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New Prix d’Excellence Categories For 2012

Please review carefully as most categories have changed. CCAE member institutions are only allowed to submit each entry in ONE category, so please choose the category that best fits the entry. As a CCAE member, you are welcome to submit different entries in as many categories as you like. Please contact the Chair, Prix d’Excellence if you have questions about the categories.

Chair, Prix d’Excellence 2012
Susan Rankin
Director, Stewardship & Donor Relations
McMaster University
1280 Main Street W – DTC 125
Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8
(905) 525-9140 ext. 27666
Email: srankin@mcmaster.ca

Please complete the 2-Page Entry Form to accompany your submissions.

Category 1: Best Alumni Event

This category includes individual alumni events such as social or networking activities, educational alumni events and alumni receptions. Events may be annual or one-time. Judges will look for indicators of alumni interest and participation such as attendance and volunteerism, public and community interest, theme, uniqueness and future impact. Include any materials designed for the event such as invitations, programs and brochures, along with any media coverage (internal or external) of the event. Events related to fundraising or development should be submitted in Category 2.

Category 2: Best Development Event

This category includes events relating to a fundraising program such as a donor recognition celebration, gift announcements, campaign events (launches, milestones, closing events), annual fund events, and other related development-focused events. Include any materials designed for the event such as invitations, programs and brochures, along with any media coverage (internal or external) of the event.

Category 3: Best Special Event

Included in this category are individual one-time special events such as open houses, building dedications and anniversary galas aimed at various constituencies. Judges will look for sound planning, creativity and successful implementation. Include any materials designed for the event, such as invitations, programs and brochures, along with any media coverage (internal or external) of the event. Alumni or Development events should be submitted in either category 1 or category 2.

Category 4: Best Magazine

This category is not limited by size of institution or budget. This category includes all general and special interest magazines sent to alumni or other external audiences (e.g., research, fundraising, alumni or university magazines). May be on-line or printed or a combination of both. Judges will evaluate content, writing, editing, design and photography, as well as the stated goals of the magazine and how they are met. Please include the annual operating budget, which includes all expenses related to staffing, design, printing and freelance photography and writing. Please also indicate all advertising revenues separately. Submissions without budget figures included will not be judged. HARD COPY SUBMISSIONS ONLY: Please mail 5 copies of the magazine to the CCAE National Office as per the entry process instructions. Your 2-page entry form can be uploaded on the website when you register.

Category 5: Best Alumni Initiative

A wide variety of initiatives are eligible for consideration. Entries may include one-time activities or initiatives that take place over a period of time. Examples may include alumni strategies, communications, programs, award activities, services, and benefits programs, etc. Alumni events should be submitted in Category #1.

A wide variety of initiatives are eligible for consideration. Entries may include one-time activities or initiatives that take place over a period of time. Examples may include alumni strategies, communications, programs, award activities, services, and benefits programs, etc. Alumni events should be submitted in Category #1.

Category 6: Best Annual Fund Initiative

A wide variety of initiatives are eligible for consideration. Entries may include one-time activities or initiatives that take place over a period of time. Examples may include annual fund strategies, communications, programs, donor recognition activities, etc. Annual Fund/Development events should be submitted in Category #2.

Judges will look for a clear sense of overall goals, evidence of effective planning, innovative ideas, a statement of goals and conclusive evidence of success. Explain how the initiative supports the institution’s overall Advancement goals.

Category 7: Best Website

This category recognizes excellence in the development of institutional websites. Judges will evaluate the overall effectiveness of your institution’s central, program, unit or departmental website with regard to institutional identity; overall effectiveness in communicating information or a message; usability and navigation; consideration of the website’s identified audiences; standards-compliant accessibility and markup; and institutionally identified goals and metrics. Innovation, interactivity and design will also be considered. Intranet development, virtual tours, mobile sites and microsites, constituent-specific portals, and interactive Web services are also included in this category. Submit the address for the site to be entered as well as the address of your institution’s official home page.

Judges will look for a clear sense of overall goals, evidence of effective planning, innovative ideas, and conclusive evidence of success. Explain how the initiative supports the institution’s overall Advancement goals.

Category 8: Best Community Outreach Initiative

This category includes initiatives that involve your internal and external community members in the life and work of your institution – enhancing the town-and-gown relationship. Examples include local fundraising drives, community literacy programs and student/community volunteer interactions. Judges will look for clear objectives, sound planning and execution and a notable positive increase in the relationship between your institution and the community within which it resides.

Category 9: Best PR/Marketing/Communications Initiative

A wide variety of initiatives are eligible for consideration. Entries may include one-time activities or initiatives that take place over a period of time. Examples may include community relations initiatives, communications initiatives for internal or external audiences, crisis/issues management, government relations, or media relations activities demonstrating overall excellence or innovation in methods used to obtain coverage in external media.

