All nonprofit organizations in WTCI's 35-county viewing area are eligible to submit an application to the WTCI Be More Awards™, a community initiative that recognizes the impact and unsung heroes for area nonprofit organizations. Organizations interested in applying must complete and submit an application for each award category the organization wants to be considered. The next call for applications will be released in fall 2010 with an early November deadline (anticipated). If you are interested in learning more or seeing a copy of last year's application, please contact Jennifer Hoff at jhoff@wtcitv.org.


The WTCI Be More Awards™ are open to all non-profit organizations located in WTCI's viewing area, which encompasses 35 counties: Bledsoe, Bradley, Coffee, Cumberland, Franklin , Grundy, Hamilton, Loudon , Marion , McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie, Van Buren, Warren, and White Counties in Tennessee; Cherokee, Dekalb and Jackson Counties in Alabama; and Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Walker and Whitfield Counties in Georgia. We encourage all non-profits in our viewing area to apply and share their inspiring work with our community.


Yes, we welcome multiple entries from the same organization. However, each entry must be kept separate and have all the requisite documentation. Please do not submit one application and check numerous award categories.


No, there is no fee to apply for an award. The mission of the WTCI Be More Awards™ is to generate awareness for non-profit organizations, champion organizations' unsung heroes and celebrate the spirit of goodwill throughout the community. We encourage all non-profits in our viewing area to apply and share their inspiring work with our community.


For the first Be More Awards™ competition, the project/program does NOT have to have been started between January, 2008 and October, 2009. However, it is assumed that the program has been continued into the aforementioned period, and enhancements have been made to the program to warrant its continuation.


Award applications must be postmarked by Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Applicants can also hand deliver their applications to WTCI Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. WTCI is located at 7540 Bonnyshire Drive in Chattanooga (next to the Tennessee Driver's License Testing Center on Bonny Oaks Drive). Late submissions will not be accepted.


No, nominees for the Be More...Courageous Award do not have to be employed by a nonprofit. This award will recognize an individual who demonstrates leadership and visionary thinking as a community volunteer. Therefore, the nomination should be based on the individual's volunteer efforts that are making a significant impact in the community. In addition, we recognize that many organizations have on staff courageous, visionary leaders who are making a difference for their organization. Nominations should be based on the work the nominee does above and beyond the job requirements for his or her full time employment for the organization (i.e. additional volunteer time the individual commits to the organization and/or other organizations the individual volunteers with in the community).


Yes, it is important your project budget reflect your actual expenditures, as well as any in-kind support that was critical for the success of your project (i.e. in-kind facility space, in-kind printing, volunteer time, etc.). By reflecting the actual and in-kind costs of your project, you will be able to demonstrate your organization's resourcefulness and the true value and impact of your project in the community. However, we would like to clarify that in-kind support is not required and projects with in-kind support will not be given preference; applicants will be judged based on the overall merits of the project.


First, you must apply for one of the four award categories for non-profit organizations.  Judges will score those entries for the People’s Choice Award/Be More…Engaging based on how the organization is connected to the community and the people it serves. Up to ten organizations will be voted on for this award.

If you have any questions about WTCI's inaugural Be More Awards ™ please contact Julie Taylor at jtaylor@wtcitv.org , or call (423) 702-7808





Comment on this event:

To cast your vote, you must use the online voting form - click here to vote!

  

Mary Scruggs

I am so grateful for LifeLine,Inc. They were there to help when I was fostering children with disabilities. They were very supportive and helpful during some difficult times in our lives. I vote for Life Line Ministry.

  
  

Charlene Griffin

My vote is for Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. Partnership offers assistance to all aspects of the family. Whatever the issue a family or family member faces, help can be found through some service offered by the Partnership.

  
  

Thomas Slaten

I vote for Blood Assurance, they do an awesome job, and the gift of Blood is the best gift anyone can receive in the time of need. Thanks to all the people at Blood Assurance, for all they do. Thomas Slaten

  
  

Cynthia Bricker

Blood Assurance is great and the work they do is immeasurable! They get my vote!!

