The Kellogg Board Fellows program began in 2003 to train the next generation of civic leaders through academic coursework, board service, and fellowship. The Golub Capital Social Impact Awards recognize Board Fellows and Scholars for two types of impact: meaningful change for nonprofit partners and powerful lessons for future students.
THE EMPOWER AWARD
The Empower awards recognize two projects each year that have (or will have) made an outstanding impact on the nonprofit partner. Impact, in this context, is broadly defined and can include everything from immediate benefits to long-term strategies.
- Each winning nonprofit partner receives $5,000
- Each winning Fellow/Scholar receives $5,000 (Note: If the Fellow/Scholar wishes to donate any portion of their award to the nonprofit partner, arrangements will be made in advance to facilitate the gift.)
- Both winning pairs will be recognized at the year-end celebration
CRITERIA
Empower awards will be judged according to the following criteria:
- Significance of the impact (or potential impact) resulting from the project (50%)
- Nonprofit's commitment to implementing the Fellow's/Scholar's recommendations (30%)
- Strength of relationship between the Fellow/Scholar and nonprofit staff and Board (20%)
Note: evaluation criteria do NOT include nonprofit partner mission, size, or sophistication; the number of projects undertaken; or the project's duration or timing.
JUDGING
The application process will include two rounds:
- All applications will be screened by a committee of alumni, staff, and faculty reviewers.
- A designated panel of judges will review the finalists' applications and hear presentations to determine the winners. Honorable mentions may be awarded at the judges' discretion.
ELIGIBILITY AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All Board Fellows/Scholars who have completed SSIM 453-5 are eligible to apply. The program director will determine the eligibility of Fellows/Scholars with unique circumstances (e.g., early graduation). Empower award applicants must submit the following:
- completed application form
- final project deliverable
- letter of support from their nonprofit partner.
All application materials will be uploaded to Submittable. Documents must be in PDF format.
TIMELINE
Applications are due by 11:59 pm on March 30th.
Finalists will be announced by email on April 11th.
Finalists will present to the panel of judges April 23rd.
Winners will be announced at the Year-End Celebration on May 7th.
QUESTIONS
Don't hesitate to contact boardfellows@kellogg.northwestern.edu with questions about the application process.
The Kellogg Board Fellows program began in 2003 to train the next generation of civic leaders through academic coursework, board service, and fellowship. The Golub Capital Social Impact Awards recognize Board Fellows and Scholars for two types of impact: meaningful change for nonprofit partners and powerful lessons for future students.
THE WISDOM AWARD
The Wisdom award celebrates lessons learned during the Fellow's/Scholar's board service. Whether or not a project met its original objectives, the student walks away with a changed perspective on civic leadership, board service, and/or leadership style. This award will go to the Fellow/Scholar who writes the most compelling case study about their board experience.
To write a compelling case study, first consider what the critical questions or lessons were from your experience. Case studies typically start with a story or description of a moment that sets up those question or lessons. The case is then comprised of sections that describe the context, the organization, and the key challenge. The challenge should include enough information for the students to grapple with the issues and come away with the intended lesson.
The winning Fellow/Scholar receives up to $1,500 and the opportunity to serve as a guest speaker in the class when their case is taught.
CRITERIA
The Wisdom award will be judged according to the following criteria:
- Potential impact of the case study on future students (75%)
- Professional, clear, and engaging writing (25%)
Note: evaluation criteria do NOT include nonprofit partner mission, size, or sophistication; the number of projects undertaken; or the project's duration or timing.
JUDGING
The application process will include two rounds:
- All applications will be screened by a committee of alumni, staff, and faculty reviewers.
- A designated panel of judges will review the finalists' applications and hear presentations to determine the winners. Honorable mentions may be awarded at the judges' discretion.
ELIGIBILITY AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All Board Fellows/Scholars who have completed SSIM453-5 are eligible to apply. The program director will determine the eligibility of Fellows/Scholars with unique circumstances (e.g., early graduation).
Wisdom award applicants must submit the following:
- completed application form
- written case study
TIMELINE
Applications are due by 11:59 pm on March 30th.
Finalists will be announced by email on April 11th.
A designated panel of judges will review the finalists' applications and determine the winners. Honorable mentions may be awarded at the judges' discretion.
The winner will be announced in the final Board Fellows/Scholars classroom session.
QUESTIONS?
Don't hesitate to contact boardfellows@kellogg.northwestern.edu with questions about the application process.