Consumers United Association is seeking nominations for the following awards for financial excellence:

Right on the Money - Excellence in Financial Education Award

ABOUT THE AWARD
The Right on the Money Award seeks to honor the efforts of Colorado non profits, schools, organizations and others who are providing vital financial education to children, high school and college age young people and adults.

WHO CAN NOMINATE?
Any Colorado resident who knows about a program that meets our eligibility requirements can nominate an
organization or individual. The person nominating a program will need to have the necessary information about the program in order to nominate them, however. Individuals, organizations, companies and schools can also nominate themselves.

Click here to download Award Nomination Form (Word).

ELIGIBILITY
The nominees must be located in the State of Colorado and can be a:

• K-12 public, alternative or private school or
• College or University or
• Nonprofit organization or
  
• Credit Union or
• Other (i.e. companies, individuals providing financial education programs)

EXAMPLES OF SOME TARGETED AUDIENCES
Awards will definitely be considered for financial education programs for all types of groups and settings. We do, however want to encourage nominations for programs that reach audiences which have a great need for specialized types of financial education or financial planning. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

• Parents/Guardians of children and adults with special needs
• Adults with disabilities
• Young adults transitioning out of foster care
• Technologically savvy children, youth, young adults and adults
• Low-income families (parents, children, teens, young adults)
• Disadvantaged populations
• GLBTQ populations
• People with other special healthcare needs such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, hemophilia
• Family caregivers
• Senior citizens
• Single parents
• Foster and adoptive parents
• Any other niche population in need of tailored programming to meet a special financial need

AWARD
Three selected organizations will each receive $3,000 and an award. CUA will also announce the award winners in press releases and through social media on October 17, 2011.

CRITERIA FOR NOMINATIONS

• Exceptional dedication and skill in providing meaningful learning which is shaping and influencing the financial lives of target populations
• Innovation in teaching methods with measurable results
• Inspiration and encouragement of students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn financial management skills
• Unique ideas using collaboration and/or technology to serve important niche populations

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
We are very interested in innovation and programs that are not simply "lectures" or handouts. Therefore, special consideration will be given to programs that:

• Include the use of new technologies to provide more meaningful and engaging programs
• Include the use of new technologies to provide more meaningful and engaging program. Engage people in hands-on experiences
• Help people solve difficult financial problems
• Display entrepreneurship
• Encourage collaboration
• Address root causes and behaviors that can lead to financial problems

ENTRY PROCEDURES
Email the nomination form, mandatory and optional attachments as described on the nomination form, and the release form by Friday, October 7 to:

Consumers United Association
Right on the Money Award
Attn: Renée Beauregard
cua@cuacolorado.org
Please do not fax or mail your entry.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Renée Beauregard, Executive Director at 303-400-3456 or renee@cuacolorado.org.