When you think about what fuels an organization what comes to mind? Now think about an organization like Habitat for Humanity of Kent County or the Grand Rapids Art Museum – when you think about nonprofit organizations, who do you attribute success to? In the sector we have perfected the art of thanking donors who provide the financial support to allow us to do the work that we do. We’ve even allowed ourselves to recognize people and organizations at large when they have done, relatively speaking, extraordinary things. What we continue to fail at doing, however, is recognizing the extraordinary efforts of individuals in organizations who ensure that the work is done and done well.
The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids recognized this problem eight years ago with the creation of the YNPN.GR Leadership Awards. Each year, the organization recognizes the efforts of individuals who go unnoticed because we know that in the sector of do-gooders it’s, more often than not, hard for people to take a moment to press pause and celebrate the work that they’ve done to move the needle on issues that effect the outcomes of those in the communities we serve.
There are eight awards that recognize 40 individual efforts to achieve excellence and impact in the nonprofit sector. The Advocate Award will go to an individual who is always advocating for their cause. The Breakthrough Award will go to an individual or organization whose work has led to a new method, idea, or process that has positively impacted the community and/or discovered a new solution to a complex problem within the nonprofit sector.
The DoGooder Award is an exemplary volunteer. The Dorothy A. Johnson Excellence and Achievement Award honors a seasoned leader in the nonprofit sector who consistently sets an example for the next generation of nonprofit leaders. The Exemplary Executive Award will go to an exemplary young nonprofit executive director. The Good-To-Great Award will go to an individual that has moved an organization or program from good to great. The Unsung Hero Award will go to an individual who has positively influenced a nonprofit organization from behind the scenes with positive attitude, a willingness to help, and a commitment to excellence but often goes unrecognized. And lastly, the group recognizes a young professional that excels in their work with the Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award.
On November 16, 2016 the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids will honor 36 individuals whose contributions help energize the nonprofit sector in ways that are significant but not always recognized. Come join the organization at St. Cecilia’s Music Center at 6pm as they recognize the individuals who fuel the important work this sector does and learn more about the 2016 Leadership Awards Finalists here.
Breannah Alexander is Director of Strategic Programs at Partners for a Racism-Free Community in Grand Rapids. When she is not designing programs that get people talking, she is fiercely advocating for and elevating the narratives of women and girls through women reVamped. She is also co-chair of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids board.
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