Nominate
The Invest in Others Awards is a program that recognizes the charitable work of financial advisors in communities across the country and around the world.
Awards are presented at our signature event, the annual Invest in Others Awards Gala. Over 600 advisors and financial services executives attend this premier event to celebrate those individuals that actively give back to their communities.
There are five categories of awards that recognize the distinct ways that advisors have made a difference through their work with a nonprofit. Click below to read descriptions.
Award Categories
Catalyst Award
(Think Initiative) Presented to an advisor who has been an active stimulus for positive change and displayed entrepreneurial vision and leadership to a nonprofit organization for at least 3 years. This may involve rejuvenating an organization from failing to thriving, or helping to launch a new nonprofit organization.
Community Service Award
(Think Leadership) Presented to an advisor who has made an outstanding impact on a community through leadership contributions to a nonprofit organization for at least 3 years. He or she has not only contributed to the long-term sustainability of the nonprofit, but also has an established record of motivating and inspiring others. This includes serving with distinction as a fundraiser, board member, or other executive position.
Volunteer of the Year Award
(Think Hands-On) Presented to an advisor who has made a significant impact on a nonprofit as a volunteer of at least 3 years by working hands-on and giving of their time, talent, and energy to make a lasting impact on the organization, those it serves, and the community at large.
Lifetime Achievement Award
(Think Longevity) Presented to an advisor who has made a profound contribution to a non-profit organization through an established history of distinguished service, where he or she exhibited leadership, provided inspiration, and gained recognition and respect from peers and the community over a period of at least 20 years, helping the organization evolve and creating a lasting impact on the future of the organization.
Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists are selected in each of the four categories with one winner being chosen for each award. Award finalists and winners receive generous donations from Invest in Others to their designated charities.
- Finalists in all categories will receive $20,000
- Winners in the Catalyst, Community Service, NextGen, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $50,000,
- The Lifetime Achievement Award winner will receive $75,000
Eligibility
Nominees must be currently working as registered representatives (for example, Series 7), registered investment advisors, or financial advisors with a professional designation (please refer to FINRA’s list of designations for examples). Nominees must be active financial advisors, defined by spending at least 75% of their time providing financial consultation with clients (households or organizations). Nominees must have worked in this capacity for at least three years. Volunteer involvement with the nonprofit organization must be current and ongoing for at least three years.
Only qualified U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions with tax-exempt status granted under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) are eligible to receive award donations. Nonprofits doing work in other countries are eligible as long as they meet these criteria.
For more information regarding eligibility, please click here.
Please Note:
Multiple nominations will not increase an advisor’s chance of being selected as a finalist. If an advisor is nominated by multiple individuals for the same nonprofit organization, the advisor will only be invited to complete one application.
Nominations for the 2022 IiO Awards will open on February 28th.
