofits and partner agencies to improve the quality of life of residents in the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell; the counties of Dinwiddie, Prince George and Sussex; and the portion of the county of Chesterfield lying south of Route 10. Founded in 2003, The Cameron Foundation was formed from the proceeds of the sale of Southside Regional Medical Center by the Hospital Authority of the City of Petersburg. It began grantmaking in 2004 and supports programs and activities intended to benefit residents in those areas historically served by the hospital.
More information about the Foundation, its grant opportunities, and the recognition award programs is available on its website, camfound.org, or by telephone at 804 732 8900.