FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2020 Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards. Through this program, 26 volunteers will be recognized for their community service and their New England-based nonprofit organizations will be awarded a total of $275,000 in grants.
In 1998, the late Myra Kraft created the Community Quarterback Awards to recognize outstanding community volunteers and present them with a grant for their nonprofits. Twenty-three years later, this program carries her name and legacy as it continues to celebrate volunteers all across New England. Since its inception, the program has celebrated more than 400 volunteers and donated more than $3 million to local charities.
"This is such a special program to my family and we look forward to hosting it each year," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "There are so many wonderful people in our New England communities that volunteer – not because they want any sort of recognition, but because they saw a need and wanted to help make the world a better place. We want to help shine a light on these dedicated volunteers and offer our support to the charitable causes that are near and dear to their hearts."
The Patriots Foundation is encouraging all New England-based nonprofit organizations to nominate an individual for this year's awards. The foundation will review all nominations and select individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities through volunteering.
Twenty-six volunteers will be selected and honored at a luncheon at Gillette Stadium this spring. All honorees selected by the Patriots Foundation will be presented with grants of $10,000 for their respective nonprofits, with one grand-prize winning honoree receiving a surprise $25,000 grant.
New England residents who are 13 years of age or older and provide volunteer services for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible for nomination. Only one nominee will be considered from each organization. The strongest consideration will be given to nominees who are hands-on volunteers and do not receive any compensation – monetary or otherwise – for their efforts.
Nonprofit organizations may nominate volunteers for the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards by completing the application found at www.patriots.com/community. Completed applications must be submitted by Wednesday, April 1.
