Nomination Example
Below is an excellent example of a well-written, detailed nomination:
Connie McKenzie demonstrates unwavering commitment to excellence and champions EVMS inside the organization and in the community. Facing significant challenges when hired (need to improve departmental efficiency, poor data quality within the database, lapsed donor relationships, etc.), Connie recruited talented professionals providing a strong focus and improved processes for the department.
While this may sound like just part of her job, Connie performed with distinction given the volume of change taking place and that these changes occurred as the school launched a capital campaign on a much shorter timeline than typical. Connie ensured that she had the right people filling the right functions in Development and motivated her team to deliver outstanding results. She does not micromanage staff choosing instead to empower them and hold them accountable for achieving goals. The results continue to trend upward and speak for themselves:
- $32.4 million raised in the capital campaign (compared to $10-$15 million predicted by consultants)
- 975 new donors for EVMS Fund in FY13
- $8.6 million raised overall for FY13
In addition to her work within EVMS, Connie’s professional demeanor and service in the community (through the Junior League and the Association of Fundraising Professionals) raises the profile of our organization.
Writing Tips
- Choose a category and use the criteria as a guide. Each category requires details of how the nominee demonstrates merit. Provide examples as they apply to your nominee and how he/she meets the criteria of the category you have selected.
- Use bullet points. Provide information in a bulleted list.
- Avoid slang, abbreviations and technical terminology. While you are familiar with your nominee’s work, more than likely the members of the selection committee won’t be. Keep that in mind as you describe the nature and quality of the contributions and accomplishments.
- Include measurable results. Examples include: monetary savings, a new product or service, patients receiving services in a more timely and/or professional manner, staff morale increasing, students being more informed and better prepared for courses or graduation, etc.
- Use multiple examples. Include more than one example (the more the better) of how the individual went above and beyond the daily responsibilities of the job. See examples of strong nomination responses.
- Keep recognizing. If you submitted an award nomination last year, consider revising it and citing most recent, specific examples of contributions made over this year and resubmit.