The Athens Area Community Foundation announced the 2021 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 award is a tradition celebrating nonprofit organizations that serve the community and share knowledge of healthy management practices. Nominations for the inaugural award will be accepted from Oct. 19, 2021, through Nov. 12, 2021. One winner will be selected and announced in January 2021. The winner will be formally recognized during the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner in February 2022. 

“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 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 Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties. 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 Oct. 19, 2021. All nominations must be submitted via mail or email with all required attachments no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Nov. 12, 2021, for consideration.

The provision of nonprofit services in the community is important to the health, vitality and infrastructure of the Athens area. The Athens Area Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that interacts with hundreds of other nonprofits throughout the region, understands the daily challenges of nonprofit management. The Nonprofit of the Year Award is a result of that understanding and a desire to recognize and reward the exemplary practices of the area nonprofits throughout the year.