The Minnesota Early Childhood Funders Network, an MCF member network, is calling for nominations for the 4th Annual “Nancy” Award. To be presented at the Annual Nancy Latimer Convening for Children and Youth on June 24, 2010, the award recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals or groups to enhance life for young children and honors the spirit and legacy of Nancy Latimer’s leadership, passion, and commitment to children.
Nancy Latimer was a longtime senior program officer at The McKnight Foundation, a leader of the Minnesota Early Childhood Funders Network, and a lifelong advocate for children. She contributed to the healthy development of young children, the prevention of child abuse, and the creation of public and policy support to improve the lives of Minnesota’s children and families. Nancy was especially dedicated to enhancing early childhood care and education. Her leadership, passion, creativity, and commitment to children were recognized in 2005 with the Council on Foundation’s Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking.
Prior “Nancy” Award recipients are:
- 2009: Dr. Glenace Edwall, Director, Children’s Mental Health Division, Minnesota Department of Human Services, and Chair, Minnesota Child Psychologists, and Zoe Nicholie, early childhood systems specialist and director of the Build Initiative and public policy work at Ready 4 K
- 2008: Dr. Martha Farrell Erickson, Ph.D., Founding Director, University of Minnesota Children, Youth & Family Consortium, and Director, Irving B. Harris Programs, Center for Early Education and Development
- 2007: Early Childhood Caucus, Minnesota State Legislature, accepted by Representative Nora Slawik and Senator Claire A. Robling
Nominees should exemplify unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to the well-being of young children through program innovation, policy, advocacy, and/or mentorship. In addition, they should demonstrate persistence, humility, vision, courage, tenacity, servant leadership, humanity, and compassion.
Two-page nominations are due March 26, 2010. They should include:
- For individuals, a brief biographical and professional overview, with significant activities and accomplishments on behalf of children in Minnesota.
- For groups, a brief overview of the significant activities and accomplishments of the group on behalf of children in Minnesota.
- The name and contact information of the nominator, as well as a brief statement of the connection between the nominator and nominee.
- The names, email addresses, and phone numbers of two individuals who can provide additional information about the nominee.
- Contact information, including email address and phone number, for the nominee.
Nominations should be emailed to: Vicki Itzkowitz, vitzkowitz@aol.com. The award recipient will be selected by the Early Childhood Funders Network steering committee. For a pdf with a full explanation of nominee criteria and submission information, click here.
The Minnesota Early Childhood Funders Network works to strengthen the individual and collective efforts of funders to enhance the well-being of Minnesota children and their families. To increase support and opportunities for the youngest Minnesotans and their families, the network provides information to network members and policymakers, monitors how changing public policy affects early childhood issues and organizations, and works to strengthen the voice for early childhood within Minnesota philanthropy. The network steering committee includes these MCF members:
