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In order to be considered, every nomination must fulfill the following minimum requirements.

• The nominator’s age must be a minimum of 13 years old.
• To participate, kindly ensure that all nominations are submitted exclusively through the website tampabaylightning.com/heroes.
• Throughout the season, a nominator is allowed to nominate only one Hero. In the event that a nominator submits multiple nominations, only the initial submission will be taken into consideration.
• The nominator is required to include the contact details, such as email address and phone number, of the nominated Hero.
• The person nominating must be a resident of any of the following seven counties in Florida: Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, or Sarasota.
• The nomination must be submitted by the nominator in either English or Spanish.
• If the Nominator’s Hero is chosen as a Lightning Community Hero, they will need to fill out a publicity release form.

Hero eligibility criteria

While a Hero can receive multiple nominations from different individuals, it is important to prioritize quality rather than quantity. In order to be considered as a Lightning Community Hero, the nominated Hero must fulfill the following minimum requirements:

• Residency is limited to the following seven counties in Florida: Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, or Sarasota.
• Completion of a publicity release is required in order to be selected.
• The individual must provide the necessary information about the organization to which they desire the funds to be granted.

Organization criteria

In order to qualify as a designated organization for a $50,000 award, the organization must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

• The organization is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity, known for its strong local presence, exceptional organizational and board leadership, and stable financial status.
• To be eligible, a local chapter of a national organization must be headquartered and offer services in any of the following Florida counties: Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, or Sarasota.
• The Lightning Community Hero nominee should embody the cause they are representing, without requiring affiliation as an employee of the organization.
• Demonstrate a history of delivering high-quality service and proven outcomes.
• Displayed fiscal responsibility and ensured the long-term viability of programs.
• You must be open to entering into a contract with the Lightning Foundation, which includes the following terms:
  (i) The organization will utilize the awarded funds as agreed upon by both parties.
  (ii) The Lightning Foundation will have the authority to verify the usage of the awarded funds.
  (iii) If any portion of the awarded funds is not utilized within 12 months from the initial disbursement, the organization is responsible for returning that amount.
  (iv) The organization will cooperate with the Lightning Foundation in creating a follow-up story or vignette regarding how the funds have influenced the organization, for the purpose of publication or promotion.

General Rules

In order for an organization to be considered for selection as a designated recipient of a $50,000 award, it must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

• The Lightning Foundation retains ownership of all nominations and will not return them.
• The Lightning Foundation retains the right to utilize and modify the nomination at its exclusive discretion for purposes of publications or promotional activities.
• Those who have been nominated as heroes may be reached out to request further details and to authenticate their provided information.
• All received eligible nominations will be considered for judging.
• In the event that multiple nominations are received for a specific Hero nominee, the Lightning Foundation reserves the right to select one nominator, at its own discretion, to be acknowledged during the game presentation for the nominated Lightning Community Hero.

Things to be taken into account during the selection procedure.

The subsequent factors are to be taken into account by the Lightning Community Advisory Committee and the Lightning Foundation Board of Directors when choosing the Lightning Community Heroes.

• The extent to which the Hero has acted as a catalyst for a cause that satisfies fundamental human needs or enhances the well-being of others.
• The level of dedication and selflessness displayed by the Hero.
• The extent to which the Hero has profoundly influenced individuals, families, or the wider community.
• The extent to which the Hero has surpassed expectations in their commitment to serving and motivating others.
• The Nominator’s ability to effectively communicate the overall importance and influence of the Hero’s work.

Tips & tricks for your nomination

Numerous nominators frequently seek advice on how to compose a Hero nomination and what our committee members seek in their selection process. Here are some helpful suggestions to assist you in initiating your nomination and understanding the types of successful nominations we have received thus far.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to either Sarah Costello or Elizabeth Frazier. Enjoy your writing!

Advice from Community Advisory Committee Members:

• While no singular definition can capture the essence of a Hero, the majority often encompasses unsung individuals who quietly contribute remarkable efforts towards enhancing our community.
• Kindly provide an engaging depiction of your Hero, highlighting their selfless commitment to aiding the less fortunate. This will enable us to share an inspiring story with our fans during a game. Please include intricate details that showcase how your Hero has devoted their time to making a difference. By inspiring us, you empower us to inspire our fans!
• Please provide as much factual information and supporting data as possible, such as the number of individuals impacted by your Hero or the total hours of service they have dedicated.
• Kindly highlight the qualities or specific aspects that you believe set your Hero apart from other nominees. Concentrate on the unique and exceptional traits that make him or her stand out.
• Please include any significant, long-term volunteer community work your Hero has engaged in, rather than just shorter durations of involvement.
• Is your Hero driven by an undeniable desire to give back? Provide specific reasons for their unwavering commitment. We aim to grasp the qualities that make your Hero the extraordinary individual you perceive them to be.