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The 2011 Collaboration Prize: Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that there are a number of ways in which the 2011 Prize differs from the 2009 Prize. The eligibility criteria have been expanded and the process changed from a third party nomination to an on-line application process. The winner and all of the finalists for the 2011 Prize will receive cash awards. Many of the applications will also become part of the Nonprofit Collaboration Database so that good models can be shared with others in the sector.
We recommend that you carefully review the eligibility criteria for the 2011 Prize and the answers to these frequently asked questions prior to applying.
Prize Information
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What is The Collaboration Prize?
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The Collaboration Prize is a national award presented to OUTSTANDING nonprofits that collaborate effectively to create greater impact.
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What type of award will be made?
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A total of $250,000 will be awarded. Eight finalists will each receive $12,500. The winner, to be chosen from among the finalists, will receive an additional cash award of $150,000.
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Are there any requirements regarding the use of the Prize awards?
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Although The Collaboration Prize money must be used for charitable purposes, there are no specific requirements on its use. The Collaboration Prize planners hope that the funds will be used to enhance the winning collaboration’s continued contribution to the social good.
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Who funds The Collaboration Prize?
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The Collaboration Prize was created by the Lodestar Foundation, a Phoenix-based philanthropic organization. The Foundation encourages other organizations who are interested in supporting The Collaboration Prize to contact them at 602.840.4800.
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Why was The Collaboration Prize developed?
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The Collaboration Prize is designed to identify and showcase models of collaboration among nonprofit organizations. Recognizing the impact that can be achieved from working together, the Prize shines a spotlight on collaborations among two or more nonprofit organizations that cooperate to demonstrate innovative and effective responses to challenges or opportunities.
The Prize is evidence of the Lodestar Foundation’s commitment to its mission: maximizing the growth and impact of philanthropy. This mission is fulfilled, in part, by supporting organizations that increase impact and efficiency through working together. In support of this mission, Lodestar created The Collaboration Prize to identify achievements in collaboration as models for inspiration and replication.
The Prize also seeks to build an extensive and comprehensive information base of effective practice models that can be studied and used by academics, nonprofit leaders and grantmakers to inspire and advance their work. True to the spirit of collaboration, the Lodestar Foundation has partnered with AIM Alliance, La Piana Consulting and other leaders in the nonprofit sector to support the 2011 Prize.
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What is the Nonprofit Collaboration Database?
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The database is part of the Prize’s mission to provide models and best practices for the field. It is a resource for everyone seeking real-life examples of how nonprofit organizations are working together. The database contains detailed information on 250 collaborations nominated for the 2009 Prize, and will be further expanded to include new collaboration models resulting from the 2011 Prize process. Information is arranged by searchable categories, including ways to collaborate, reasons to collaborate, challenges and outcomes.
The
database is housed with the Foundation Center, a national nonprofit service organization that connects nonprofits and grantmakers to tools, resources and information. The Center’s mission is to strengthen the nonprofit sector by advancing knowledge about U.S. philanthropy.
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Eligibility and Selection Criteria
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What types of collaborations may apply?
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Collaborations among or between nonprofit organizations are eligible, as are collaborations that involve two or more nonprofits and a government entity or public agency. Collaborations involving for profit corporations are not eligible.
Models of collaboration may include, but are not limited to:
- Administrative consolidations designed to share, exchange or provide back office services such as accounting, IT, human resources, etc.
- Joint programming to launch and manage one or more programs
- Mergers by which governance, programs, and administrative functions have been combined but which may or may not have included integration into a single corporate entity
- Confederation as a league or alliance of separate corporate entities in which the members retain considerable independence but are committed through a federated structure to the achievement of specific goals or purposes
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Nomination and Selection Process
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When does the application process open and close for the 2011 Prize?
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The Collaboration Prize was announced May 11, 2010. Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2010 through July 16, 2010. Applications received after 11:59 p.m. PST on July 16, 2010, will not be eligible for the 2011 Prize. All sections of the application must be completed before the deadline.
The 2011 Prize has changed from a nomination process to an application process. This change was made to simplify the process and to encourage greater participation by quality collaborations.
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Who can submit an application?
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Applications may be submitted by any individual who is familiar with the collaboration including employees or board members of organizations involved in the collaboration.
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How do I submit an application?
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The Collaboration Prize will accept only online applications. To apply, use the online application process located at www.thecollaborationprize.org. Be sure to review the nomination process thoroughly to ensure your application will be accepted.
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Who is involved in the selection process?
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True to the spirit of collaboration, the Lodestar Foundation has partnered with AIM Alliance, La Piana Consulting and other foundation and nonprofit leaders to support the 2011 Prize.
Oversight of the Prize process is provided by La Piana Consulting, a national management and consulting firm that offers strategic solutions for nonprofits and foundations. La Piana’s mission is to improve leadership and management practices throughout the sector for greater social impact. La Piana consultants are experienced in helping nonprofits and foundations become stronger and more effective through collaboration. La Piana will be involved throughout the entire process, from planning and development to reviewing and scoring applications and conducting site visits to the eight finalists.
The AIM Alliance is a collaboration comprising The Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation at Arizona State University, The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University (Michigan). The Alliance assists in promoting and publicizing The Collaboration Prize, reviewing nominations and selecting semi-finalists. The AIM Alliance is also involved in creating articles, white papers and research to inform and inspire others in the sector.
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Who makes the final selection of the Prize winner?
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The Final Selection Panel, made up of prominent figures in philanthropy will select the finalists and the 2011 Collaboration Prize winner. The Final Selection Panel includes:
- Selection Panel Chairman Sterling Speirn, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
- Chris Daggett, President and CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
- Paul S. Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation
- Jerry Hirsch, Founder and Chairman of the Lodestar Foundation
- Feather Houstoun, President of the William Penn Foundation
- Gara LaMarche, President and CEO of The Atlantic Philanthropies
- Carol S. Larson, President and CEO of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation
- Michael Marsicano, President and CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas
- Mario Morino, Co-founder and Chairman of Venture Philanthropy Partners and Chairman of the Morino Institute
- Sally Osberg, President and CEO of the Skoll Foundation
- William S. White, President and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
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What will be required of semifinalists and finalists?
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Up to 20 semifinalists will be asked to submit additional information to support the evaluation and selection process. These organizations may also be contacted by phone to assist in clarifying answers and activities. From this list, up to eight finalists will be selected. Site visits will be conducted to help the Selection Panel gain a clear picture of the impact and effectiveness of the collaboration.
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Is it possible to check the status of an application?
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No. As quarter-finalists, semi-finalists and finalists are selected and the winner announced, an email notification will be sent to those listed as the primary contact for each applicant collaboration and to anyone who has signed up to receive updates to inform them of these decisions. If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to Sign up for Updates.
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