Nomination Eligibility and Checklist

Please be prepared with the following information prior to submitting your nomination online. Online nominations are not able to be saved and edited.

Eligibility

The Be More Awards are presented to individuals and groups who have performed outstanding volunteer service in the community. Volunteer service must be performed primarily in Monroe County.

  • The nominee's organization(s) must have a 501(c)3 tax-exempt status (or school or government equivalent exempt status) in order to receive the cash award - sorry, no exceptions.
  • Nominations may be submitted for individuals or groups previously nominated. Every year, judging is very close in several categories. If they are still volunteering, the person you nominated last year who did not receive an award, may be considered the perfect choice by the judges this year.
  • Up to three (3) nominations may be submitted by each nonprofit program, however, no more than one cash award will be given per organization. There is no limit on nominations from nonaffiliated individuals.
  • Nominees cannot receive an award in two consecutive years.
  • Both individuals and groups are eligible in many categories, check as many as apply.
  • Volunteers whose entire volunteer service has been for course/service learning credit are not eligible.
  • Volunteers who receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. gasoline) are eligible.
  • Employees of the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Dept., the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, United Way of Monroe County, additional sponsors, as well as judges and their family members, cannot participate as nominators or nominees. Volunteers supporting these organizations are eligible to receive an award.
  • Nonprofit organization staff and relatives or friends of volunteers are encouraged to submit nominations. Volunteers may not nominate themselves as individuals, although they may nominate a group to which they belong.
  • Nominee’s nonprofit organization must serve the community at large. Religious, fraternal, or professional groups providing services to their members only are not eligible.
    The award check will be made payable to a qualifying nonprofit organization. Individuals are NOT eligible for a monetary award.
  • If a volunteer is nominated for their work with more than one organization, the cash award may be split at the discretion of the judges.

Nominee Information

  1. Name of Nominee, Nominee Group, Organization, or Business
  2. Mailing address, daytime phone, email
  3. Is your nominee
    • An individual
    • A Group or Family
    • An Engagement Program within a Nonprofit Organization [501 (c)3] 
    • A Business (with a Monroe County community presence)
  4. If your nominee is a current student, which school do they attend? (Include this information for group nominees only if the entire group is affiliated with one of these schools)
  5. In which categories your nominee performed service? You can select all that apply to your nominee.
    • Animal Welfare
    • Arts & Culture 
    • Board Member
    • Education/Literacy
    • Environment or Sustainability
    • Health, Wellness, Recreation, or Fitness
    • Other ‐ General Service to the Community
  6. Number of years your volunteer or group has been active
  7. Number of hours he/she volunteers per month
  8. Age (if the nominee is under 25 or over 60)
  9. Photo of your nominee in action
  10. For groups: 
    • Number of total active members
    • Number of years your group has been active

Organization Information

  1. Primary organization your nominee(s) are representing name, mailing address, and website
  2. Executive Director’s name, phone, and email

Nominator Information

  1. Nominator name, mailing address, email, and phone
  2. Organizational affiliation and title (if applicable)

Nomination (250-word limit for each section)

  1. Describe the nominee’s volunteer SERVICE.
  2. Describe the NEED for the nominee’s service.
  3. Describe the IMPACT or difference the nominee’s service made to the community. Estimate the number of people affected.
  4. WHY do you believe your nominee deserves the Be More Award?

How to Write a Compelling Nomination

  • Identify the person you want to nominate and start the process early.
  • Don't think you have to keep your nomination a secret or do it by yourself. Engage others to help identify details, craft language, and assist with proofreading.
  • It’s the quality, not the quantity of the nominations that count.

Tell a Story

The Selection Committee appreciates anecdotal and insightful stories that illustrate how your nominee exemplifies the qualities of the category of nomination. Help them SEE your nominee’s attributes and contributions with concrete examples.

  • Always assume that the selection committee/reviewer does not know your nominee.
  • Share what makes your nominated person/program/business special.
  • Describe unique characteristics that are more than just what a great or nice person this nominee is. 
  • Speak from your heart.

Highlight Impact

Has your nominee demonstrated or inspired impact in their area of service, your organization’s cause, the community, or the world? Be sure to mention it!

  • Be specific
  • Share the great things your nominee is doing!

Complete a 2025 nomination today!