Mary L. Thomas Award for Civic Leadership and Community Change (US)

The recipients of this award are those who develop innovative solutions to tackle critical community issues and seize opportunities to make a difference by offering compassionate leadership, commitment, and an ultimate goal of creating a better and brighter tomorrow.

Award Information

• The recipient will receive an award at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting and will be honored with a $5,000 grant to be given to a charity selected by the recipient and the Foundation.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominees must be residents of Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
• Nominees must be in good standing ethically, possess a strong sense of integrity and good character.
• The efforts of nominees must be documented during the past 12 months.
• The nominee has documented evidence of making a broad impact in the Spartanburg community through one or more innovative projects, thereby improving the quality of life for its residents.
• If the nominee is connected to a Spartanburg County nonprofit organization through paid employment, the individual must demonstrate community impact beyond the scope of his or her job.
• Nominees are not typically in the limelight but perform valuable public service at the community level.

Selection Criteria

• Innovation: Identifying innovative solutions and implementing new ideas that successfully address critical issues facing the Spartanburg community.
• Community Leadership and Impact: Adding value, providing leadership, and contributing to positive change in the Spartanburg community.
• Civic Participation and Community Engagement: Investing time and effectively engaging multiple segments of the community in problem solving to contribute to positive community growth and transformation.

For more information, visit Spartanburg County Foundation.