About Us
Q. Who is in charge of The Phoenix Awards™? What is its purpose?
A. The Phoenix Awards™ are part of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Phoenix Awards Institute, Inc. The nonprofit's purpose is to recognize outstanding achievement and innovation relating to environmental and community issues. Winning projects offer a fresh take on solving significant problems, show innovation and demonstrate masterful community impact. In addition to honoring excellence, the goal of the award program is to offer specific project examples, innovative techniques and inspiration as models for others to use in their communities.
Q. When did The Phoenix Awards™ start?
A. The Phoenix Awards™ were created in 1997 to recognize individuals and groups who are working together to solve the critical environmental problem of transforming old, contaminated areas into productive new uses. For the first three years, the Awards Ceremony was part of the Brownfields Conference sponsored by the Western Engineers Society in Pittsburgh, PA.
Q. Does EPA sponsor The Phoenix Awards™?
A. No, EPA cannot sponsor the awards program. However, beginning in 2000, EPA representatives asked us to hold our Awards and related events during the National Brownfields Conference. We are pleased to be part of the Conference, and EPA representatives participate in our judging process.
About the Application
Q. Should I have a Congress Member or other official submit the Letter of Support? Can this letter be delivered separately?
A. It is not necessary to have a dignitary offer a Letter of Support. Some of the best Letters of Support are submitted by someone who is personally benefitting from the project. New business representatives, new home owners, or others who are benefitting from the end-use offer great Letters of Support.
You can scan the letter to add to your submittal package (recommended), or mail the letter separately.
Q. How many photos should I submit with the application? Should I prepare a PowerPoint or make a special presentation of photos?
A. Generally, applicants submit at least 3 - 6 "Before" Photos and 3- 6 "After" Photos. One or two dozen photos would be great. The judges normally review the photos in order to get a sense of the project before they start to read the application materials.
Keep it simple. There is no need to prepare a fancy presentation. We focus on the project itself, not the form of the application materials.
Q. If my application does not win, should I update my application for next year's consideration? Will you offer some suggestions?
A. Your application is good for 2 years worth of consideration. Competition is keen so although your project is worthy of a win, it may take 2 years of consideration. You do not need to provide any update or additions. However, most applicants update their application since there are more positive developments to share with us.
We will be pleased to provide some feedback if you are interested in updating your application.
Q. If the call for nominations closes on June 30th, when do you announce the winners?
A. Our judges spend time reviewing the applications and meet for deliberations. In order to provide sufficient time for the judging process, our winners are announced in the fall each year. Once our judging concludes, each applicant will receive an email that announces the winning projects.
About Winning
Q. Can we purchase a duplicate trophy since we are part of a winning team?
A. Yes, contact us and we will provide information for you to purchase a duplicate trophy.
Q. Can we use a Phoenix Awards photo or logo on our website, marketing materials or exhibit display?
A. Yes. Please use the awards ceremony photos, project photos and our logo in order to publicize your winning project.
Q. Our winning project sparked a number of other projects in our community. Can we provide you with an update about our project and its effect on the community?
A. Yes! We would like to hear from our winners and receive a written update about continuing success with the project or the jumpstart effect that spurred other redevelopment projects.
Q. We are an early winner and would like to submit photos and project information in order to publicize our project. How can we do this?
A. We have a format for our Fact Sheets that we will share with you. We welcome your help to have solid information to share with others interested in brownfield redevelopment. We would like to receive "Before" and "After" photos of your project.