The Athens Area Community Foundation announced its first-ever Nonprofit of the Year Award, which recognizes and rewards nonprofit organizations in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties that have exemplary practices in leadership, management, innovation, collaboration, and impact.

This new award will launch a tradition celebrating nonprofit organizations that serve the community and share knowledge of healthy management practices. Applications for the inaugural award will be accepted from Sept. 16, 2019 through Oct. 28, 2019. One winner will be selected and announced in January 2020. The winner will be formally recognized during the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner in February 2020.

“The Nonprofit of the Year Award stemmed from a desire to honor a nonprofit organization that is exceeding in excellent management skills, leadership, and community impact in our region,” said Sarah McKinney, Athens Area Community Foundation President and CEO. “We know that all our nonprofit organizations are always working to help better our community, and we want to acknowledge and congratulate them for their dedication and skills.”

This award is open to all active 501(c)(3) organizations operating within these counties that have been in operation for a minimum of 3 years and are able to show success in supporting the community while adhering to the nonprofit’s mission statement. The award has three priority areas for consideration: strong leadership and management practices; demonstrated innovation and collaboration; and community impact. Details about the award and application will be live on athensareacf.org on Sept. 16. All applications must be submitted via mail or email with all required attachments no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 28, 2019, for consideration.