First Children’s Finance is pleased to be accepting nominations for its first Innovation Awards.  These awards will honor two individuals who have done something extraordinary to build financial success, systems change and quality in early care and education. Recipients will be child care leaders who are using innovative business practices, skills and techniques in exciting, effective and imaginative ways.

The 2010 Innovation Awards will take place in three states: Minnesota, Iowa and Michigan.  There will be two winners in each state. The nominations are due June 25, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.  Awards ceremonies will take place in each of the three states in the Fall of 2010.

Click here to see an image gallery from the Iowa awards ceremony.

Entry Criteria

For the Innovation Awards, First Children’s is looking for nominations that embody creative programs, practices and/or solutions to an identified child care business challenge or problem.  All nominees must meet the following general criteria:

• Practices or operates in one of three regions:
  • Minnesota – 11 county Twin Cities Metro area
  • Iowa – Cedar Valley
  • Michigan – City of Detroit
• Shows successful implementation over a reasonable period of time
• Is cost-effective and sustainable
• Has potential for replication
• Reflects a demonstrable return on investment (policy change, significant employee and business impact)

Nomination Process

The nominations process for the Innovation Awards is as follows:

• Nominations will be accepted for individuals, organizations, child care businesses, suppliers and agencies.
• You may nominate your own work as well as another person or organization.
• Nomination forms may be submitted online, by e-mail or mail.
• Nominees will be notified and may be required to submit additional supporting documentation.

The Award

Those who are selected will have the opportunity for themselves and a guest to participate at the annual Innovation Awards Ceremony in addition to:

• $500 award 
• Recognition in local, state, and regional media
• Promotion in The Advisor (First Children’s e-newsletter) and on the First Children’s website.

The 2010 Innovation Awards will be presented in the three regions on the following dates:

• Michigan –  August 11, 2010
• Iowa – August 26, 2010
• Minnesota – November 1, 2010

Submission of Nomination Form

Nominations may be sent electronically through the First Children’s Finance by clicking here or by filling out the form in Word format and emailing it to Jo Ann Hurst at joann@firstchildrensfinance.org or returning it via regular mail to:

First Children’s Finance
Attn: Jo Ann Hurst
212 3^rd Ave. N., Suite 310
Minneapolis, MN  55401

The final deadline to submit online or mail a nomination for the 2010 Innovation Awards is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2010.