  
  

Mike Fitzgerald

Wally's Friends gets my vote. Every day they work diligently to reduce Chattanooga's pet overpopulation problem by providing low cost spay/neuter for local pet owners.

  
  

Jennifer Hoff

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments on the impact of our nonprofit community! WTCI is happy to see so many engaged with our Be More Awards. However, we also want to be sure everyone's vote is counted - to cast your official vote, you must do so through the online voting form on this site - the form is located within the "VOTE" tab at the top of this page. Thank you for participating and sharing your voice! Jennifer Hoff WTCI Director of Public Relations

  
  

Ann Cater

Thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers for their support of WTCI with it's first 'Be More Awards Event' honoring the non-profits in the community. We are thrilled to be featuring broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff at this luncheon event at the Chattanoogan on Wednesday, March 3rd.

  
  

Mary Beth Cammilleri

I am thrilled to see an animal-related nonprofit group as one of the finalists. Wally's Friends not only changes the lives of dogs and cats, but also makes life better for their owners who no longer have to worry about unwanted litters. Their impact in the community in terms of combating the pet overpopulation problem is extraordinary.

  
  

Tom Shipley

I vote for Girls Preparatory School HARVEST Program. These school girls coordinate a program by themselvers that supports several needy origanizations throughout Chattanooga. Their Harvest Program is done out of a sense of giving back.

  
  

Patty Counts

Blood Assurance gets my vote - they give to whoever needs it

  
  

Jane Starner

La Paz de Dios is an amazing place helping hundreds of people in our community. I am grateful for La Paz.

  
  

Margie

I have volunteered for Habitat For Humanity a few times and the thrill each volunteer has knowing they are helping a needy family. I just wish that more would volunteer. Even one time. Get your corporation involved. It's an amazing moral booster.

  
  

ken hays

La Paz de Dios. An unbelievable organization with a great staff!

  
  

J.L. Fergus

I vote for Habitat for Humanity

  
  

Buddy Rhodes

I want to cast my vote for Girls Preparatory School HARVEST Program. These young ladies work so hard and are very creative in all their programs. Never have so few done so much for so many.

  
  

S. HAMIL

I have been donating to Blood Assurance for over 15 years through my company and my church. There are many great programs in our community but I feel Blood Assurance has helped the most people over the years.

  
  

Tommy Smith

I have been a donor for many years probably not as often as I should but as often as I can and I wouldn't think of donating any where else.

  
  

Theresa Biggs

My vote is for Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. The Partnership has provided assistance to our community by offering 20+ programs for over 100 years. They make a positive difference in the lives families and individuals by empowering them to build better lives!!

  
  

myoung

I vote for Blood Assurance. They are always great to work with.

  
  

Lois Killebrew

Girls, Inc. is a wonderful organization! Keep up the great work! Lois

  
  

Sandra M. Weeks

My vote goes to Blood Assurance. What a wonderful organization! They pamper us donors and then go about saving lives. God's smiling at them, I know.

  
  

Linda

My vote is for Blood Assurance. They do a lot og good for our local community.

  
  

SUSAN JACKS

What an awesome organization that helps so many lives...I personally have a sister-in-law that has been helped by Blood Assurance! Keep up the good work!

  
  

Risa

I vote for Blood Assurance. I love the Blood Vessel, the staff and the work they do! Blood from Blood Assurance allowed my family more time with my brother and we are so thankful for that!

  
  

Tyler

I vote for life with Blood Assurance.

  
  

ev perry

Blood assurance has our vote!

  
  

Jerri

I vote for Blood Assurance sinc their whole purpose is to save lives! I donate blood and encourage my friends and family to do so. What could be more valuable than saving a life?

  
  

portrica

i voted for the harvest program cause honestly the things they do for those girls is so nice i mean giveing to people in need is good right IVOTHARVEST!

  
  

william

Blood Assurance gets my vote

  
  

Susan Holmes

GIrls Inc. of Chattanooga! Inspiring girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold. They have shown that all girls can succeed using models of peer support, adult support and community support!

  

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