Every year, the Gay & Lesbian Fund honors those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in making our state a place where equality is valued. Click on each year below to see the award categories and recipients for each. The Deadline to submit a nomination is November 2, 2009.
2009 Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the annual Advancing Equality Awards sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado. Five awards will be given in recognition of individuals and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to creating a state where all people are welcomed, included, and treated equally. Winners drive positive change within their spheres of influence and stand up for social justice.
Download the nomination form here. Award Nomination Form
Award Criteria
Nominees must be individuals or organizations doing paid or volunteer work to advance equality in one of the five award categories:
- Outstanding Nonprofit Organization
- Outstanding Public Official
- Outstanding Community Supporter
- Youth Advocate for Excellence
- Stonewall Supporter of Gay and Transgender Rights.
- Nominees must be located in Colorado and do work to advance equality for Coloradans.
- Previous award recipients are eligible for repeat nominations if the work or activity is substantially different than that previously recognized.
Nomination Instructions
- Please click here to download a copy of the form. Type or write clearly using black ink.
- Please answer all questions in the nomination narrative on no more than two pages.
- Include letters of support from two other organizations or individuals.
- Do not send a cover letter, any other attachments, or supplemental materials.
- Feel free to nominate yourself or the organization you work for.
- Submit the nomination form in one of the following ways:
1. Print out this form and mail or fax, along with the two letters of support, to: Paulette Lopez, Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, 315 East Costilla Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 / Fax: (719) 473-2254
OR
2. Fill out the form electronically and email it, along with the two letters of support, to paulettel@gayandlesbianfund.org
Nomination Deadline: November 2, 2009
Each honoree receives an award of $5,000 to be allocated to a nonprofit organization of his/her designation. Honorees will be recognized at the Gay & Lesbian Fund’s annual holiday open house event on December 9, 2009, at 5:30pm, at the fund’s building, at 315 East Costilla Street, Colorado Springs.
Tips for a Strong Nomination
- Answer each question separately and completely
- Allow yourself enough time to gather the information
- Identify people who will write strong letters of support to make your case
- Focus on Colorado efforts only
- Include data where possible (number of people impacted, outcomes, etc.)
- Cite concrete examples of accomplishments and leadership attributes
- Generate some excitement and enthusiasm for your nominee
- Research any collaborations your nominee is doing with other groups
- Describe how the nominee’s efforts have encouraged or inspired others
- Share inspirational or personal stories