Community Development Award 
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.

Award eligibility is open to all band directors, though membership in a national professional organization is strongly encouraged.

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. Nominations will come from the Foster Project Division Chairs and Advisory Board, Music Education Alliance members, and other leaders in the field. Nominations will be due April 30.
   • Using this form, nominators will:
     • Verify that their nominee has completed at least their fifth year in their current position.
     • Provide contact information for themselves and their nominee.
     • Provide a brief recommendation statement.
2. Nominees will be notified by May 30 and asked to complete a portfolio with supporting documentation by August 1 to this link. Documentation will include:
   • 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 Division Award winners will be announced by October 15 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
   • College Band Directors National Association Forum
5. Additional Publicity of Winners will be posted on organizational websites and social media.

All questions regarding the application should be directed to:

Ms. Cathi Leibinger, National Award Program Administrator (cathi.leibinger@musicmentornetwork.org)