The beautiful and original design for the NPD Outstanding Honoree awards was created by artist John Barber.
Rules & Judging Criteria
The submissions period will open soon. The judging process takes place during the summer, and all submitters will be contacted by phone or email in early September. The event to recognize honorees takes place in November.
Individuals and organizations (nonprofit and for-profit) are invited to submit entries for individuals, businesses or groups for their outstanding achievement in the following categories. We encourage you to submit a nominee in as many categories as appropriate; however, each organization may submit only one honoree per category. Before submitting an individual, organization or foundation, please obtain their permission for submission. If the NPD judging committee feels that your submission would be stronger in a different category, you may be contacted and encouraged to switch categories, at your discretion.
A distinguished panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders, philanthropists, past Honorees and nonprofit professionals from the Orange County community evaluate the nominee submissions.
Posthumous nominations cannot be accepted.
Elements of a Strong Submission:
Tip 1
CAREFULLY READ THE CRITERION FOR THE CATEGORY YOU ARE SELECTING
Find the best fit or better yet, nominate several in different categories.
Tip 2
COLLABORATE WITH OTHER NONPROFITS
Once you’ve made your list, do some research to see if there are other nonprofits your nominee is involved with where you can co-nominate.
Tip 3
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR 750 WORDS!
“The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss only has 255 words and look at how it has influenced generations! 750 words should be a breeze.
Tip 4
HAVE OTHERS READ YOUR ESSAY AND MAKE SUGGESTIONS
It should explain who you are, what you do, and paint a story about your nominee. Your audience is made up of community leaders.
Tip 5
BE PERSISTENT!
This is an extremely competitive process, so if your nominee doesn’t win, try again next year. Persistence pays off!