The Inglis Awards for Continuing Excellence (ACE) honor the outstanding performance of not-for-profit organizations in the Philadelphia region that provide direct services, products, and/or advocacy for people with physical disabilities.
The Awards for Continuing Excellence support the mission of Inglis and are intended to identify and expand opportunities for people with physical disabilities. Initially established in 2005 as a three-year pilot program, the Inglis Board of Directors has extended the program through June 2012.
The Awards are unrestricted grants which reflect and reward past performance. Thus, award funds may be used at the discretion of the recipient organizations. Within one year following the receipt of the Award, winners are to provide a one page report on how they utilized the funds.
2012 ACE Program
The deadline for applications for the 2012 ACE Program has passed. Watch for information about the ceremony honoring the 2012
Award recipients. Applications for the 2013 ACE Program will be accepted in September 2012. Information will be posted about the program at that time.
Eligibility
Organizations working to enable full participation by and inclusion of adults and/or children with physical disabilities are eligible to receive an Inglis Award. They must address issues of access to: health care, housing, employment, education, formal and informal supports, recreation, socialization or transportation, either through provision of services or products, or with advocacy activities. (Note: organizations serving populations of adults or children with multiple disabilities that include physical or mobility disabilities will be considered. Organizations serving populations with only sensory or intellectual disabilities will not be considered eligible.)
Organizations that received an Award (or commendation) in 2009, 2010 or 2011 are not eligible to re-apply at this time. Inglis organizational entities or programs are not eligible.
Eligible organizations
Provide home or community-based services or products for adults and/or children with physical disabilities in the Philadelphia region and/or advocate for policy reforms that improve access to services for adults and/or children with physical disabilities in the Philadelphia region. (Defined as including the following area counties: Philadelphia County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Lehigh County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Chester County, PA; Lehigh County, PA; Camden County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; or New Castle County, DE)
Not-for-profit organizations that are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. Specialized programs or departments that operate within larger organizations (such as universities and hospital systems) will be considered provided they submit clear and explicit language and supporting documentation about their relationship to the larger organization, identify funding and other support received from that organization, and include financial information that is specific to the program or department submitting the application.
Award Priorities
Organizations are eligible for an Award whether their focus is the provision of community-based services, product or service development, advocacy, or all three.
The Award is given to organizations that demonstrate excellence in three areas:
Governance(a strong and committed Board with a strategic vision and effective implementation plan; a dedicated and effective management team; and trained staff).
Finances(a healthy and sound financial position).
Program (an effective and efficient approach that has demonstrated impact).
The Review Committee will give priority to organizations or programs that:
Address service gaps and barriers to access
Use innovative strategies or methods
Have approaches with replication potential and/or the potential for long-term sustainability
Address life transitions (youth to adult, adult to senior, institutional to independent living, etc.)
Have not received a prior ACE Award
Have limited access to other donors and financial resources
Have an annual operating budget under $5 million
2011 ACE Recipients
Honoree Background
CONTACT Community Helplines (Cherry Hill, NJ) has two programs which together serve nearly 12,000 people a year: a Crisis Helpline for 24-hour crisis intervention and a Telephone Reassurance Program. The Telephone Reassurance Program uses volunteers to make daily calls to homebound frail and elderly adults with disabilities to check on their health and initiate emergency intervention if necessary. Of CONTACT’s 190 volunteers, 30% have physical disabilities and work from their homes. (www.contacthelplines.org)
JEVS Human Services (Philadelphia, PA) enhances the employability, independence and quality of life of individuals with disabilities so they can lead fulfilling lives. Their Employment and Training Programs help people overcome barriers to employment and prepare for meaningful work through career counseling, skills training and job search assistance. Their Home, Health and Work Programs address service gaps and barriers to access. Through the Supports for Independence Program, JEVS helps with nursing home transition, home modifications and attendant care. (www.jevshumanservices.org)
Medical Home Project, Department of Family Medicine at Lehigh Valley Health Network (Allentown, PA) focuses on meeting the physical, emotional and social health care needs of people with disabilities. Their goal is to help patients help themselves to become as healthy as possible. The program also helps patients connect with community resources and transition from pediatric to adult care. Educating medical students and residents about caring for people with disabilities is also an integral part of the project. (www.lvhn.org)
Pegasus Riding Academy, Inc. (Philadelphia, PA) provides therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. The riders represent over 100 different disabilities, primarily physical. Pegasus serves over 100 participants every week year round, and 135 per week during its summer program. Activities take place seven days a week, with three full time and four part time staff and 85 volunteers assisting weekly. (www.pegasusridingacademy.com)
Shriners Hospital for Children (Philadelphia, PA) is a pediatric specialty hospital that provides orthopedic and spinal cord injury care to children, education and research. The goal is to enhance and/or prevent the decline of functional abilities, participation level, and quality of life of children with orthopedic impairments and spinal cord injuries. Shriners provides services at no cost to the families of the patients. (www.shrinershq.org)
