Charity of the Year

Awarded to the charity whose submission truly epitomizes all things "classy." The Charity of the Year will be a standout amid an impressive field of truly praiseworthy nonprofit organizations; it's submission will captivate and impress as the perfect crystallization of the organization's efforts to effect powerful change in the world. Charities whose annual revenue is $500,000 or more qualify.

Small Charity of the Year

Awarded to the charity whose submission best demonstrates the truth in the statement that "big things come in small packages." The Small Charity of the Year will be a nonprofit organization with annual revenue less than $500,000 that, despite its modest size, has a major positive impact on the world around it.

Best New Charity

Awarded to a charity formed on, or after, June 15, 2010 that has already made a substantial impact. The winning organization's submission will demonstrate a true sense of urgency and a determination to make positive change happen as soon as humanly possible.

Most Creative Fundraiser by a Charity

Awarded to the charity whose submission describes the most unique and inspiring fundraiser of the year. The organization deemed the Most Creative Fundraiser would be one that brings a personal touch and creative flare to its fundraising efforts. The success of its events will not only be measured in terms of the number of dollars it raises but also in terms of the impact those efforts have on the lives of those who participate.

Most Effective Awareness Campaign by a Charity

Awarded to the charity whose submission describes the most creative and impactful awareness campaign of the year. Whether through, TV, print, radio, social media, or another medium, this organization has shaken us from our daily routine and forced us to engage with the issue it advocates for.

Volunteer of the Year

Awarded to the individual whose submission best embodies the ideal qualities of a volunteer: passion, perseverance, and heart. The Volunteer of the Year will be an individual that continuously gives his or her time and energy to further a noble cause and benefit others without financial compensation.

Most Influential College Student or College Organization

Awarded to the undergraduate student or student-run college organization that has most powerfully put the idealism and energy of youth to work in service of others. The winner of this Classy Award will demonstrate a willingness to think big, to take on important social challenges, and to do so with an unflappable belief in the individual's ability to effect dramatic change.

Philanthropic Business of the Year

Awarded to the business whose submission most successfully demonstrates its commitment to using the company's position, resources, and influence in service of broader philanthropic aims and best exemplifies a devotion to bettering lives in its community. The Philanthropic Business of the Year will demonstrate through consistent action a fuller vision of the modern company, one embodies the virtues of a good neighbor, giving back to those around it in true appreciation of the customers and the society that make its business possible.

Animal Advocacy and Services

Awarded to the charity that demonstrates the most impressive impact in the area of Animal Advocacy and Services. This organization protects, defends or provides needed services to domestic and wild animals. Whether the organization is a humane society, wildlife conservation charity, or a group providing animal training and specialty services - the CLASSY Award winner for Animal Advocacy and Services will be the organization that has most impressively worked to strengthen the animal community.

1. Wildlife Preservation

2. Pet Adoption

3. Service Animals

4. Shelters & Veterinary Services

Human Services

Awarded to the charity that demonstrates the most impressive impact in the area of general human services. This organization provides childcare, adoption, foster care, counseling, or educational services to children and families in need. It strengthens its community, by caring for the elderly, or nurturing the young. The CLASSY Award for Human Services will go to the organization that's made the most extraordinary achievement on behalf of families and children.

1. Child, Family & Psychological Services

2. Abuse & Violence Prevention

3. Veterans Services

4. Drug & Alcohol Recovery Programs

5. Elderly Care

Educational Advancement

Awarded to the charity that demonstrates the most impressive impact in the area of Educational Advancement. This organization makes learning possible for students of all ages, from pre-school to adult education, and provides opportunities that help make schools more effective and more accessible to students of all backgrounds. The CLASSY Award for Educational Advancement will go to the organization that has made the greatest strides to improve education initiatives.

1. Tutoring & Mentoring

2. Scholarships

3. Literacy Programs

4. Job Training

5. Curriculum Improvements & Technology Advancements

Environmental Protection

Awarded to the charity that demonstrates the most impressive impact in the area of Environmental Protection. This organization redefines what it means to "Go Green." It works to preserve and protect the environment, promote environmental research and appreciation. It may promote sustainable resources and environmental beautification or develop ways to combat pollution. Whatever its mission may be, the CLASSY Award for Environmental Protection will go to the organization making the world cleaner for us all.

1. Preservation of Natural Resources

2. Habitat Restoration

3. Environmental Policy

4. Environmental Disaster Cleanup

Health and Well Being

Awarded to the charity that demonstrates the most impressive impact in the area of Health and Well Being. This organization may work to cure or treat diseases, support our sick and disabled, seek improvements in medical treatments, or promote awareness of particular health risks. Whether it is providing direct medical services, educating the public, or focusing on research, the CLASSY Award winner for Health and Well Being will be an organization that has made serious strides in improving health across the globe.

1. Public Health Policy

2. Medical & Cultural Research

3. Diet, Exercise & Fitness

4. Direct Medical Services

5. Advocacy & Awareness

Human Rights

Awarded to the charity that demonstrates the most impressive impact in the area of Human Rights. This organization protects our communities and our country by defending civil rights, fighting prejudice, and promoting the fundamental freedoms that should be enjoyed by all people. The CLASSY Award for Human Rights will go to the organization that has most tirelessly and passionately defended the dignity and basic rights of the individual.

1. Immigration & Refugee Services

2. Human Trafficking & Civil Rights

3. Civil Rights Protection

4. Advocacy & Legal Services

5. Anti-defamation & Bullying

6. Access & Inclusion for the Disabled

Hunger and Poverty Relief

Awarded to the charity that demonstrates the most impressive impact in the area of Hunger and Poverty Relief. This organization may provide assistance to the homeless through social services and advocacy, hunger relief programs for the needy, or focus its efforts on aiding the impoverished abroad. It works to provide shelter for those without roofs over their heads and drafts plans for long-term poverty alleviation in the U.S. or around the world. The CLASSY Award for Hunger and Poverty Relief will go to the organization that puts food on the tables and hope in the hearts of the world's impoverished communities.

1. Community Farms

2. Food Banks & Kitchens

3. Homeless Shelters

4. Microfinance & Economic Development

Disaster Relief & International Aid

Awarded to the charity that demonstrates the most impressive impact in the area of Disaster Relief and International Aid. This organization works throughout the world to promote peace and to provide relief and development services where they are needed the most. It may provide economic, educational, and agricultural development services, foreign policy research and advocacy; or distribute donated medical, food, agriculture, and other supplies to those in need. The CLASSY Award for Disaster Relief and International Aid will go to the organization whose work has provided the most comfort during times of crisis around the globe.

1. Disaster Relief (domestic and international)

2. Educational & Professional Exchange Programs

3. Refugee & Displacement Camps

4. Peace & Security