Gold Award of Excellence

Fundraising projects are considered successful when there is a high ratio of profit to expense (i.e., at least 60% profit to 40% expense ratio).

Communications/Technology projects highlight uses of communication and technology to promote and enhance volunteer activities. Projects should demonstrate effective use of contemporary technology to bring some aspect of the organization or the supported orchestra to a specific population or
process efficiency (tracking volunteer hours, digitizing archives).

Community Engagement projects increase knowledge/awareness of the orchestra within the community. Projects that included the partnerships between your organization, symphony staff, volunteers, etc. and/or with other community organizations.

Audience Development projects generate an increase in season or single ticket sales and/or attract non-concert going members of the community.

Education projects bring music educational or enjoyment opportunities to children, youth and/or adults by various means such as camps, classes, competitions, petting zoos, hospitals, etc. These projects have greater value when there are collaborations with schools and other nonprofits in the community.

Membership projects are designed to recruit, retain, recognize, and train orchestra volunteers. Membership projects may show an increase in membership numbers or success in retaining current membership.

Leadership/Organizational Structure projects highlight building leadership and improving organizational structure and encouraging leadership. These projects should present models for successfully engaging or training your organization and its membership.

Service projects that focus on providing support or assistance to the orchestra, orchestra staff, or musicians. Service projects should showcase the unique ways you serve your orchestra and the community.

View the Gold Award of Excellence Online Database.

The Gold Book Award was created in 1976 by the Volunteer Council (formerly known as the Women’s Council) and by Ralph Black, executive director of the League of American Orchestras, who secured a grant for the first publication. The legendary name comes from the idea that the book is “worth its weight in gold.” In 1976 copies sold for $5.00. The book’s purpose was to highlight volunteer organizations’ activities and provide innovative examples for other volunteer organizations to adapt and follow. In the years since then, the Gold Book has proven itself a goldmine for volunteers across the country and Canada. And since transitioning to an online platform in 2005, accessing this resource is even easier (and free). And in 2019, the award was renamed the Gold Award of Excellence.