How to Craft an Award-Worthy Nomination for the Blackbaud Impact Awards 

The Blackbaud Impact Awards shine a spotlight on organizations and individuals who are moving the needle and achieving remarkable outcomes that make a difference. A strong award nomination is your opportunity to tell your story and showcase your impact. If you’re considering nominating your organization, an inspiring leader, or a rising star for one of our awards this year, we’ve compiled some tips to help you craft a standout nomination and give your nominee the best possible chance at achieving recognition. 

Uncovering Your Narrative 

The initial step can often be the most challenging – how do you determine which achievements deserve to be spotlighted? For beginners, your success metrics and key performance indicators can provide essential direction. However, if you only focus on year-over-year growth, for instance, you might overlook a narrative deeply connected with your organization’s history, mission, and vision. Below are some suggestions on how to pinpoint a distinctive story that will help you genuinely stand out: 

• Re-examine your organization’s core values and objectives. The most inspiring nominations originate from a place of genuine passion. This will help you inject enthusiasm and authenticity into your nomination in ways that mere numbers cannot. 

• Reflect on what achievements you have celebrated with your teams, board members, and supporters. Review any press releases, media coverage, or reports. 

• Consider any new projects or initiatives that were launched in the past year. Following the enthusiasm surrounding your organization’s current priorities is an excellent way to gain involvement and support from others internally. 

• What surprised you the most this past year? Discovering the unexpected can often lead to compelling stories. 

• Where have your Blackbaud technology solutions made the most significant impact this year? 

If you are uncertain where to begin, examine the previous winners and finalists for inspiration. Once you’ve identified your narrative, the appropriate award category will become evident to you. We eagerly await your story! 

Clarity, Precision, and Outcomes-Focused 

Before you start writing your submission, it’s crucial to plan in advance. Refer back to the award category descriptions the criteria, and the set of distinct application questions to ensure you address the key points. This is a valuable method to ensure you gather the pertinent information, stay focused, and deliver a high-quality nomination. 

A clear and compelling nomination will illustrate a story of transformation that demonstrates how your solution advanced your organization or school from one stage to another. The application questions follow a structure to help you craft a clear before-and-after narrative: 

– What challenges did you encounter? 

– What solution did you identify to overcome the challenge? 

– What tools did you utilize to implement your target solution? 

– What changes occurred as a result? 

Technological expertise can be a part of the nomination but try to avoid getting bogged down by overly technical jargon or language. Concentrate more on the outcomes and impact. Be personal, be genuine, and feel free to include anecdotes and personal stories; after all, we’re all about celebrating the human accomplishments behind the technology. Be proud of your remarkable breakthroughs! 

Show Us Some Proof in Numbers! 

Numbers are a crucial form of evidence to support your impact. Providing quantifiable results is an essential, non-negotiable component of a robust nomination. Besides the impressive end-results, make sure to include data wherever possible throughout various sections of the application to help illustrate the effectiveness of your solution. Remember, your small tactical victories are equally important to share. 

Each award category provides example proof points to guide you on metrics to share. Remember, these are only examples, and we are not necessarily seeking a perfect match. We understand that creative teams devise creative solutions, and we aim to celebrate that! 

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

Use the resources available, including individuals with firsthand experience and perspective. Additionally, incorporating a tone of collaboration into your nomination helps us understand how teams worked together to achieve a project or goal. 

If you’re not a confident or comfortable writer, consider partnering with someone to help you draft the content. For instance, they could interview you to draw out the most significant accomplishments. Your communications and marketing team could be particularly useful in this regard. A captivating nomination is the result of collaborative team efforts, reflecting diverse perspectives and expertise within your organization, school, or company. 

Nail the Basics and Don’t Procrastinate 

Carefully review the nomination instructions. Pay close attention to formatting, word limits, and deadlines. While you don’t have to submit your nomination immediately, starting early allows you time to add any additional thoughts later. A well-prepared nomination that follows the guidelines demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, thereby increasing your chances of making a positive impression. 

By following these steps, you can craft a standout nomination that showcases your organization’s extraordinary achievements and positions you as a strong candidate for the award. Nominations are due Friday, June 13! Best of luck, and may your efforts inspire and receive the recognition they deserve!