The Blackbaud Impact Awards shine a highlight on organizations and people who’re shifting the needle and attaining exceptional outcomes that make a distinction. A robust award nomination is your alternative to inform your story and showcase your influence. If you happen to’re contemplating nominating your group, an inspiring chief, or a rising star for one among our awards this 12 months, we’ve compiled some ideas that will help you craft a standout nomination and provides your nominee the very best probability at attaining recognition. 

Uncovering Your Narrative 

The preliminary step can typically be probably the most difficult – how do you identify which achievements should be spotlighted? For inexperienced persons, your success metrics and key efficiency indicators can present important route. Nonetheless, for those who solely deal with year-over-year progress, as an illustration, you would possibly overlook a story deeply related along with your group’s historical past, mission, and imaginative and prescient. Beneath are some solutions on pinpoint a particular story that may assist you to genuinely stand out: 

• Re-examine your group’s core values and targets. Essentially the most inspiring nominations originate from a spot of real ardour. This can assist you to inject enthusiasm and authenticity into your nomination in ways in which mere numbers can’t. 

• Mirror on what achievements you’ve gotten celebrated along with your groups, board members, and supporters. Evaluate any press releases, media protection, or reviews. 

• Contemplate any new initiatives or initiatives that have been launched previously 12 months. Following the passion surrounding your group’s present priorities is a wonderful method to achieve involvement and help from others internally. 

• What stunned you probably the most this previous 12 months? Discovering the sudden can typically result in compelling tales. 

• The place have your Blackbaud know-how options made probably the most vital influence this 12 months? 

In case you are unsure the place to start, study the previous winners and finalists for inspiration. When you’ve recognized your narrative, the suitable award class will turn out to be evident to you. We eagerly await your story! 

Readability, Precision, and Outcomes-Targeted 

Earlier than you begin writing your submission, it’s essential to plan upfront. Refer again to the award category descriptions the factors, and the set of distinct utility questions to make sure you deal with the important thing factors. This can be a priceless technique to make sure you collect the pertinent data, keep centered, and ship a high-quality nomination. 

A transparent and compelling nomination will illustrate a narrative of transformation that demonstrates how your answer superior your group or college from one stage to a different. The appliance questions observe a construction that will help you craft a transparent before-and-after narrative: 

– What challenges did you encounter? 

– What answer did you determine to beat the problem? 

– What instruments did you make the most of to implement your goal answer? 

– What adjustments occurred because of this? 

Technological experience might be part of the nomination however attempt to keep away from getting slowed down by overly technical jargon or language. Focus extra on the outcomes and influence. Be private, be real, and be happy to incorporate anecdotes and private tales; in spite of everything, we’re all about celebrating the human accomplishments behind the know-how. Be happy with your exceptional breakthroughs! 

Present Us Some Proof in Numbers! 

Numbers are a vital type of proof to help your influence. Offering quantifiable outcomes is a vital, non-negotiable element of a sturdy nomination. Moreover the spectacular end-results, ensure to incorporate information wherever attainable all through varied sections of the appliance to assist illustrate the effectiveness of your answer. Keep in mind, your small tactical victories are equally vital to share. 

Every award category gives instance proof factors to information you on metrics to share. Keep in mind, these are solely examples, and we aren’t essentially looking for an ideal match. We perceive that artistic groups devise artistic options, and we purpose to have fun that! 

Don’t Go it Alone: Collaborate for a Stronger Nomination 

Use the sources accessible, together with people with firsthand expertise and perspective. Moreover, incorporating a tone of collaboration into your nomination helps us perceive how groups labored collectively to attain a venture or aim. 

If you happen to’re not a assured or comfy author, think about partnering with somebody that will help you draft the content material. As an illustration, they may interview you to attract out probably the most vital accomplishments. Your communications and advertising group may very well be notably helpful on this regard. A charming nomination is the results of collaborative group efforts, reflecting various views and experience inside your group, college, or firm. 

Nail the Fundamentals and Don’t Procrastinate 

Rigorously evaluate the nomination instructions. Pay shut consideration to formatting, phrase limits, and deadlines. Whilst you don’t must submit your nomination instantly, beginning early permits you time so as to add any further ideas later. A well-prepared nomination that follows the rules demonstrates professionalism and a focus to element, thereby growing your possibilities of making a constructive impression. 

By following these steps, you’ll be able to craft a standout nomination that showcases your group’s extraordinary achievements and positions you as a robust candidate for the award. Nominations are due Friday, June 13! Better of luck, and should your efforts encourage and obtain the popularity they deserve!