OKD Foundation in search of the best non-profit project and personality of the year22.10.2009

(Ostrava, October 22) – Projects of non-profit organisations that were of benefit to their environment, as well as people who help to improve the lives of others, deserve both financial rewards in the form of grants, but also public acknowledgement and esteem. This is the main motto of the first year of the competition for the OKD Foundation Prizes, announced by the Foundation today.

Last year, over 400 projects of non-profit organisations obtained donations from the Foundation within the programmes For Health, For Enjoyment, For Future and For Europe. All of them can contest for the OKD Foundation Prize, which will be awarded to the authors and the persons who implemented the best project of each programme. “It would be a pity if the last year's activities remained history only. Therefore we decided to reward the best projects that helped to improve the lives of a number of people in North Moravia and other regions of the Czech Republic, as well as important personalities who devoted great parts of their lives to the work in the non-profit sector,“ Petra Mašínová, President of the OKD Foundation’s board, explained.

In the competition, the organisations may enter all their 2008 projects which were financially supported by the foundation and which were completed by June 30, 2009. The winner of each category will be chosen by a committee consisting of the representatives of the foundation, the most important donors, collaborators, media representatives and respected personalities. In particular, the jury will evaluate the positive contribution of the project, its openness, long-term effect, method of financing or presentation in public. However, the committee will also take into account the quality and reputation of the organisation itself.

The “Personality of the Year“ category is free and anybody can enter a nomination. The activities of the nominated personality do not have to relate to the foundation projects. “People in the non-profit sector mainly work with the hearts, often for free or for a symbolic salary. They do not expect any fanfare and their work is their reward. However, the society cannot do without their effort in the care for the people in need and in the implementation of other useful activities, therefore it is important to express recognition to them and to support them,“ Mašínová said.

Non-profit organisations can nominate their projects and personalities in writing, by e-mail or by means of a form at www.nadaceokd.cz. The Foundation will award the prizes to the winners at a gala evening in the second half of November in Ostrava.

Vladislav Sobol

Spokesman, OKD Foundation