Nominations are open for the Dallas Foundation’s ninth annual Good Works Under 40 Award as the organization seeks the most committed, passionate change influencers under the age of 40.

The Dallas Foundation said the grand-prize winner will receive a $10,000 donation to a charity of the winner’s choice. The next four finalists will get grant checks for their respective organizations.

“Volunteerism shapes a bright future for the charitable causes in Dallas, and demonstrates how, together, we can tackle the challenges facing our community.”
Matthew Randazzo

“Serving my first year as president of The Dallas Foundation, I could not be more excited to honor and thank those individuals who go above and beyond to serve our community,” Dallas Foundation president and CEO Matthew Randazzo said in a release. “Volunteerism shapes a bright future for the charitable causes in Dallas, and demonstrates how, together, we can tackle the challenges facing our community.”

Who’s eligible?

The foundation said that candidates can be nominated by board members or staff at the organizations where they volunteer, as well as by their peers. Also, candidates can nominate themselves.

Nominees can’t be older than age 39, and can’t receive compensation for their charitable work in the community.

DALLAS FOUNDATION SETS AUG. 15 APPLICATION DEADLINE

The deadline for applications is Aug. 15. The winner will be announced during a Nov. 7 reception.

The 2018 Good Works Under 40 Committee, chaired by Meg Boyd and John Dickey, will review the applications.

Also, The People’s Choice Award winner will be named. It provides an opportunity for the public to vote for their favorite GWU40 finalist, who will receive a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

Elizabeth Viney

Dominic Lacy

The 2017 GWU40 winner, Elizabeth Viney, was chosen from more than 50 nominees, according to the foundation. Viney has tallied more than 400 volunteer hours with Advocates for Community Transformation, where she works to reduce crime with West Dallas residents, law enforcement, and the civil justice system.

Dominic Lacy received the inaugural People’s Choice Award last year on behalf of the Deaf Action Center.

The Good Works Under 40 Award guidelines and application form can be found here. 

Established in 1929, the foundation is a catalyst and resource for philanthropy by providing donors with flexible ways to make gifts and bequests. Income from gifts and bequests primarily supports charitable causes in the city and county of Dallas.