Leading the Way Award Nominations

The honoree will exemplify leadership and vision in a demonstrable way over many years through dedication and commitment to giving back to the communities where it is based or does business in the San Francisco Bay Area. (Areas of focus might include social justice, environment, arts, education, homelessness, work force development, healthcare, or food scarcity.) This includes leadership, volunteerism, philanthropy or advocacy, such as:

• A CEO or company who serves as a role model and champion of corporate social responsibility.
• Leadership initiatives that encourage or mentor employees throughout the organization to participate in nonprofit leadership, such as board service, pro-bono advisory, etc.
• Internal programs that encourage individual or team volunteer or service projects.
• Facilitates employee charitable giving through payroll deduction, matching gifts, etc.
• A record of accomplishment of thoughtful and strategic grant making, sponsorship or in-kind giving that includes effective relationships or partnerships with its grantees.
• Direct service (e.g., tutoring, serving meals, working with patients)
• Organizes or sponsors meaningful community activities monetarily or through hands-on support. Implements innovative ways to engage its customers or vendors in its volunteerism, philanthropy, or community building.
• Advocacy (e.g., writing letters to government officials, educating others about possible policy changes)

The company can be located in or do business in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, or Solano counties and been engaged in the aforementioned type of community support for at least five years.

The finalist should be available for an interview with the San Francisco Business Times between July
1 –August 10.

All nominations are due by end of business on July 25 to be considered. An independent selection committee will review all submissions. The winners of all awards will be announced in the San Francisco Business Times and celebrated at the LEADING THE WAY event on Thursday, October 24 at the Terra Gallery.

The professional receiving this award will be under 45 years of age and be responsible for or actively engaged in developing and implementing a culture of philanthropy and community building at a business (public or private) located in the Bay Area. Factors and characteristics that make this person an emerging leader could include but are not limited to:

• Played an integral role in developing a comprehensive and sustainable corporate philanthropy and (corporate social responsibility/community relations) program.
• Has implemented innovative ideas/ways for engaging employees, customers or vendors in volunteerism or corporate philanthropy.
• Created a strategic grant making program that produces clear outcomes around the company ’ s vision for community engagement.
• Is a thought leader within the company or community around the above issues.
• Acknowledged within company’s sector or through a professional association as a leader.

If selected, the finalist must be available for an interview between July 1 – August 15.

Nominations are due by end of business on July 25 to be considered. An independent selection committee will review all submissions. The winners of all awards will be announced in the San Francisco Business Times and celebrated at the LEADING THE WAY event on Thursday, October 24 at the Terra Gallery.

The Community Philanthropist Award honors an individual or family (or related family foundation
or donor-advised fund), that has demonstrated a long-term commitment to charitable giving
benefiting the San Francisco Bay Area community. This individual or organization has helped
create a foundation where all persons can thrive in the community.

• An Individual, or Organization that has made lasting impact in the Bay Area through philanthropy and advocacy.

• Indirect service (e.g., organizing a fundraising event, raising awareness, organizing community interest)

• A record of accomplishment of thoughtful and strategic grant making, sponsorship or in-kind giving that includes effective relationships or partnerships with its grantees that effectively make a lasting impact through positive transformation and renewal.

• Created differentiated and model programs that serve direct needs of the community.

If selected, the finalist must be available for an interview between July 1 – August 15.

Nominations are due by end of business on July 25 to be considered. An independent selection committee will review all submissions. The winners of all awards will be announced in the San Francisco Business Times and celebrated at the LEADING THE WAY event on Thursday, October 24 at the Terra Gallery.