Alford-Axelson Award Won by Girls in the Game and CommunityHealth

The award winners were especially outstanding in the following areas:

-- Clear mission and demonstrated impact of programs on target groups
served;
-- Creative strategies to generate revenue;
-- Strong budget and financial policies;
-- Evidence of strategic innovation;
-- Attention to support for the growth and development of staff;
-- A governing board that is demonstrably engaged with the organization,
contributes financially to support the mission, and ensures organizational
accountability; and
-- Engagement with their community.

Established in 2002, the Alford-Axelson award program is sponsored by CHASE and ShoreBank. The award is given annually to two nonprofit organizations that exemplify extraordinary managerial excellence. The award is named in honor of leading nonprofit thinker, Jimmie R. Alford, and devoted community healthcare leader, Nils G. Axelson. In choosing this year's winners, a panel of evaluators consisting of a group of Chicago's top nonprofit and philanthropy leaders reviewed an applicant pool of 42 nominees. The award comes with a $5,000 unrestricted grant for the two winning organizations.