Nominate a Leader

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in the 2022 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards. Each year, the Awards recognize leaders whose innovative solutions to critical state challenges improve people’s lives, create opportunity, and contribute to a better California.The Foundation spotlights these leaders, helps share their approaches with policymakers and peers, and provides each of their organizations with a grant of $250,000 and additional resources.We appreciate your help identifying innovative, effective leaders whose work we can elevate and support in 2022. Nominations that reflect the diversity of California’s population and regions are especially encouraged.

 

How to nominate a leader

You may nominate an individual or pair working in any field or sector, whether public, private, or nonprofit. The nominee must be a resident of California, and the nominator must be someone other than the nominee or a family member.

 

Step 1: We encourage you to review the Leadership Awards Frequently Asked Questions page prior to beginning your nomination application to learn more about who is eligible to apply and nominate, the selection criteria, and the nominations review process.

 

Step 2: Provide a few brief details about the nominee and yourself.

 

Step 3: Selection Criteria by preparing brief responses to the key nomination questions

 

Please complete your nomination before May 7, 2021 at 11:59 pm PDT. You may save your nomination and return to work on it later at any time. Simply click the "Save my progress and resume later" option at the top.

 

Questions? Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

 

For assistance, please email hello@irvineawards.org.  

Please provide the following information for the person(s) you are nominating for a 2022 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. 

You may wish to draft the following narrative text in a separate document and then cut and paste into the form when you have finished.

Summary of Nominee's Work *

In 200 words or fewer, briefly describe the work of the nominee’s organization and the nominee’s role in that work. If the nomination focuses on a specific project the nominee(s) leads, please also describe that project. To the extent possible, focus on the nominee’s current work as opposed to prior work with other organizations. 

Significance * 

In 500 words or fewer, please describe how the nominee(s) uses innovation or uncommon practices to improve people's lives. Indicate how the nominee’s work represents an entirely new approach, an approach that is not widely known or practiced, or applies a proven approach in a new way or within a new context. Discuss how the nominee’s work is different from or an improvement upon usual practices in the field. 

Effectiveness * 

In 300 words or fewer, please address whether and how the nominee(s) helps build bridges among people with different viewpoints or backgrounds. If possible, use examples to demonstrate how the nominee(s) collaborates with key stakeholders. Describe the demographics of the populations with whom the nominee(s) works or serves. If applicable, consider discussing how the nominee creates opportunity for underserved populations.  

Timing of Recognition *

In 350 words or fewer, please address whether the work of the nominee(s) is at a stage of maturity where recognition could substantially aid the nominee’s efforts to advance it. If possible, address the methods the nominee(s) might use to advance the work, such as altering people’s beliefs or behaviors, changing public policies or spending, expanding or replicating services at additional sites, or training others to deliver services. You may also describe any evidence that the policymaking environment is conducive to progress in the near future or that current circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, provide greater urgency or opportunity for the nominee to expand their work.

Leadership Capacity *