Community Development Award AVAILABLE FOR 2024-2025
The Community Development Award will be given to band directors who provide strong music education experiences for their students and a positive impact on their school and community. Candidates will be nominated via online form. Nominees are then requested to provide a short written description of their students, school, and community impact, as well as references and supporting documents. A committee of the Dr. William P. Foster Project Advisory Board will be formed to select a winner in each division.

The “Community Development Award” will be given annually and the deadline for the nominations is June 15 every year.

Schools and band directors are eligible to apply for this award regardless of membership in NBA or CBDNA. However, all applicants are strongly encouraged to join their national professional organization.

Band directors need to be in their position for at least five years before they are eligible to apply.

The intent of the award is to serve underserved and historically disadvantaged students and schools. At least 50% of the school must be on free or reduced lunch to be considered for the award.

Process:

1. A national nomination will come from Foster Project Divison Chairs, Advisory Board, and Music Education Alliance members.
   • Selected nominees must have completed at least their fifth year in their current position
   • Nominations will be due June 15. Here is a link to the nomination form.
   • Nominees will be notified by July 15.
2. Nominees must submit the following supporting documentation by August 1 to this link.
   • List of references (administrators, parents, other community members)
   • Brief statement explaining a philosophy of support and education in their community
   • Evidence of a strong music education and positive impact on the community, i.e. references, testimonials, news articles, local community awards, supporting data, etc.
3. Dr. William P. Foster Project Award Committee Process
   • Calls references
   • Nominees may be asked to supplement documentation in support of the nomination, in addition to items requested earlier in the process
   • Division Award winners will be announced by late October in time to plan possible travel for presentation at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL
4. Winners will be presented at:
   • Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic Diversity Reception
   • National Band Association General Membership Meeting
   • College Band Directors National Association Forum
5. Additional Publicity of Winners will be posted on organizational websites and social media
6. Nominator Form requests contact information for themselves and a nominee, as well as a brief recommendation statement

An Evaluation Committee for both awards will be formed in the summer prior to the beginning of the school year, comprised of members and/or designees of CBDNA, MFA, and NBA, including successful and experienced band directors from under-represented communities. This committee will evaluate all applications and administer this process.

“Community Development Award”

1. Nomination will be submitted via online form by June 15
2. Nominees will be notified by July 15 and requested to submit support materials by August 1 via this online form.
3. The Evaluation Committee will review the supporting materials and meet via conference call prior to the Midwest Clinic to select winners representing each division.
4. The award winner(s) will be announced at the NBA Annual Membership Meeting at the Midwest Clinic, the CBDNA Forum, and the Music for All booth.
5. All Division winners will be recognized at the Midwest Clinic Diversity Reception held annually in Chicago. It is the hope that all division winners will be present. Please explain to your administration.

All questions regarding the application should be directed to:

Ms. Tiffany Hitz, National Award Program Administrator (fosterprojectawardofexcellence@gmail.com)