What is the Achievement Awards Program?
The Achievement Awards Program is a non-competitive awards program that seeks to recognize innovative county government programs. One outstanding program from each category will be selected as the “Best of Category.”
Looking for inspiration? Explore our past award winners here.
Eligibility and Criteria
What is Required to Apply? |
For each program nominated, general information, program summaries and payments must be submitted to the National Association of Counties (NACo) via the online application portal and payments processed via P.O. must be postmarked by the application deadline. For more information, please see the HOW TO APPLY section. Judging and review will not take place for unpaid or incomplete applications. |
Who is Eligible to Submit applications? |
Only county governments and state associations of counties are eligible to submit applications. There is no limit to the number of applications that can be submitted by a single entity. Regional partners are welcome to submit applications for a collective project; however submitters must identify a single county or state association to submit the application on the group’s behalf. |
What are the Eligibility Standards? |
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Program Criteria |
In order to be eligible for an Achievement Award, all programs must meet the following criteria: 1. Programs must accomplish one or more of the following:
2. In the case of a program that is in response to a federal or state law, regulation or order, the program must go beyond mere compliance with the statute, regulation or order and must display a creative approach to meeting those requirements. 3. The program must have measurable results (e.g. cost savings, enhanced employee productivity, improved constituent services, created better intergovernmental cooperation). 4. The program must be innovative and not rely on techniques or procedures that are common practice in most counties of similar population or size. 5. All aspects of the program must be consistent with acceptable governmental and financial management practices and must promote general governmental accountability. |
Ineligible Programs |
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Tips1. Include writing that is clear and concise.The average reader needs to be able to understand the objectives and judge the merits of the program. 2. Have measurable results.Programs could have been implemented five months ago or five years ago, but outcome measures must be available and clearly expressed. |
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2021 Achievement Award Categories
ARTS, CULTURE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATIONDemonstrate how counties leverage the arts to improve residents’ quality of life and address challenges communities face and/or observe local heritage |
CHILDREN AND YOUTHEnsure children’s development through a continuum of supportive services including health, education and childcare |
CIVIC EDUCATION AND PUBLIC INFORMATIONEnrich the public’s understanding of county government and elevate awareness of county services |
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTFoster and create conditions to support community and economic development, including enhancing processes and partnerships that strengthen communities |
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENTEngage county workers and provide resources to staff to manage departments and services more efficiently |
COUNTY RESILIENCY: INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITYOptimize new technologies and other innovations to advance the county’s energy goals and environmental stewardship |
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETYImprove public safety systems, justice systems, community crime prevention and crisis intervention |
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENTUtilize new models of managing county finances and improve stewardship of taxpayer resources |
HEALTHImprove residents’ physical and/or behavioral health, including through promoting healthy living and delivering health services |
HUMAN SERVICESAssist residents, particularly veterans, children, eldery residents and/or disabled residents |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYExpand residents' access to broadband or implement creative technologies that make county processes more efficient and cost-effective |
LIBRARIESEngage libraries to achieve community goals and support innovation and public outreach through county library systems |
PARKS AND RECREATIONRevitalize and reimagine existing or create new public spaces that benefit residents and visitors |
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAININGDemonstrate strategic ways to recruit county employees, encourage professional development and maintain a first class workforce |
PLANNINGIllustrate how counties think creatively about community design and development processes |
RISK AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTBolster a county’s ability to plan for, recover from and adapt to disasters, both natural and man-made, whose impacts can be physical, economic and social |
TRANSPORTATIONImprove the movement of goods and people and shape how communities grow |
VOLUNTEERSShowcase how county residents give back to communities and neighbors |
How to Apply
To begin the application process, click here. In order to submit a 2021 Achievement Award, you must have NACo log-in information. If you do not have a NACo log-in, you may create one by clicking “Create an Account.”
Step One: Preparing the Nomination Summary
Please prepare your nomination summary according to the outline of sections below. All applications must have the county name and page number on each page and must be submitted in PDF format. Files can be no larger than 2MB.
Abstract of the Program |
In approximately 200 words or less, summarize the program include the program description, the purpose and outcomes. Abstracts of award winning programs will be published. Please be sure to provide clear and concise information as this section will be used publicly in whatever format it is submitted. |
The Problem or Need for the Program |
Discuss the problem or need that prompted the development of the program and the county’s legal obligation, if any, to take action. Approximately ¼ pages. |
Description of the Program |
Provide a description of the nominated program including its objectives, time frame for development and implementation, clientele, the county’s role in implementing the program and the contributions of any other partners where applicable (e.g. states and the federal government, consultants and private partnerships). Approximately 2 ½ pages. |
Responding to Economic Downturn (Optional) |
If applicable, describe how the program responded to county budget constraints or addressed the county’s new economic reality. Approximately ¾ pages. |
Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Optional) |
To help ensure all residents can achieve their fullest potential, counties often integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into operations. If applicable, describe how the program advances diversity, equity and inclusion priorities within the county or addresses racial and socioeconomic disparities. Approximately ¾ pages. |
The Cost of the Program |
Describe both the operating and capital costs incurred in developing and implementing the program. List all costs that would be incurred by a county attempting to replicate the program. Approximately ¾ to 1 page. |
The Results/Success of the Program |
Provide a description of the results and the success of the program in meeting its objectives. Include specific examples and outcome measures. Approximately ¾ to 1 page. |
Worthiness of Award |
Give justification for why this program meets the outlined criteria and should be awarded a 2020 Achievement Awards. Approximately ¼ to ½ page. |
Supplemental Materials (Optional) |
Supplemental materials such as pictures and charts may be uploaded in separate PDF documents once you complete the check-out process. Supplemental materials are not required but are highly encouraged. |
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Step Two: Submit Your Information
Contact Information |
The individual listed as the contact in the application should be the primary point of contact for this program. All correspondence and logistical communications about the program will be directed to the person listed on the application. To complete the application process, each person must have a log in (your email address). If your email address is not registered in the NACo database or if your county is not a NACo member, please follow the directions to create a log in. Once logged in, your contact information will automatically populate the online application form. **If you are submitting the application on behalf of another person in your county, please be sure to indicate the other person as the PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT at this time so that we can reach the appropriate party with programmatic questions. |
Program Information |
Program Title Program Category Abstract |
Terms and Conditions |
All applicants must agree to the terms and conditions listed on the application page in order to continue with the application process. By agreeing to these terms, the county certifies that this program is operated as described in the submitted award application. |
Payment Options |
The fee for each application submitted before March 8, 2021 is $75. The fee for each application will increase to $100 from March 9, 2021 - March 31, 2021. There are two payment options for Achievement Award applications. Any application received without payment will not be judged or awarded.
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Important DatesSubmissions Deadline:March 31, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT Notifications of Achievement Awards:Week of April 26, 2021 |