What are the Love Your Community Awards?
The “Awards,” as they apply to this program, are the financial support Northeast Credit Union will distribute to nonprofit organizations operating in the communities we serve in New Hampshire and Southern Maine. Northeast Credit Union will award $120,000 in financial support to nonprofits as part of this program.
Northeast Credit Union has been making financial contributions to good causes for decades. For our new program, we are referring to them as “awards.”
How many Love Your Community Awards will Northeast Credit Union distribute annually?
As part of the 2021 Awards Program, the Credit Union plans to award funding to roughly 60 organizations across the region.
How are the awards decided?
By popular vote from the community on The Love Your Community website.
How can organizations apply?
A representative for a nonprofit may complete an online application on the organization’s behalf at TheLYC.com, Northeast Credit Union’s Love Your Community Program website. Only one (1) Application per Organization per month is necessary. The application period is from the 1st through the 11th of each month.
Note that only 501c3 and 501c6 organizations are eligible to apply; and they must meet set criteria in order to be considered for voting.
After we submit an application, how will we know if our nonprofit has been approved for voting?
The online application form includes questions that screen for eligibility. Once submitted, Northeast Credit Union will review all applications, and email nonprofits to let them know that they’ve qualified on the 15th of the month. You will receive an email from Northeast Credit Union notifying you that you have been approved to move into the voting round.
What are the rules for eligibility?
You can find official rules by clicking here.
What are our “Impact Categories” and why are they important?
Northeast Credit Union focuses its philanthropic efforts on:
At this time, we unable to award financial support to organizations that do not fall in one of our impact categories.
How does the voting process work?
From the 15th of each month through the last day of each month, the community will have a chance to vote for one organization among a list of qualified non-profits. So, once we notify you that you’re in the running for an award, you’ll have a chance to rally your supporters and followers to cast their votes at TheLYC.com during the 2-week voting period.
How many awards will be given each month?
Each month ten (10) nonprofits receiving the most votes will be awarded funding in the following amounts: (2) $5000, (2) $2500, (4) $1000, (2) $500 based on the number of votes received. Winners will be announced after voting is tabulated.
How many nonprofit organizations will be part of each month’s voting?
There is no limit to the number of organizations that may be part of voting. Each month’s voting will include all organizations who have applied that month; and that have been qualified; and that have not won an award to date as part of the 2021 Program.
Who is allowed to vote?
Everyone, but only (1) vote per (1) individual is allowed. Monthly audits of IP addresses will take place to ensure accuracy and fair voting is taking place.
What does Northeast Credit Union do with emails that are entered for voting?
Email addresses collected will be used to identify voter legitimacy and to confirm one (1) vote per person, per month. Email addresses collected may be used to communicate updates on The Love Your Community Awards and The Love Your Community Project only; email addresses will not be sold or used to solicit Northeast Credit Union products or services.
What can we do to encourage people to vote for our nonprofit?
Show your heart and get out the vote by telling people WHY to vote for your nonprofit, HOW you are making a difference and WHERE they can vote. There are so many ways you can do this: emails and newsletters to your supporters and followers, through social media, posters at your community sites, and so much more. Be creative! Go to TheLYC.com for more ideas.
How will we know if we’ve won an Award?
During the voting period, you’ll be able to track the votes as they come in on TheLYC.com. Then, once voting is tabulated, monthly winners will be announced on TheLYC.com, on Facebook and will receive an email from Northeast Credit Union within 10 business days of the voting period ending.
What happens if our organization doesn’t win an Award this month? Can we apply more than once?
If your organization doesn’t earn the votes for a LYC Award the first month you apply, you’ll have an opportunity to try again in subsequent months. Every qualified nonprofit who applies will have an opportunity to win an award funding this year.
While you can apply for your nonprofit to participate more than one time, each organization may only win once during the 2021 Awards Program. Once your organization has won a LYC award during the current giving year (2021), you may not apply again. Organizations that won in previous years may apply for the current year (2021).
When should I expect a check if I win an award?
Checks will be sent to the address listed on the organization’s address within 30 business days.