Collaboration Award FAQs

The 2012 Colorado Collaboration Award application is closed.

Q. What is the timeline for the 2012 award?

A. The deadline for award applications is 5:00 p.m. MST April 17. The timeline for the review and selection process is:

Q. Who is eligible to apply?

A. To be eligible, a collaboration must: be based in Colorado and serve Colorado involve two or more entities (i.e., nonprofit organizations, businesses, or government agencies) designate one partner as the lead organization (for the purpose of the award application); the lead organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization have a structure that is evidenced by a formal written agreement (i.e., memorandum of understanding, contract, or merger agreement) submit the lead organization’s nondiscrimination policy; this policy must expressly include “sexual orientation” and “gender expression.” have begun operations prior to October 2010 (at least 18 months before the award deadline)

Q. Where can I see the application questions?

A. Applications for the 2012 award are accepted through the online application system only. If you are considering applying, preparing to apply, or would just like to learn more about the award,  click here for a list of the application questions (PDF format).

Q. Our collaboration includes partners that are government agencies, businesses, etc. Are we eligible to apply?

A. Yes, as long as at least one partner is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and that partner serves as the “‘lead organization” for the application.

Q. Our collaboration serves areas outside Colorado. Are we eligible?

A. Yes, as long as the collaboration’s service area includes Colorado, and the collaboration itself is based in Colorado.

Q. Why does our lead organization’s nondiscrimination policy need to include “sexual orientation” and “gender expression”?

A. The Colorado Collaboration Award strives to promote best practices. This requirement was proposed and adopted by the award’s steering committee, a diverse group of Colorado funders and capacity-builders, who agreed that this requirement is in keeping with the spirit of the Award itself.

Visit www.ColoradoNonprofits.org/gender-expression-policy/  to learn more about this requirement.

Q. Our lead organization’s nondiscrimination policy does not include “sexual orientation” and/or “gender expression.” Can we still apply for the 2012 Colorado Collaboration Award?

A. Yes, if the lead organization adopts this wording as part of its nondiscrimination policy – and submits the new policy as part of the application – by the application deadline.

Q. Why must a collaboration have been in operation for 18 months in order to apply?

A. Although factors like formation, purpose, and planning are considered important for a successful collaboration, this award places a strong emphasis on evaluation and results to identify highly successful collaborations. At least 18 months of operational history are required to help ensure that award applicants are able to demonstrate sustained impact and benefits from collaborating.

Q. Why must a collaboration have a written agreement, such as an MOU or contract, in order to apply?

A. The purpose of the Colorado Collaboration Award, in addition to recognizing an outstanding collaboration each year, is to identify exceptional collaborations that can serve as replicable models and examples of best practices for others. The award steering committee agrees that having a written agreement is an important best practice. Although some collaborations may be successful without a written agreement in place, the Colorado Collaboration Award regards a written agreement as an important element of a replicable, successful collaboration; it helps ensure that a collaboration can survive changes in its environment or key people, and is an important tool for building long-term stability and success.

Still have a question?

A. If you don’t see an answer to your question, please contact us at collaboration@ColoradoNonprofits.org