Judges will look for a clear sense of overall goals, evidence of effective planning, innovative ideas, a statement of goals and conclusive evidence of success. Explain how the initiative supports the institution's overall Advancement goals.

Category 10: Best Student Recruitment Initiative

A wide variety of initiatives are eligible for consideration. Initiatives may be one-time or on-going. Examples include student recruitment or acceptance packages, recruitment campaigns, booths, etc. Events should be submitted in Category #3.

Judges will look for a clear sense of overall goals, evidence of effective planning, innovative ideas, a statement of goals and conclusive evidence of success. Initiatives will be evaluated based on the relationship between your activity and the unique characteristics of your institution, level of personal contact, stated goals and how well they were met. Explain how the initiative supports the institution's overall goals. Include a description of planning and execution and any relevant materials. This category recognizes successful marketing strategies and techniques. Judges will look for an understanding of your institution's mission, strengths and unique qualities and how well they are communicated to prospective students.

Category 11: Best Development Initiative

A wide variety of initiatives are eligible for consideration. Entries may include one-time activities or initiatives that take place over a period of time. Examples may include development strategies, communications, proposals, solicitation and cultivation activities, etc. Annual Fund/Development events should be submitted in Category #2.

Judges will look for a clear sense of overall goals, evidence of effective planning, innovative ideas, a statement of goals and conclusive evidence of success. Explain how the initiative supports the institution's overall Advancement goals. Include a description of planning and execution and materials used in the initiative.

Category 12: Best Donor Relations Initiative

A wide variety of initiatives are eligible for consideration. Donor events should be entered into Category #2. Entries may include initiatives related to donor recognition and stewardship, donor/accountability reporting, customer service or other donor-focused initiatives. Judges will look for a clear sense of overall goals, evidence of effective planning, innovative ideas, a statement of goals and conclusive evidence of success. Explain how the initiative supports the institution's overall Advancement goals.

Category 13: Best Advancement Services Initiative

A wide variety of initiatives are eligible for consideration. Entries may include one-time activities or activities that take place over a period of time. Examples may include best practice in gift/data entry, prospect research, donations processing, receipting, database management, performance management and advancement service functions specific to your institution.

Judges will look for a clear sense of overall goals, evidence of effective planning, innovative ideas, a statement of goals and conclusive evidence of success. Explain how the initiative supports the institution's overall Advancement goals.

Category 14: Best Use of Social Media

This category recognizes how Advancement professionals are using social media strategies and new technologies to develop innovative programs and practices that build constituent relationships with their institutions. Examples may include effective use of publicly available platforms such as blogging, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, FourSquare, Flickr, LinkedIn, Tumblr, etc.; and/or the use and development of independent strategies such as online community usage, photo contests, or new implementations.

Judges will look for a clear sense of overall goals, success in engaging audiences, evidence of user-generated content, innovative ideas, and conclusive evidence of success. Explain how the initiative supports the institution's overall Advancement goals. Include a description of planning and execution and include any materials used in the initiative. If you include any social media site account not listed above, please include a short description of the site's functionality and objective. Entries are encouraged to include project analytics to provide evidence of success and growth, wherever possible.

Category 15: Best Fundraising Case Statement & Campaign Materials

This category recognizes excellence in fundraising case statements and the application of those statements to fundraising materials. The case statement and materials are designed to attract support for a major institutional fundraising initiative such as a capital, anniversary or research campaign.

Judges will consider the objectives of your case statement and how well you met them. They will evaluate clarity of fundraising goals, as well as writing, design and photography as they combine to capture the unique qualities of your institution. They will also judge the consistency and clarity of application of your case statement to the materials you present. Your institution's most current case statement and the associated materials are eligible. HARD COPY SUBMISSIONS ONLY: Please mail 5 copies of the materials to the CCAE National Office as per the entry process instructions. Your 2-page entry form can be uploaded on the website when you register.

Category 16: Best Institutional Branding

This category recognizes excellence in institutional branding. Brands must have been launched in either calendar year 2010 or 2011. Entries must show examples of a minimum of five uses of the brand across the institution. Please describe the process used to develop the brand and the communication process used to implement it. Include details of the brand itself and comment on the brand association positioning and personality. Judges will evaluate entries on the most effective and appropriate use of the brand for the intended audience. Judges will consider design, creativity, stated goals and how well they were met.

Category 17: Best Student Recruitment Viewbook

This category recognizes excellence in recruitment viewbooks, the major promotional piece designed to attract new and primarily first-year students. Judges will evaluate content, writing, design and photography as they combine to capture the unique qualities of your institution. They will also consider stated goals and how well they were met. Viewbooks produced in 2011 are eligible for submission. HARD COPY SUBMISSIONS ONLY: Please mail 5 copies of the viewbook to the CCAE National Office as per the entry process instructions. Your 2-page entry form can be uploaded on the website when you register.

