Classy, the leading cloud-based fundraising platform that helps nonprofits and social enterprises mobilize and empower communities, today announced its call for nominations for the 2016 Classy Awards. As the culminating event of the 6th annual Collaborative + Classy Awards, the biennial three-day experience convening top leadership from across the social sector, the Classy Awards honor the most innovative nonprofits, social enterprises and social good initiatives tackling the world’s greatest challenges. The event will take place June 14-16, 2016 in Boston’s Innovation District.

Nominations are open through February 29, 2016 for organizations of any size, age, location and corporate structure that are tackling issues ranging from environmental conservation, to human rights and social justice, to disaster response and risk reduction. Winners, selected for their excellence in social innovation, are assessed by the following judging criteria:

  • Scale, scope and leadership expertise of the problem being addressed
  • Innovative approach
  • Ability to solve the problem
  • Organizational effectiveness and resource management

Additional information on judging criteria can be found here. Classy will announce finalists on April 19 and winners will be awarded their “Classy” live on stage at the Classy Awards on June 16.

“Social innovation is realized when organizations think beyond traditional models and challenge existing systems to create solutions that are different and creative. Today, this type of approach is being carried out by nonprofits, social enterprises and for-profit corporations alike that are making huge strides towards addressing our most complex social problems,” said Pat Walsh, Classy Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer.

Classy is also pleased to introduce the initial lineup of Leadership Council members, an honorary board of 110 leaders and experts who collectively determine the winners of the Classy Awards. Their unique perspective and valuable insight establishes this recognition as one of the highest honors in the social sector. Leadership Council members will be announced on a rolling basis through early February. Preliminary members for 2016 include:

  • Jake Wood, President & Co-Founder, Team Rubicon
  • Susan Asiyanbi, Executive Vice President, Program Continuum, Teach for America
  • Erica Williams Simon, Editor, Upworthy.com, Social Impact Strategist, Speaker & CEO of EWS Strategies, columnist at TIME.com
  • Sergio Fernández de Córdova, Private Sector Advisory Group, SDG-FUND at United Nations, UNDP, Sustainable Development Fund
  • Stephanie Berzin, Co-Director, Boston College Center for Social Innovation

“We’re honored to be able to shine a public spotlight on incredible organizations through the Classy Awards process,” said Walsh. “With each year of the Awards, we’ve seen significant growth in the nominations we receive and the caliber of work being done around the world. We’re confident that the 2016 Awards will follow this trajectory and be the best year yet.”

Nominee eligibility includes:

  • Classy Awards are awarded at the program level; they are not awarded at the organization or individual level
  • Programs must address a social problem
  • Programs must have at least one year of measurable results
  • There are no limitations on corporate structure, size, or age of the program
  • Organizations must complete the Nomination in English
  • Organizations may submit multiple programs for recognition

To submit, visit http://collab.live/awards-nominate and submit your entry by 11:59pm PST time on Monday, February 29, 2016. Top Finalists will receive round-trip flights to Boston for the event, courtesy of Southwest Airlines.

The Collaborative + Classy Awards is presented by Southwest Airlines, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation and Guidestar.

About Classy

Classy is a technology company that helps social impact organizations solve social problems faster. Since launching in 2011, Classy has helped more than 1,800 social enterprises including Oxfam, The World Food Program and National Geographic to raise hundreds of millions of dollars. Classy also hosts the Collaborative + Classy Awards, a three-day experience that convenes top leadership across the social sector and recognizes global excellence in social innovation. Based in San Diego, CA, Classy employs a staff of more than 135 people and is backed by investors including Mithril and Salesforce Ventures. For more information, visit www.classy.org or follow Classy on Twitter: @Classy.