2026 National Founders Humanitarian Award

The National Founders Humanitarian Award is designed to recognize a Blacks In Government member that is working in their community or region to change lives outside of their respective chapter and employment through volunteerism. Areas of service may include, but not limited to mentoring, working with seniors, assisting the disabled, educational programs, youth programs, philanthropic, religious, environmental advocacy, or other community services. The recipient of this award will receive an award plaque and $500.00 for school supplies for a public elementary or high school (No charter/private schools) in the urban community.

(ONLY SCHOOL SUPPLIES CAN BE PURCHASED WITH THIS AWARD)

The National Founders Humanitarian Award is given on an annual basis, upon approval of the National Board of Directors. The award is based on deeds and contributions achieved during the previous calendar year (January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026). The Award recipient will be announced at the 2026 virtual National Delegates Assembly and presented during a virtual presentation in September 2026.

A. The BIG Member and Chapter must be in good financial standing with the National Organization.

1. The BIG Member and Chapter must be in good financial standing with the National Organization.
   
   
2. The BIG Member must demonstrate achievements in one or more of the following endeavors during the previous calendar year:
   1. 1. Mentoring
   2. Working with seniors
   3. Assisting the disabled
   4. Assisting with educational and youth programs
   5. Philanthropy
   6. Religious
   7. Environmental Advocacy
   8. Community Services
      
      
3. The Big Member must identify in their award nomination package a public elementary or high school in their Chapter's State to receive $500.00 in school supplies. The school must have demonstrated achievements in one or more of the following endeavors during the previous calendar year:
   1. Community outreach activities by teachers and/or students, including after-school activities.
   2. Willingness to fight to make a difference, accomplish their goals with persistence and has performed self-less acts of kindness.
   3. Significant and innovative ideas, which promote the goals and objectives of African American issues and concerns.

The winner will receive an award plaque and the identified public elementary or high school will receive $500.00 in school supplies.

The following are further details of the process and requirements:

1. BIG National Treasury will provide a check to the Regional Council President to be presented to the winner’s chapter.
2. Individuals from the winner’s chapter will purchase school supplies and deliver them to the winning public school.
3. Pictures of the presentation to the school are Mandatory.

Chapters should form a committee to select the nominee, if more than one submission is received. Only one nomination, signed by the chapter president can be submitted to the region for consideration. A similar process and committee will be held at the regional level to select the best nomination. Only one nomination can be submitted per region to the BIG Awards Committee. The nomination submitted by the region must have the signature of the Regional Council President and one of their BIG National Board of Directors.

Nominations must be submitted on the appropriate National Founders Humanitarian Award Nomination Form containing a recent write up (not to exceed two (2) pages, single-spaced, typed in Times New Roman, 12 font). The write-up should include what the nominee did, the affects and results. The nomination should also include the name of the school you are recommending for the monetary award and the rationale.

Nominations should include on a separate page, a picture of the nominee and a picture of the school.

Failure to comply with all requirements shall render the submission null and void. Nominations must be submitted by email, no later than May 22, 2026. Late submittals will not be considered. Please note the National Office is not accepting faxed or postal nominations.

• Include a brief biographical sketch of the nominee not to exceed two pages, single spaced, typedin Times New Roman 12 (font) single spaced.
• Address each category criterion separately.
• Cite specific examples, dates, activities, and results that illustrate the praise-worthy efforts of the nominee.

Due: May 22, 2026

Your completed nomination package must be submitted no later than May 22, 2026, to the following:

The nomination package must include:
1. A completed Nomination Form.
2. Nominee Write-up (not to exceed two typed pages, single-spaced in Times New Roman 12-point font)
3. One Recent Photograph (.jpeg, .pdf, .png format only) – Separate page