The Mary L. Thomas Award for Civic Leadership and Community Change recognizes the contributions of individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving the quality of life in the community. The Spartanburg County Foundation seeks nominees who develop innovative solutions to tackle critical community issues. The recipients seize opportunities to make a difference by offering compassionate leadership, commitment, and personal skills, with the ultimate goal of creating a better and brighter tomorrow.

In 2018, The Spartanburg County Foundation celebrates 75 years of impacting lives. Such a milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on decades of successful community partnerships, a rich tradition of innovation, and ongoing philanthropic efforts that impact lives. In keeping with this spirit, the 2018 Mary L. Thomas Award will focus on celebrating the next generation of philanthropists, young people who are committed to improving the community around them. These individuals, ages 12-30 years old, give their time and resources to nonprofit organizations, develop charitable programs, and lead efforts to positively change the lives of others.

Criteria for Selection:

Innovation
Identifying innovative solutions and implementing new ideas that successfully address critical issues facing the Spartanburg community

Community Leadership and Impact
Adding value, providing leadership, and contributing to positive change in the Spartanburg community

Civic Participation and Community Engagement
Investing time and engaging others to contribute to positive community growth and transformation

Eligibility Requirements

• Nominees must be residents of Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
• Nominees must be ages 12-30 years old. NOTE: Nominees should fall within this range on the date nominations are due (January 19, 2018).
• Nominees must be in good standing ethically, possess a strong sense of integrity and good character.
• The efforts of nominees must be documented during the past 12 months, illustrating the impact made on the Spartanburg community – whether through direct service, philanthropy or drawing attention to a community need.
• The nominee’s project may have been developed in one or more of the following three areas: 1) Inside or outside of the classroom; 2) In partnership with a nonprofit organization or religious institution; 3) Through an initiative or organization started on his/her own or with friends. If the nominee’s project does not align with at least one of the three areas, please explain why the nominee should be considered for the award.
• If the nominee is connected to a Spartanburg County nonprofit organization through paid employment, the individual must demonstrate community impact beyond the scope of his or her job.

The recipient will receive an award at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting in March 2018, and will be honored with a $5,000 grant to be given to a charity selected by the recipient and the Foundation.

VIEW THE MLT BROCHURE

The deadline for nominations is January 19, 2018, by 5:00 p.m.
To nominate an individual for the 2018 Mary L. Thomas Award for Civic Leadership and Community Change, click on the link below.

NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!