Annual Candidates

A Bed and a Book *

Winston Salem, NC

“A Bed and a Book" provides clean, comfortable, age-appropriate beds & books to children ages 0-18.

African Orphan Education Foundation *

Uganda/Kenya

African Orphan Educational Foundation supports the educational and personal development needs of orphans and impoverished children in Africa at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels.

Appalachian Voices

Boone, NC

Appalachian Voices has been the region's grassroots advocate for healthy communities and environmental protection for over 20 years, and a leading force in Appalachia's shift from fossil fuels to clean energy and a just future.

Kaleidoscope Youth *

Columbus, OH

kaleidoscope Youth Center is the largest and longest-standing organization in Ohio solely dedicated to serving and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. They work to provide a safer place, programming, and leadership opportunities so that youth can be free to explore who they are and empowered to become their confident, truest self.

Opera on Tap - Music as a Message

Brooklyn, NY

Opera on Tap's mission is to expose new audiences to opera and classical music by taking opera and classical music out of the concert hall and performing it in alternative venues, to aid young performers in their development by giving them the opportunity to perform and to promote and support them through our organization and to help promote new classical works of contemporary classical and operatic composers. Music as a Message celebrates the power of music to unity and to inspire.

Off-Road Outreach - Veggies for Vets *

Fayetteville, NC

Off-Road Outreach works directly with veterans by providing meals, hot showers, community garden access and clean clothes/laundry services while working closely with Warrior Bridge, another non-profit organization that provides vital resources and support for veterans with disabilities as they seek employment, self-sufficiency and improved quality of life.

Ohio River Foundation

Cincinnati, OH

Ohio River Foundation is dedicated to protecting and improving the water quality and ecology of the Ohio River and all waters in its 11-state watershed. ORF works towards these goals through environmental education and conservation activities.

PADI Aware Foundation *

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

The PADI Award Foundation's mission is to drive local action for global ocean conservation. They advance their mission through citizen science, public policy and community grants.

Pennsylvania Bat Rescue *

Mertztown, PA

Pennsylvania Bat Rescue believes that bat species throughout the world should be valued for their ecological, and environmental importance and services. Education and dispelling common misconceptions is essential to the conservation and protection of bat species.

SOAR Initiative, Inc. *

Indianapolis, IN

SOAR (Street Outreach and Animal Response) works with people experiencing homelessness or crisis due to domestic violence or health issues. They seek to preserve the bond between person and pet, and to remove barriers accessing services that pet ownership can bring. They recognize the huge benefit animals can bring in helping people get healthy, progress, and achieve stability.

Turtle Island Preserve

Boone, NC

Turtle Island guides people through experiences with the natural world to enhance their appreciation and respect for life. We achieve this through a more comprehensive understanding of nature combined with the lessons and traditions of our elders.