Awards Frequently Asked Questions

Do all nominations have the same deadline?

No. Submission deadlines vary for awards.

Award deadline information

Do all nominations require the same materials?

All entries for the National Planning Excellence, Leadership and Achievement Awards must include a two-page explanation that specifically addresses the criteria listed for the category. Basic nomination materials vary according to each respective award category.

Award categories & eligibility

May nominations be submitted by mail?

All basic nomination materials, except the APA Journalism Awards, must be submitted through the APA website.

How many letters of support should I include with my nomination?

At least one, but no more than five, one-page letter(s). The letter(s) should offer support for the value of the nominated effort.

Details about nomination materials

Who should write a letter of support?

Letters of support may not be written by the nominator of the submission, by the nominated individual, or by anyone who directly worked on the project. Letters are appropriate from APA chapters, divisions, members, and other stakeholders involved with the subject of the nomination.

Nomination Materials

Is there an entry fee?

A fee applies to most award nominations.

View award fees

May I discuss my nomination with the jurors?

No. The awards committee's procedures prohibit any communication with jurors on behalf of an entry. Such communication is reason for disqualification.

Will my submission materials be returned?

No. Entries receiving awards become the property of APA and will not be returned.

May I submit the same plan for more than one award?

No, you may submit a particular plan for only one award. You may submit additional entries for each different project or plan.

Can jurors elect to move an entry?

Yes. Jurors may move a nomination to a different category.

When will nominators be notified of the results?

Nominators will be notified confidentially in December 2008. Official announcements of submissions receiving awards will be made after all nominators have been notified.

Do I have to win a chapter or division award to be eligible to enter for a national planning award?

No. The awards programs are run independently. If you nominated an entry for a chapter or division award, regardless of winning, you should consider submitting that nomination for a national award.

Does my local chapter need to nominate my entry for a national award?

No. Award nominations may be submitted by individuals involved in the project except for individual leadership awards. If submitting a nomination for an award that recognizes an individual, that individual may not self nominate.

Are awards the same at the chapter and national levels?

No. National and chapter awards programs are run independently so award categories may vary.