Does your organization have what it takes to be a Sun Life Rising Star?

To be considered for a Sun Life Rising Star Award, your organization should:

• be designated as 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Code,
• operate within (or within 40 miles of) one of the following locations: Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Nashville, TN; or South Florida (includes the following counties: Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Broward, Lee, Hendry, Collier, and Monroe),
• directly benefit secondary school youth, ages 21 and younger, in the area of education engagement and matriculation rates,
• be aligned with or partner with secondary or post-secondary educational institutions,
• demonstrate fiscal soundness,
• have clearly stated and measurable goals and objectives,
• seek funding for specific program support, and
• have at least a three-year track record of success.

Each organization will also be required to nominate a student for a Sun Life Rising Star Award. Students may be nominated only through their supporting nonprofit organization.

Local judges. Local winners.

An independent local judging panel made up of business leaders, government officials, philanthropists, educators and other key influencers of for each location will review entries and select two winning applications (four in South Florida).

Winning nonprofits will receive:

• a one-time $50,000 grant,
• other unique experiences and resources.

Winning students will receive:

• a one-time $5,000 scholarship for post-secondary education
• other unique experiences and resources.

The deadline to apply for a Sun Life Rising Star Award is June 7, 2013.

To learn more click on the Apply button to the right.

The Sun Life Rising Star Awards program leverages Sun Life Financial’s strategic partnerships to further recognize our awarded nonprofit organizations and their nominated students.

Miami Dolphins Foundation
Since 2010, Sun Life has partnered with the Miami Dolphins Foundation to bring the Sun Life Rising Star Awards program to the South Florida region. The Miami Dolphins recognize local award recipients from South Florida at a home game each season at Sun Life Stadium, and organize player-interaction experiences for the winners. Learn more about the Miami Dolphins Foundation at www.miamidolphins.com/foundation.
 

National Basketball Association
Sun Life has partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to provide unique VIP experiences to our clients. Our winning nonprofit organizations and their nominated students will also have the opportunity to participate in events hosted in partnership by the NBA and Sun Life Financial.
 

Boston Celtics
Since 2010 Sun Life Financial has partnered with one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, The Boston Celtics. This partnership will continue through the 2013–2014 season, bringing additional support to Sun Life’s philanthropic initiatives, including the Sun Life Rising Star Awards.
 

Building a Grad Nation Summit
In February 2013, Sun Life Financial served as the first-ever title sponsor of the Youth Experience Pre-Conference at the third annual Building a Grad Nation Summit and sponsored a group of student and nonprofit award recipients to attend the event. To learn more about this partnership, visit our America’s Promise Alliance Page.