The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL), in partnership with the Rockford Register Star and the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE), is pleased to announce a new organizational collaboration that has facilitated the return of the Excalibur and Excelsior Awards.

The Excalibur Award, created and launched by the Rockford Register Star in 1971, honors an individual who exemplifies excellence in community service. It was joined by the Excelsior Award, which honors an organization of the same merit, in 1979.

“NICNE is excited to be working with CFNIL and the Rockford Register Start to reinstate and reinvigorate the Excalibur and Excelsior awards,” said NICNE Executive Director, Pam Clark Reidenbach. “Nonprofits are the soul of our community, and their staff and volunteers embody the best in service and advocacy.  We are proud to uplift the tremendous work and value of the sector.”

In addition to the Excalibur and Excelsior Awards four new awards honoring “Community Champions” from each of the four counties of our region (Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago) will expand the celebration. Each recipient will receive a cash prize which individuals may donate to the charity of their choice, and organizations may use to further their mission and support their work.

“It is an honor to join in the effort to recognize and celebrate the people and organizations who make our communities stronger,” said Dan Ross, President of CFNIL. “Our work gives us a window into the radical generosity that exists throughout the region, and we are thrilled to be a partner in these awards which uplift stories of selfless service.”

Nominations will be accepted via online application between August 15 and October 2. Eligibility, criteria, and selection process details may be found at https://excaliburexcelsior.com/nominate

Finalists will be honored and the 2023 recipients announced at the 2023 Excalibur and Excelsior Award Ceremony to be held Thursday, December 14th, 2023.

Find full details about the history of the awards, the nomination and selection process, and the 2023 Award Ceremony at the new website dedicated to these awards: https://excaliburexcelsior.com