Click here to read the latest issue of our e-newsletter!

The Organizations of Noteworthy Excellence Award (ONE) program is underway 

PDF Download: What is the ONE Award? Click here to find out.

NEWS:

Cincinnati ONE Awards names nine finalists

From the Cincinnati Business Courier

The Business Courier and other sponsors of the annual ONE Awards have announced nine finalists for the 2009 competition, which honors nonprofit organizations in the region and the "best practices" that make them successful.

The 2009 finalists are: Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati; Caracole Inc.; Cincinnati Union Bethel; Dan Beard Council of Boy Scouts; Easter Seals Work Resource Center; Focus on Youth; Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD); Pro Kids; and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati.

The winner will be announced and the finalists honored at a luncheon to take place Oct. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Millennium Hotel downtown. For information and reservations, click here.

The ONE Awards are sponsored by the Courier and presenting partners the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation. Gold sponsors include: Clark Schaefer Hackett; the Pfau Foundation; Smith Beers Yunker & Co.; United Way of Greater Cincinnati; Starboard Strategy; and J.F. Lay & Associates Inc.

With the uncertain state of the economy and a funding environment that is the most challenging most of us have faced in a lifetime, if you represent a nonprofit organization - tax exempt under IRS 501c(3) rules - now, more than ever, your organization can improve your process and performance success through completing an objective self-assessment using proven criteria and receiving objective feedback.

You will note that this year's ONE Award will be designated "ONE IV" instead of "ONE 2009."  The change is designed to extend the promotional life of the honor and the award and enable nonprofit organizations to take advantage of a full 12-month period for marketing their recognition.

Here's what previous ONE Applicants have to say: 

"In these jittery times, nonprofits are competing more than ever for a dwindling pot of philanthropic dollars and therefore must separate themselves from the pack.  Receiving recognition as a finalist, category honoree or overall One Award Winner is a significant accomplishment that garners respect, confidence and trust from donors and the community at large."

"We need to constantly explore our processes and examine what works and what does not.  Writing the Application helped us look at our processes on all levels."

"The positive feedback gave our Board a better view of all we do, on all levels; it helped reinforce the (Board members') roles."

"ONE" - Organizations of Noteworthy Excellence - offers the following benefits to not-for-profit organizations who participate in the application process:

• an organizational assessment prepared by examiners with expertise in the not-for-profit sector;

• recognition for operational excellence in four categories (performance, principle, process and people) through the award ceremony and profile in the Business Courier supplement;

• grants of $2,500 for the winner of each category; and

• a $10,000 cash prize for the overall award for best in class.

There is no cost for the Applicant Orientation; however, to ensure a seat and materials for all attendees, registration is requested.  Information about becoming an Examiner will be available in early February.

For additional information, please visit the ONE web site.

Sponsored by:
Greater Cincinnati Foundation         United Way        US Bank/Haile Foundation       Dan & Susan Pfau Foundation      Clark Schaefer Hackett       Smith Beers Yunkers      Cincinnati Business Courier