Performance is the ultimate test of an organization. Innovation is change that creates a new dimension of performance . All nonprofit organizations must be governed by performance, not merely good intentions. To do so, they must begin with mission, for the mission defines what results are for any organization. In the social sector, as in business and government, performance is the ultimate test of an organization.
Every nonprofit organization exists for the sake of performance in changing people and society.
The purpose of the Award is to find, celebrate, and inspire innovation. In the years ahead, America's nonprofits will become even more important. As government retrenches, Americans will look increasingly to the nonprofits to tackle the problems of a fast-changing society.