Lodestar seeks applications for Collaborative Prize
Phoenix Business Journal - by Sarah Macdonald

The Lodestar Foundation, a Phoenix-based group that works to encourage cooperation among national nonprofit organizations, is accepting applications for its 2011 Collaborative Prize.

The foundation will give a total of $250,000 to eight nonprofits nationwide that show how they are working well with other groups during 2010. Each finalist will receive $12,500, with the grand prize winner receiving an additional $150,000.

To qualify, each organization must show how it worked with at least one other nonprofit to improve effectiveness of resources and create innovative responses to challenges or opportunities, and demonstrate how its collaboration is a model for the community.

“Collaboration may enable organizations to more effectively leverage human and financial resources to achieve greater impact in the areas they serve,” Lodestar Chairman Jerry Hirsch said in a prepared statement.

Lodestar first annual grand prize, awarded in 2009, went to two winners: the Museum of Science and Nature, which merged three Dallas museums, and the YMCA/Jewish Community Center, which merged in Toledo, Ohio.

Applications may be turned in between June 1 and July 16. Winners will be chosen by a panel of Arizona, Indiana and Michigan nonprofits and announced in April 2011.