Top 10 Myths...and Truths...

...about The Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management

If you are considering applying for the 2010 Award (applications due December 7), here are a few myths and truths to keep in mind!

#10
MYTH: My organization can win if we have one example of excellence in nonprofit management.
TRUTH: Winners show examples of excellence in nonprofit management in many areas.

#9
MYTH: My organization applied before and did not make it out of round one or round two; we don’t have a chance. We should never apply again.
TRUTH: It takes most organizations several years to nurture and grow in their management practices. Applying for the award for several years is welcomed…especially if your management practices strengthen during that period.

#8
MYTH: Great programs and services will compensate for only so-so management practices.
TRUTH: This program rewards excellence in nonprofit management. Program information is useful only when it provides context for management achievements.

#7
MYTH: The selection committee only likes new/established, small/large, or local/national scope organizations.
TRUTH: The selection committee seeks excellence in nonprofit management – no mater the organization’s age, size or community served.

#6
MYTH: An organization must have gone through a major crisis or turnaround in order to win.
TRUTH: The selection committee values organizations with consistent solid management, as well as organizations that grow and prosper after a management crisis.

#5
MYTH: My organization is not widely known; we can’t win.
TRUTH: The selection committee considers what is written on the application, rather than the organization’s name or stature in the community.

#4
MYTH: It’s too much work to complete the application for so little return.
TRUTH: Past participants who have recognized the value of self-assessment benefited from the process; the application feedback adds even greater value.

#3
MYTH: The selection committee knows who is going to win even before they see the applications.
TRUTH: Each year, the selection committee’s choice is based on the information included in the submitted applications.

#2
MYTH: If one type of organization won last year, it will not win this year.
TRUTH: Program area is not a consideration in the decision-making process of the selection committee

#1
MYTH: We can complete the application quickly, so we don’t need to allow too much time to write and submit the application.
TRUTH: The strongest applications are from those organizations whose staff, board, volunteers and other stakeholders have invested time in discussion and reflection prior to completing the application. The questions in The Washington Post Award application can spur on this work.

The Washington Post 2010 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management, a project of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement with support from RAFFA, PC, includes a $10,000 cash grant and much more! Plus, all applicants receive feedback on their management practices from the selection committee. So, your nonprofit can benefit just from completing the application. There is no fee to take part. Applications are due Monday, December 7! Click here to learn more.