Nonprofit of the Year Award
2022 Nonprofit of the Year Award
About the Athens Area Community Foundation
In 2008, the Athens Area Community Foundation arose from the community-led Partners for a Prosperous Athens/One Athens initiative, and although our focus has broadened, the Athens Area Community Foundation maintains the generous spirit of its roots by leading philanthropy in the region. With assets over $20 million, the Athens Area Community Foundation has grown considerably since its inception and has made more than $15 million in grants to nonprofit organizations serving our communities. The Athens Area Community Foundation works to help passionate donors leave permanent legacies, foster strategic philanthropy, and shape effective responses to community needs through collaboration.
Why have an annual award for nonprofits?
The provision of nonprofit services in our community is important to the health, vitality, and infrastructure of our region. As a nonprofit organization that interacts with hundreds of others in the region, the Athens Area Community Foundation understands the daily challenges of nonprofit management. The Athens Area Community Foundation Nonprofit of the Year Award is the result of a desire to recognize and reward organizations with exemplary practices in leadership, management, innovation, collaboration, and impact. The Athens Area Community Foundation Nonprofit of the Year Award exists to recognize and reward excellence in nonprofit management. The Athens Area Community Foundation recognizes that when nonprofit organizations are strong, the community is as well.
What is the Athens Area Community Foundation Nonprofit of the Year Award?
The Athens Area Community Foundation Nonprofit of the Year Award recognizes and rewards nonprofit organizations in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe counties that promote excellence in leadership, management, innovation, collaboration, and impact.
The nomination process takes place between October and November each year. One honoree will be selected annually, and the Athens Area Community Foundation offers the honoree opportunities for recognition and reward. The Athens Area Community Foundation announces the honoree of the award in January of each year and recognition at the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting (date TBD).
Award Criteria
The Athens Area Community Foundation Nonprofit of the Year Award recognizes and rewards nonprofit organizations in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe counties that promote excellence in leadership, management, innovation, collaboration, and impact.
2022 Nonprofit of the Year Nominees must meet each criteria:
- Must be an active 501(c)3 organization operating within the Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe counties.
- Must have been in operation for a minimum of 3 years.
- Staff and board demonstrates strong leadership and management practices through clear vision for future growth.
- Demonstrates innovation and cooperation through problem solving, original programs, and collaboration with other organizations.
- Shows community impact by demonstrating positive change as a result of the organization’s work.
Nonprofit of the Year Honorees
2019 – Extra Special People
2021 – Athens Area Homeless Shelter
2022 – Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
2022 Nonprofit of the Year Nominees
