Celebrate Clay
Summary
Celebrate Clay was created in 2009 by The Paul E. & Klare N. Reinhold Foundation, Inc. to recognize, reward, and encourage community service within Clay County. Annual cash awards are presented to non-profit groups providing outstanding services, as selected by a panel of judges who vote the best for that year. Since 2009, the Reinhold Foundation has awarded more than $195,000 to 91 nonprofit organizations at its annual “Celebrate Clay” community service awards breakfast. Click here for a list of 2009 Winners, 2010 Winners, and 2011 Winners.
2011 Celebrate Clay Award Recipients
2012 Awards Program
Up to 50 awards totaling $60,000 to $65,000 will be awarded in 2012 as follows:
Twenty-nine (29) $500 Category Awards;
Thirteen (13) $1,000 Special Judges’ Awards;
One (1) $2,500 Best New Organization Award (New award this year for most effective new organization, for organizations five years or younger)
Two (2) $2,500 Special Judges' Oustanding Volunteer Awards;
One (1) $5,000 Peggy Bryan Volunteer of the Year Award;
One (1) $5,000 Executive Director Award (optional award at discretion of Judges);
Two (2) $5,000 "Judges’ Choice" Awards; and
One (1) $10,000 Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award of the Year.
*Note: Volunteer and executive director awards recognize outstanding individuals for their community service. The cash awards are provided to the nominating nonprofit organization which they serve.
Click here for detailed information on the awards and categories.
Award Categories
Arts & Culture; Civic Community Service; Community Programs; Education (& Literacy); Environment & Ecology; Health & Human Services; Seniors Accomplishments; Church/Service Outreach Programs; Accomplishments by Youth; Service to Youth & Families
Note: The final award categories are to be determined at the discretion of the Foundation.
2012 Judges
A panel of judges including three volunteers from the community and two Trustees from the Foundation will vote on the best projects and volunteers of 2011 to determine the winners of the cash awards. This year’s judges are: Tony Brown, Vice Mayor, Keystone Heights; Virginia Hall, President, J.P. Hall Children’s Charities; Nancy Keating, Chief Executive Officer, Challenge Enterprises of North Florida; Kristin Pilgrim, Foundation Trustee; and J.F. Bryan IV, Foundation Chairman. (Photo left to right: Tony Brown, Amy Parker, Virginia Hall, Nancy Keating, and J.F. Bryan IV. Kristin Pilgrim absent from photo)
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and not a "private foundation” under Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Every 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the First Coast area, regardless of size, is eligible, as long as the project submitted actively supports citizens of Clay County and the sponsoring organization validates its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (including proof that it is not a "private foundation” under Section 509(a) of the IRC). Applications that do not contain proof of the organization’s 501(c)(3) status will not be accepted.
Click here to learn more about how to submit proof of your 501(c)(3) status.
Completing the Application
Unlike grants that focus on future good works, Celebrate Clay awards are based on specific projects under development, active, or completed within the past calendar year (2011). Every program is considered solely for its efforts and accomplishments in 2011 and the judges do not consider applications or awards from previous years. Effectiveness in 2011 is the determining factor.
We have worked hard to make our application as succinct and straightforward as possible because we want every active community service program to apply! Simply tell us your story, and help the judges understand and appreciate your efforts last year. We want to share your pride and recognize the very real support you bring to Clay County.
A panel of five judges (three volunteers from the community and two foundation trustees) will consider each application and determine the winners of the cash awards. The judges will only consider the material within the application, so please do not attach any additional data. Click here to download the application.
Applications for the fourth annual Celebrate Clay honoring programs active in 2011 must be received by Friday, February 17, 2012. No late applications will be accepted.
Critical Dates
- Friday, February 17, 2012 – Deadline to submit applications
- Tuesday, May 8, 2012 – Awards Presentation Breakfast
Assistance
Any questions should be directed to Amy Parker (904) 269-5857, ext. 404, or aparker (at) reinhold.net.