American Express NGen Leadership Award

The 2020 NOMINATION & APPLICATION
PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED

SELECTION PROCESS

Submissions will be reviewed by Independent Sector staff and the American Express NGen Award Selection Committee — an outside panel of prominent national leaders from across the charitable community. IS staff will review all applications and identify a maximum of 20 semi-finalists for consideration by the Committee, using the award selection criteria. The Committee will select six finalists, and the winner, through discussion, scoring, and by committee voting. IS will announce the winner this summer.

Note: Award applicants may be asked to provide additional information during the review process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Who is eligible for the award?

The American Express NGen Leadership Award honors an exceptional emerging leader age 40 and under who is successfully tackling an intractable community challenge.

To be eligible, you must:

Be age 40 or under at the time of application
Be an outstanding changemaker who is demonstrating transformative social impact through collaborative leadership
Reside in the United States (nominees may work or be affiliated with an organization that works internationally or has a globally focused mission)
Be available to participate in Upswell Pop-Ups during the summer and fall, and Upswell 2020, October 14-16.

Note: Independent Sector membership is not required to submit a nomination or to be eligible for consideration for the award.

What criteria are used to select finalists?

Evidence of transformative or significant impact in an intractable community or social issue area.
Proven ability to lead and collaborate with other changemakers on action-oriented issue areas in innovative and inclusive ways.
Proactive identification of need and assessment of progress toward goal.
Demonstrated collaborative leadership qualities and dedication to advancing the common good.

What is the nomination process?

The nomination process is simple and takes just two minutes. If you know an exceptional changemaker whose accomplishments are deserving of consideration for the American Express NGen Leadership Award, please nominate them using this short nomination form.

Note: Nominees must complete and submit an award application by the deadline of Friday, June 12, 11:59 PT to be considered for the American Express NGen Leadership Award.

What is the application process?

The process requires the nominee to complete an application that includes questions about their background and experience, as well as an essay about their work as a transformative and collaborative leader. A letter of recommendation is also required, and a resumé or link to LinkedIn profile is strongly suggested. All nominees must submit their applications and letters of reference by the deadline of Friday, June 12, 11:59 PT .

Note: You do not have to be nominated by someone else to apply.

How are finalists selected?

Submissions will be reviewed by Independent Sector staff and the American Express NGen Award Selection Committee — an outside panel of prominent national leaders from across the charitable community. The Committee will select six finalists, and the winner, following review, discussion, and by committee voting. IS will announce the winner this summer.

What do finalists receive?

Finalists will have opportunities to share their mission and work to accelerate transformative change during Upswell Pop-Ups in the summer and fall, and during Upswell 2020, October 14-16. Finalists also will receive registration for Upswell 2020, as well as a complimentary one-year IS membership for their organizations (if their organization is not already an IS member).

What does the winner receive?

The winner, who will be announced this summer, will receive a $3,000 honorarium intended to support their work or further their leadership development, and will have opportunities to share their mission and work to accelerate transformative change during Upswell Pop-Ups in the summer and fall, and Upswell 2020, October 14-16.

Questions?

If you have questions, or for more information, please email ngenaward@independentsector.org.