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The Weston Award has been a symbol of leadership and excellence in nonprofit management for over 30 years. Established in 1985, the award honors the legacy of Joel A. Weston, Jr., a senior executive at Hanes Companies and a dedicated community leader in Winston-Salem. Joel’s vision was to ensure that nonprofit organizations operated efficiently and effectively, creating lasting impact in the community. As president of the United Way of Forsyth County Board from 1980-1982, Joel introduced innovative programs to strengthen charitable organizations, believing strongly in the value of well-managed nonprofits. After his unexpected passing in 1984, family and friends established the Weston Award Endowment in his memory, continuing his passion for community service.
Today, Joel’s wife, Claudette Weston, carries forward this tradition of community involvement and philanthropy. A lifelong supporter of nonprofits, Claudette’s leadership and dedication are celebrated as she remains an active member of the Weston Award Committee. The award, which is overseen by a volunteer committee, is given every two years to recognize and support nonprofit organizations in Forsyth County that demonstrate operational excellence and community impact.
The Joel A. & Claudette B. Weston Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management is open to any nonprofit organization in Forsyth County, with winners selected through a rigorous evaluation process. This comprehensive assessment covers all aspects of nonprofit management, including financial stewardship, personnel management, program development, long-term planning, fundraising, board development, and more. The award’s selection process includes not only a review of the written application but also an oral presentation by the nonprofit’s leadership and board.
Winning the Weston Award is a prestigious honor that comes with a $50,000 prize to further strengthen the organization’s mission. However, once an organization wins, it must wait ten years before applying again.
The Weston Award recognizes, encourages, and supports the best-run charitable organizations in Forsyth County, driving excellence in nonprofit management. By promoting efficiency, innovation, fiscal integrity, and program effectiveness, the award not only elevates the standard of nonprofit operations but also enhances the ability of organizations to serve the most vulnerable members of the community.
The result is a stronger, more vibrant nonprofit sector that maximizes philanthropy, empowers change, and improves the quality of life for all. Organizations that apply for the Weston Award receive invaluable feedback on how they measure up against best practices, making the process a powerful tool for organizational growth and development.
At the heart of the Weston Award is a commitment to building a brighter future for Forsyth County through exceptional leadership and a dedication to community service.