Nomination Process

The Exponent Awards honor exemplary nonprofit leaders who may be in danger of burnout or who would benefit from a leadership development grant to take their skills and organization to a new level. The award comes with a two-year grant of $100,000 for leadership development, which could include coaching, continuing education, or funds to strengthen the board and senior management team.

Eligibility

Qualified nominees must:

Be the chief executive officer (executive director or president) of an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has received at least two grants from the Meyer Foundation within the last four years.
Have served in their current position for a minimum of three years but not more than 10 years.
Have demonstrated success as managers, including hiring and retaining skilled staff, instituting sound financial management, and increasing the quality and impact of the organization's work.
Have proven effectiveness as a leader, including working in partnership with a committed and engaged board of directors, taking on community leadership roles, and serving as an advocate for the organization and those it serves.

Since the award represents a significant investment in the leader's organization, the Meyer Foundation will, in choosing award recipients, consider the organization's reputation, the effectiveness of its board, its financial stability, and the likelihood that the grant will help create lasting change.

To Apply

There is no official application form. Candidates must be nominated by a letter from a board member, colleague, grantmaker, or other community leader.
Nomination letters will be accepted by e-mail (exponent@meyerfdn.org) or regular mail.
All nominations must be received by the date of the deadline.
Nomination letters can be accompanied by no more than two supporting letters of recommendation.
All letters should be formatted on letterhead and addressed to President and CEO Julie Rogers.
Meyer Foundation staff will review nominations and the Foundation's Board of Directors will select the award recipients.