Category 18: Best Brochure, Newsletter or Flyer

This category is for the following:

• Brochures: Any special purpose multi-page publication with saddle-stitched or bound pages (brochures). Examples include campaign brochures, event brochures or residence guides.
• Flyers: Flyers consist of a single printed sheet folded in any manner, or circulated unfolded, that is designed to convey information in a brief, interesting and effective manner. Examples include mailing inserts, flyers for notice boards or information “take-aways”
• Newsletters: A newsletter (for either internal or external audiences) is defined as a multi-page periodical, usually, but not necessarily, page size 8.5 by 11 inches, printed on paper stock, comprising mainly short news and information articles. It should be published more than once a year.

Category 19A: Best Writing – ENGLISH

This category recognizes excellence in reporting and writing for articles published in the 2011 calendar year. Articles may be on any topic, but must have appeared in institutional magazines, newspapers, newsletters or other publications for internal or external audiences. This category includes feature stories, news, editorials or articles written to persuade or clarify complex issues. Judges will consider writing style, organization and clarity, the complexity of the subject, and the ability of the writer to present the material in a creative and compelling manner.

Category 19B: Best Writing – FRENCH

This category recognizes excellence in reporting and writing for articles published in the 2011 calendar year. Articles may be on any topic, but must have appeared in institutional magazines, newspapers, newsletters or other publications for internal or external audiences. This category includes feature stories, news, editorials or articles written to persuade or clarify complex issues. Judges will consider writing style, organization and clarity, the complexity of the subject, and the ability of the writer to present the material in a creative and compelling manner.

Category 20A: Best News Release – ENGLISH

This category recognizes excellence in news release writing. Entries in this category will be judged on writing style, organization, clarity and the ability of the writer to present the material in a creative and compelling manner. Entries will be judged on the quality of the writing, goals and results. Do not include press clippings or transcripts. In the statement of objectives, briefly summarize the response generated in the print and electronic media. Submit a single news release or a series of up to three closely related releases as they were produced for distribution.

Category 20B: Best News Release – FRENCH

This category recognizes excellence in news release writing. Entries in this category will be judged on writing style, organization, clarity and the ability of the writer to present the material in a creative and compelling manner. Entries will be judged on the quality of the writing, goals and results. Do not include press clippings or transcripts. In the statement of objectives, briefly summarize the response generated in the print and electronic media. Submit a single news release or a series of up to three closely related releases as they were produced for distribution.

Category 21: Best Print Ad or Poster

This award is given for advertising achievement and excellence in print. Submissions may be a single ad or poster, or a series of ads or posters promoting a specific event, program or other institutional initiative such as student recruitment, a grand opening, lecture series or institutional image campaign. Ads or posters must have appeared in the 2011 calendar year. Judges will evaluate entries on the most effective and appropriate use of graphics, imagery and text for the intended audience. Judges will consider design, creativity, stated goals and how well they were met. Audio-visual ads should be submitted in Category #25.

Category 22: Best Photograph

This award recognizes the best original photograph to appear in an institutional publication. Black-and-white or colour photography may be entered. Judges will assess composition, technical quality, appropriateness and creativity. Photos must have been shot in 2010 or 2011 and published in 2011. Please include the goals of the photograph and how they were met.

Category 23: Best Institutional Annual Report

This award is based on excellence in concept, graphic design and editorial content in communicating your institution's sense of accountability to its community and constituencies. Consideration will be given to the extent to which the unique qualities of your institution have been captured, as well as the stated goals of the report and how well you met them. The most recent annual report published by your institution is eligible for entry. HARD COPY SUBMISSIONS ONLY: Please mail 5 copies of the annual report to the CCAE National Office as per the entry process instructions. Your 2-page entry form can be uploaded on the website when you register.

Category 24: Best New Idea: Creativity on a Shoestring

A perennial favorite, this category recognizes innovative solutions or new and imaginative ideas that are modest in cost and make the work of professionals in alumni, development, public affairs or student recruitment offices easier or more effective.

Include evidence of implementation, objectives and results achieved. Fully disclose all related costs, both internal and external, and indicate any savings achieved.

Category 25: Best Use of Multi-Media

A wide variety of initiatives are eligible for consideration. Entries may include one-time activities or initiatives that take place over a period of time. Entries may include audio files, video games, webcasts, podcasts, mobile apps, e-mail campaigns, virtual reunions, virtual campus tours or testimonials, photo manipulation, chat rooms, online ad campaigns, videos, slide or multi-media presentations, and films of no more than 30 minutes in length produced for fundraising, student recruitment, news and information, or other general promotional purposes. Judges will evaluate objectives, content, script, photography or videography, soundtrack, editing, as well as how well the institution's mission is communicated, stated goals and how they were met.

Judges will look for a clear sense of overall goals, evidence of effective planning, innovative ideas, and conclusive evidence of success. Explain how the initiative supports the institution's overall Advancement goals. Include a description of planning and execution and any materials used in the initiative.