Nominations for the Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy

September 15–December 15

www.state.gov/r/partnerships/award/

In January 2007, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced the creation of the Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy, which recognizes outstanding contributions to public diplomacy. The new award, according to the secretary, is a recognition that “the solutions to the challenges of the 21st century are not going to be met by government alone. They come from all sectors of American society working together.”

The award will be presented in four categories: individuals; corporations; academic institutions (schools, universities, etc.); and not-for-profit organizations (non-governmental organizations, foundations, associations, etc.). Special emphasis will be given to activities and programs that provide hope and opportunity in education, culture, and information; that empower, educate, and inspire key audiences (such as women, students, and educators); and that engage underserved communities and grassroots organizations.

Nominations will be accepted from any individual or group. Those submitting nominations need not be U.S. citizens, but all nominees must be U.S. citizens. The nominated activity must have taken place during 2007, and nominations will be considered only for activities that do not involve U.S. government funding. The award will be presented in spring 2008.

For more information on the Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy, or to obtain a nomination form, visit the State Department’s Web site. Nominations will be accepted from September 15 through December 15, 2007.