Validate outstanding achievement in organizational management

The Advancement In Management (AIM) Award is presented to a Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia nonprofit organization for outstanding achievement in organizational management. The process highlights key competencies, promotes sustainable best practices, and recognizes innovation that leads to excellence in nonprofit management.

Nonprofits have been competing for this annual award since 1995. Twenty-three nonprofits have earned the award and countless others have benefited from participating.

The award is owned and administrated by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement and presented by Mylestone Plans.

The 2018 AIM Award winner will be announced at the AIM presentation event in June

Check back here June 11 for details.

About the AIM Award Competition:

Why should I compete?

At the Center, we believe the benefits of competing are well worth your time and effort, but don’t take our word for it. Hear what past participants have to say.

“Being in the day-to-day weeds, it isn’t always easy to recognize the big picture. Putting this application together gave us a moment to reflect, appreciate, and recognize how robust our operations are (and what is still left to do!), and the effort that went into getting to this place." —DC Scores

“The AIM award is a helpful stamp of approval, especially relevant for DC funders. We recently received a $930,000 investment from Venture Philanthropy Partners, and our management practices and use of data drove their interest in our organization.” — Higher Achievement

“The AIM Award helped to recognize Sitar’s exceptional management practice while setting a high bar for future staff and leadership. The award continues to provide valuable external and independent recognition and is often leveraged in areas of funding requests to demonstrate Sitar's capacity and strong commitment to being a valued nonprofit partner.” —Sitar Arts Center

What can my organization win?
One winner receives a $20,000 cash grant, national recognition and sector exposure. Up to two honorable mentions each receive a $2,500 grant award and feedback from a selection committee of seasoned experts.
Who is eligible?

The competition is open to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—regardless of budget size or scope of programming—based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Washington metropolitan area is defined as:

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland:Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, St. Mary's and Prince George's counties.
  • Virginia
Is there a fee to apply?

AIM Award application is free to Center members. The fee for Nonmembers is $150.

How do I apply?

The competition incorporates a three-part judging process that includes a part one written application and fact sheet, an invitation-only part two application, and site visits for finalists.

To learn more about the award process and application details download the Application Packet.

Who has won in the past?
Meet the winners for the past three years:
What best practices and innovative solutions emerged this year?
As a Center member, you can access successes, discoveries, tools and templates shared by AIM competition participants in the Resource Center.
How can I join the selection committee?
The selection committee is a group of local leaders in the nonprofit, foundation, corporate and government sectors. The committee’s purpose is to read, review and evaluate all applications for the award. Commitment includes in-person attendance at a minimum of three committee meetings, two site visits and the award ceremony. Participation on the selection committee provides an excellent opportunity to make new connections and see first hand exceptional practices in action. To learn more or express interest in joining the selection committee, contact Taylor Strange, COO.

Thank you to our 2018 presenting sponsor:


 

Thank you to our 2018 selection committee:

Sylvia Ramirez Benatti, Campus Executive Director, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
Marcus Braxton, Chief Operating Officer, Capital Partners for Education
Octavia Stanton Caldwell, Principal Consultant, ROC Consultants
Susan Fiske Koehler, Principal & Founder, 501(C)onsulting Solutions
Michael Freedman, CPA, Founding Partner, Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman
Melissa Grannetino, Engagement Specialist, Foundation Center
Tylar Guerrieri, Banking Officer, M&T Bank
Bethany Henderson, Executive Director, DC SCORES
Kaitlyn Hudgins, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
James Lum, CFO, National Community
Brett Norton, Nonprofit Professional
Kelly Reid, Chief Operating Officer, Atlas Corps
Peter Simpson, Adjunct Faculty, World Learning
Amir Eyal, Managing Principal and CEO, Mylestone Plans