To recognize the work of innovative regions and exemplary organizations, the Alliance for Regional Stewardship (ARS) Board of Directors established an awards program for regions that have made measurable progress towards implementing the Principles of Regional Stewardship and demonstrated effective and sustained cross-jurisdictional and multi-sector collaboration.

The Regional Stewardship Awards are presented to regions that demonstrate progress in all four Principles of Regional Stewardship:

• Innovative Economy
• Livable Community
• Social Inclusion
• Collaborative Governance

Applicants that do not demonstrate progress in all four Principles will not be considered.

The Awards Jury will use the Regional Performance Model to evaluate applicants.  The Regional Performance Model is designed to determine a region?s progress towards its overall goals, by 1) building regional capacity; 2) achieving tangible results; and 3) demonstrating an ongoing commitment to sustaining the region?s established capacity to achieve tangible results.  Please see Appendix B for the Regional Performance Model.

A total of $50,000 has been allocated for the Awards.  The amount of the cash prize that regions receive will depend on their progress towards regional goals, as measured through the Regional Performance Model.  Applicants who have built regional capacity will be considered for an award of up to $10,000, and those that have achieved tangible results will be considered for an award of up to $15,000.  Applicants who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to sustaining the region?s capacity for tangible results will be eligible for a $25,000 award.  The Jury reserves the right to not present any Awards should they determine that no applicant meets the criteria.

Applications for the 2006 Regional Stewardship Awards are due February 1, 2006. Click here to download the 2006 Regional Stewardship Awards application packet.

For more information on the Regional Stewardship Awards, please contact Michele Baker at or call .