Categories & Prizes | Classy Awards

Categories

Charity Awards

Charity of the year

Awarded to the charity whose submission truly epitomizes all things "classy." The Charity of the Year will be a standout amid an impressive field of truly praiseworthy nonprofit organizations; it's submission will captivate and impress as the perfect crystallization of the organization's efforts to effect powerful change in the world..

Small Charity of the year

Awarded to the nonprofit whose submission best demonstrates the truth in the statement that "big things come in small packages." The Small Charity of the Year will be a nonprofit organization with annual revenue less than $250,000 that, despite its modest size, has a major positive impact on the world around it.

Best New Charity

Awarded to a nonprofit organization formed on, or after, June 1, 2009 that has already made a substantialimpact. The winning organization's submission will demonstrate a true sense of urgency and a determination to make positive change happen as soon as humanly possible.

Most Creative Fundraiser by a Charity

Awarded to the charity whose submission describes the most unique and inspiring fundraiser of the year. The organization deemed the Most Creative Fundraiser will be one that brings a personal touch and creative flare to its fundraising efforts. The success of its events will not only be measured in terms of the number of dollars it raises but also in terms of the impact those efforts have on the lives of those who participate.

Most Effective Awareness Campaign by a Charity

Awarded to the charitable organization whose submission describes the most creative and impactful awareness campaign of the year. Whether through, TV, radio, the internet, or another medium, this organization has shaken us from our daily routine and forced us to engage with the issue it advocates for.

Most Innovative Use of Social Media by a Charity

Awarded to the charity whose submission demonstrates the most forward-thinking, creative, and effective use of social media to spread the organization's message or to build financial or personal support. The nonprofit that wins this Classy Award will be one that embraces new social media technology and seeks to build upon that technology in order to further its organizational goals.

Individual / Group Awards

Volunteer of the year

Awarded to the individual whose submission best embodies the ideal qualities of a volunteer: passion, perseverance, and heart. The Volunteer of the Year will be an individual that continuously gives his or her time and energy to further a noble cause and benefit others.

Young Nonprofit Leader of the Year

Awarded to the most promising emerging leader in the nonprofit sector. This individual will be thirty five (35) years of age or younger, have three or more years experience in the U.S. non-profit sector, and have improved not only their own organization but the wider nonprofit community through concrete actions that have raised the bar for all.

Most Successful Fundraiser by an Individual or Group

Awarded to the individual whose submission best demonstrates personal leadership in raising funds and support for a charitable cause. This Classy Award winner, will be the one that puts the team on his or her shoulders and runs up the hill. Whether through a personal talent, or just an irrepressible commitment to a cause, this person will have demonstrated truly superior commitment to generating support for his or her chosen cause.

Most Influential College student or College Organization

Awarded to the undergraduate student or student-run college organization that has most powerfully put the idealism and energy of youth to work in service of others. The winner of this Classy Award will demonstrate a willingness to think big, to take on important social challenges, and to do so with an unflappable belief in the individual's ability to effect dramatic change.

Business Awards

Philanthropic Business of the year

Awarded to the business with $1,000,000 or more in annual revenue whose submission most successfully demonstrates its commitment to using the company's position, resources, and influence in service of broader philanthropic aims. The Philanthropic Business of the Year will demonstrate through consistent action a fuller vision of the modern company, one that embraces an ethic of service to the communities in which it operates.

Philanthropic Small Business of the year

Awarded to the business with less than $1,000,000 in annual revenue whose submission best exemplifies a devotion to bettering lives in its community. The Small Business of the Year will embody the virtues of a good neighbor, giving back to those around it in true appreciation of the customers and the society that make its business possible.

2010 Classy Awards

Watch the 2010 Recap Video

2010 Winners

CHARITY OF THE YEAR: Nourishing NYC
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:
Chris Cares International
MOST PHILANTHROPIC BUSINESS:
Strong Women, Strong Girls
MOST INNOVATIVE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA:
The Office of Letters and Light
MOST INFLUENTIAL COLLEGE STUDENT OR ORGANIZATION:
The Dream Program, Inc.
MOST SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER BY A GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL:
C.U.R.E. Ride for LHON Research, Jeremy Poincenot
MOST EFFECTIVE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN:
Invisible Children
SMALL CHARITY OF THE YEAR:
The Nomi Network
PHILANTHROPIC SMALL BUSINESS:
The Dream Program, Inc.
MOST CREATIVE FUNDRAISER:
St. Baldrick's Foundation