The Kansas Nonprofit Chamber is excited to host our 5th Annual "Inspire Awards." We believe that nonprofit organizations have a tremendous impact on quality of life for all residents of Kansas and we want to recognize individuals and organizations that make exemplary contributions to the success of Kansas nonprofits.

Don't miss the presentation from our keynote speaker, Colin McKenney!

Colin McKenney is CEO of Starkey, Inc., a Wichita nonprofit organization founded in 1930 that serves more than 400 individuals with intellectual disabilities through employment, residential, life enrichment, transportation and case management programs.  Prior to joining Starkey in 2012, McKenney was president and CEO of Multi Community Diversified Services in McPherson, and had previously served as director of the Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organization between 2000 and 2008.

The Inspire Awards will recognize recipients in the following categories:

EXCELLENCE IN NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP AWARD: 

This award honors a nonprofit leader (CEO, Executive Director, or member of the Executive Team) whose distinguished achievements have resulted in significant progress toward improving a community issue. They must work on behalf of a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose program(s) serve Kansas. Recognized by their peers as a leader in the sector, this person demonstrates excellence in leadership and management, and inspires others to achieve meaningful, measurable, and sustainable results.

EXCELLENCE IN NONPROFIT GOVERNANCE AWARD: 

This award recognizes a Nonprofit Board Member that demonstrates effective nonprofit governance practices (i.e. demonstrates exceptional ability and dedication in actualizing the mission of the organization, excels in attracting new resources to the organization). Exemplifies ethical and impactful voluntary leadership. Fosters a positive Board culture that is reflective of the organization's values.

EXHIBITING INNOVATION AWARD: 

This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that is using creative applications and nontraditional approaches to solving internal or community challenges. This award is intended to honor true innovation in the work of a nonprofit. The achievements of the organization must be relevant (i.e. should have taken place within approximately the last 12-18 months)

EXTRA MILE AWARD: 

This award recognizes a nonprofit volunteer who has shown outstanding dedication and commitment to a nonprofit or multiple nonprofit organizations. Active volunteerism can be ongoing or linked to a specific project or cause that has made a huge impact.

NONPROFIT CHAMPION AWARD: 

This award recognizes an individual or organization who has provided support to the nonprofit sector, demonstrates visionary leadership in improving the community through collaboration and support of nonprofit organizations and has contributed significantly to the quality of life in the community through professional and civic activities or involvement.

CORPORATE GIVING BACK AWARD:

This award recognizes a for-profit business that promotes individual and group volunteerism among its employees and participates in activities that support nonprofit organizations in Kansas.

We hope you will join us as we celebrate the outstanding contributions that the recipeints have made towards building and maintaining strong nonprofits in Kansas.