Nonprofit Excellence Award apps open

First Financial Bank will once again recognize the important work being done by nonprofit organizations in our community with the 15th Annual FFB Nonprofit Excellence Award, which will be presented during an award ceremony at FFB corporate later this spring.

First Financial Bank has awarded $112,000 to 27 different Union County organizations since the award’s inception in 2009.

To be eligible, organizations must be designated by the IRS as a 501-c-3 and operate in Union County. Nominations are open to the public, and forms will be available online by visiting ffb1.com

Three finalists are chosen, with the winner receiving a $5,000 award and runners-up both receiving $2,500, based on criteria that include: the impact their work makes on our community, fiscal responsibility, and board governance. Organizations of all sizes are encouraged to apply.

In addition to the monetary award, FFB will also be producing and providing each of the three finalists with a short video about their organization for use in fundraising and public relations efforts.

Previous winners are eligible to reapply but may wish to emphasize recent developments in their programs and services or tell a new success story.

The deadline for submitting nominations and all required information is March 10, and nominations may be delivered in person to any FFB location, via mail to 300 E. Peach St., El Dorado, or by email to amurphy@ffb1.com.

The award is not based on the total number of nominations received.

“The work of nonprofits in our community often goes unnoticed, but if we intentionally step back and look, it is easy to see the good they do. Their efforts make Union County a better place to live and work,” stated Chris Hegi, CEO of First Financial Bank. “We are pleased to once again provide this award to help give these organizations the support and recognition they deserve.”

For more information regarding the award or the nomination process, contact Amber Murphy, vice-president of marketing at First Financial Bank, at amurphy@ffb1.com