SCANPO Award for Excellence in
Nonprofit Management History

            In 1997, a group of nonprofit leaders recognized a need in South Carolina to create a statewide network that would bring together charitable nonprofit organizations to strengthen the effectiveness of the state’s nonprofit sector. 

            Through the years, SCANPO has become a valuable resource for many charitable organizations providing them with the tools to more efficiently and effectively meet their missions.  SCANPO’s own mission, to serve, support and strengthen nonprofit organizations for a better South Carolina, makes recognizing a member nonprofit organization for outstanding achievement in the exemplary management of their organization so fitting.    

The award was created by John Lomax, a retried executive of Duke Energy and one of SCANPO’s initial board members.  He was instrumental in leading SCANPO to become a resource for nonprofit leaders by strengthening their management skills.  He believed in holding nonprofit organizations to the highest accountability standards and to encourage them to continue to aim high.  John wanted to recognize member nonprofits for their outstanding achievements and excellence in management.  For his retirement, his family and colleagues honored John by presenting SCANPO with a donation to fund the award.   

The award application was designed to give considerable flexibility and creativity for organizations to tell their management stories.  In formulating responses, applicants were asked to focus on best practices in management instead of programs in two categories: resource development and organizational development.  Applicants were also asked to submit their latest audited or un-audited financial statement, a copy of their most recent 990 tax return, including all schedules, filed with the IRS, a copy of their budget for the current fiscal year, a copy of their IRS statement of tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status and a list of their current board members.  Winners will receive a distinguished award to proudly display in their organization’s office, registration for two at SCANPO’s Annual Conference, state-wide recognition through SCANPO communications with nonprofit, business and foundation sectors and local recognition through the recipient’s local media outlets.  Additionally, winner organization’s names will be listed on SCANPO’s Excellence in Nonprofit Management plaque displayed at the SCANPO office in Columbia.    

The awards will be given after extensive review of the applications by the award selection committee.  This committee is an all-volunteer committee comprised of SCANPO members.  The organizations represented on the committee are not eligible for the award during the year which they serve on the committee.  SCANPO board member organizations are ineligible to apply for the award.  No member of the SCANPO staff will serve on the selection committee.