Utah Nonprofits Association

Community Foundation Partnership with Ernst and Young

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year^® awards program recognizes some of the best and brightest entrepreneurial minds in business. In 2009 at the initiative of the Community Foundation of Utah, our competition was the first in the nation to include an award for the achievements of social entrepreneurs. (Applications are due March 31, 2010.)

Managing Partner Dave Jolley said of this new focus:

"Ernst & Young has been a long-time supporter of the entrepreneurial spirit in the State of Utah by recognizing Utah's top entrepreneurs in its annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards program. Last year, we initiated the social entrepreneur category to spotlight outstanding leaders in the community who bring that same entrepreneurial spirit to address social needs. It was an honor for us to acknowledge these fine leaders whose accomplishments are both inspiring and motivating."

Matt Minkevitch from the Road Home, Jessica Norie of Artspace and Bette Gibson from the Academy for Creating Enterprise were honored at last year’s award ceremony. They met with dozens of entrepreneurs and business leaders in the judging process and a video describing their achievements was shown to the 1,300 people attending the gala. This event has generated a great deal of interest and excitement for the work of the nonprofit sector as a whole.

Organizations and individuals that have developed innovative ways to solve complex social problems, had deep impact on their missions, and which create significant social value are invited to apply for this year’s award.

Eligibility

Nominee must be the leader of a nonprofit organization that is at least three years old
If you applied last year and were not one of the three finalists feel free to update your application and give it another shot. Many for-profit businesses apply multiple years.

Judging criteria

Entrepreneurial spirit
Financial performance
Strategic direction
Community/global impact
Innovation
Personal integrity/influence

Benefits to your agency

Marketing and public relations opportunities
Networking opportunities
New business development profile
Increased employee morale

Application process

The application deadline is Wednesday, 31 March 2010. You must use the attached instruction form and financial addendum when preparing your application form. The entire form must be filled out to be considered complete. That includes attaching all four essays, completing the financial information, including a photo and signing the form. These portions of the form are sometimes overlooked. You may use the interactive Word .doc or manually fill out the .pdf file.

This may be a somewhat different process than you are used to – but it is well worth the effort. To apply, please call Fraser Nelson at the Community Foundation of Utah (801) 559-3005. The for-profits get lots of help with their applications, too!

This is an extraordinary opportunity to raise awareness of the great work your organization is doing. I look forward to being of assistance.