Do You Have What it Takes? (2012 it Award Applications Open Feb 1)

I spend a lot of my time speaking with individuals from nonprofit organizations— across sectors, across geographies, and across organizational levels.  And yet, whether I find myself speaking with a nonprofit executive in California or a communications manager here in Maryland, I tend to hear the same concerns, often focused on a lack of money, a lack of resources, or a lack of mainstream awareness.  Fortunately, those are three areas that we know how to solve for, and it’s that time of year when we get to solve the problem of “lack of money.”

Beginning February 1, C.Fox Communications will begin accepting applications for the 2012 it Award--worth up to $30,000 in pro bono PR services and we hope you'll apply.  The inspired thought Award, or it Award as we call it, is a core part of our agency’s mission, and offers an annual chance for a worthy nonprofit organization to work with our team. 

The it Award is open to any United States-based nonprofit with 10 or more employees and there is no fee to enter. All we ask for is a completed application by February 29, 2012 that explains why your organization should be it.

You can check out details of the award and apply on our website, but I thought it might be useful to share a sneak peek at the questions we ask of our applicants.  Have a look below and if you’re intrigued, please, learn more and apply.  And if the it Award isn’t a fit for you, then pass on the love, and share it with another worthy nonprofit.

There is no shortage of worthy organizations out there- offering critical services, and impacting communities in meaningful ways.  Help us find one that deserves help in sharing their story.  Maybe you'll be it!

 

General Information:

1. Organization name:
2. Street Address:
3. Organization website:
4. Contact name:
5. Contact email:
6. Contact phone number:
7. Has your organization worked with C.Fox Communications before?
8. Where is your organization headquartered?
9. How many employees work for your organization? (minimum of 10 staff members required)
10. Are you a nonprofit organization? (required for eligibility)
11. How did you hear about C.Fox’s call for entries?
12. Is your organization currently, or has it in the past 5 years worked with any other advertising and/or public relations agency?  If so, who and in what capacity)
13. What is your budget for implementing tactics?  (Please note: C.Fox will not cover out-of-pocket costs such as: printing, distributing a press release over the wire, or advertising) Please highlight one of the following: 0-$5,000; $5,001-$10,000; $10,001 and higher
14. Does your organization have a Board of Directors? If so, please list your Board Members' names.
15. Who will be our direct, day-to-day contact with your organization if you win the it Award?  Please provide name(s) and title(s).
16. How many hours per week will the direct, day-to-day contact be available to work with C.Fox on project development and implementation? 1-4 hours per week; 4-8 hours per week; More than 8 hours per week
17. Which of the following services are you interested in receiving? (Highlight all that apply) Strategy; Writing/Messaging; Media Relations; Branding; Social Media; We’re not sure of exactly what we need.

Organization Background

1. In one sentence, describe your organization.
2. What is your organization’s mission?
3. Please describe how your organization lives its mission and fits the C.Fox Communications criteria of “mission-driven” organization – that is, what you do, you do for the good of others.
4. Who are your key publics? (Who are your clients/typical patrons, who are your key stakeholders, target markets?)
5. What is your geographic service area?
6. Do you currently have a marketing, communications, and/or public relations plan for your organization?  If yes, please indicate which of the disciplines have a plan and how often it is updated.
7. Please provide the name and title of your organization’s spokesperson.  
   

it Award Detail Questions

1. Why do you want to work with C.Fox Communications?
2. What do you hope to achieve as the it Award winner?  Be as specific as possible.
3. To help paint the picture of how your organization makes a difference in people’s lives, give an example of a real-life success story that your organization made happen. We’re looking for powerful anecdotes that illustrate your work.
4. Please copy and paste a testimonial about your organization and its work from a beneficiary or non-member of your organization. You may also email it to itaward@cfoxcommunications.com with “Testimonial” and your organization name in the subject line. Video testimonials are also welcome.
5. Why should C.Fox Communications pick your organization to be the it Award recipient?
6. How will you address your communications needs if you don’t win this award?