The McKinley Foundation is seeking nominations for its annual social justice awards. The awards will be presented at a gala on Saturday, March 30, with Dr. Rebecca L. Sandefur, who won a McArthur “Genius” Fellowship in 2018 for her work in civil justice, serving as keynote speaker.
Deadline to submit complete nomination is Friday, January 25th.
Nominations are sought for four different award categories of individuals and groups making a difference through justice work locally, nationally, or internationally — a high school or college student, a high school or college student group, a community individual, and a community organization.
Each of the four awards includes a $500 gift to benefit the winning organizations and two organizations chosen by the student and community individual award winners.
Organization winners last year were Faith in Place that works with over 1,000 houses of worship throughout Illinois to protect our common land, water, and air; and a UIUC student-led organization called You Matter Studios, whose mission is to build inclusive gaming experiences for children of every background.
Individual winners last year were UIUC senior Kathleen Hu, who developed technology to connect grocery stores’ surplus food for donation to local food agencies like soup kitchens and food pantries; and Danielle Chynoweth, who has been an institution builder for social and racial justice for over 20 years.
For more information about the award and to submit a nomination, visit the McKinley Foundation’s website.