Consumer Awards

• Overview
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Award Nomination Form

The Chairman's Award Program for Innovation in Financial Education

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and to reinforce its ongoing commitment to consumers, FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair announced the Face Your Finances initiative June 16, 2008 at the anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C.  As part of this initiative, Chairman Bair will recognize six individuals or organizations from around the country with the first annual Chairman's Award Program for Innovation in Financial Education.

The Chairman's Award, inspired by the Chairman's own interest for consumer education, is the highest award given by the FDIC to non-employees for contributions to personal finance education. 

The awards' primary purpose is to recognize individuals and organizations that have succeeded in reaching consumers, from every background and in every neighborhood, in their community.  The awards program will also highlight best practices that others can model to increase financial literacy in their own communities.

The nomination period for the Chairman’s Award Program is now closed. A review committee made up of FDIC staff will assess nominations and Chairman Bair will present the six awards at the campaign's final event in Washington, D.C. to be scheduled in early 2009.

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The Chairman's Award Program FAQ

What is the Chairman's Award Program?

The Chairman's Award Program is an initiative launched on June 16, 2008 to recognize excellence and innovation in financial education.  This program is a component of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s 75th anniversary observance and demonstrates the Corporation’s ongoing commitment to financial education and helping consumers use financial services effectively. 

Who will receive the award?

Chairman Sheila C. Bair will recognize six individuals or organizations as part of the first annual Chairman's Award Program. The applicants may be nonprofit, state or local government, individual bankers or faith-based organizations that have shown excellence and innovation leading to measurable results in financial education.  Organizations and individuals are welcome to apply or nominate someone else.

What is the purpose of the Chairman's Award Program? 

The program’s primary purpose is to recognize individuals or organizations that have succeeded in reaching consumers in their community.  These non-monetary awards will also highlight best practices in reaching Americans who can benefit from being financially literate.  Increased financial literacy helps consumers join the financial mainstream, benefiting themselves and the American economy. 

When is the program opened for nominations?

The nomination period began at the launch event in Washington, D.C. on June 16, 2008. Applications were received through October 31, 2008.

Who selects the award recipients?

A committee consisting of a representative from each of the six FDIC regional offices around the country will review the nominations and submit recommendations for each region to the lead committee in Washington, D.C., who will select the Chairman’s Award finalists.

How do I apply or nominate someone else?

The nomination period for the Chairman’s Award Program is now closed.

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