Washington, D.C., July 13, 2020 – This week, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement announced the 2020 winner of their Board Leadership Award: the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU).
“This award recognizes outstanding nonprofit board leadership and the pivotal role that an exceptional board plays in building and supporting a truly successful organization,” said Saima Siddiqui (ISPU Board of Directors, 2008–present; Board Chair, 2017–2018). “Diverse, engaged and accountable nonprofit boards increase an organization’s impact and success, and we are proud of the investment ISPU has made in getting this right.”
Siddiqui said, “This recognition—ISPU winning this award alongside lauded D.C. institutions like Martha’s Table [2019 winner] and other illustrious past winners—is a signal to the sector that good governance matters, that board culture and leadership make a difference. We are so grateful to the Center for Nonprofit Advancement for shining light on the importance of board excellence through this award.”
ISPU’s mission is to provide objective research and education about American Muslims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making. As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that builds understanding and strengthens communities by laying a foundation of facts, ISPU reaches thousands of stakeholders and members of the general public with research and education.
“ISPU impressed the Selection Committee from the beginning: the intentionality that was evident across the different stages of the Award process was clearly an ingrained practice in all aspects of their board governance,” said Sean Sweeney, Director of Education and Special Programs at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement. “ISPU has clear, formalized policies to ensure strong strategic leadership and devotion to mission. Their collegial culture makes it possible for them not only to tackle hard conversations, but to grow and implement lessons learned into their future practices.”
The Center created this award to recognize and spotlight outstanding leadership from nonprofit boards of directors in the Greater Washington area. The Board Leadership Award recognizes the role boards play in building and sustaining successful organizations.
“It is an absolute privilege and honor to work with and represent such an amazing organization,” said Mustafa Ahmed, ISPU Board Chair. “Receiving this award is a humbling reminder of the tremendous talent and diversity we have as a board and staff. We are excited for the years to come and to continue to work together for all Americans.”
“Working closely with ISPU’s board of directors and witnessing their commitment to our mission and all those we serve is a truly gratifying part of my job,” said Meira Neggaz, ISPU Executive Director. “I am so excited that these incredible leaders have received this well-deserved recognition. They lead with integrity, serve with passion and govern with excellence.”
The Center for Nonprofit Advancement announced plans to release a video Learning Series featuring ISPU board members sharing insight on the following topics: “Building Your Board,” “Selecting an Executive Director,” “Fundraising” and “Evolution of the Mission and Strategic Leadership.”
The Center’s 2020 Board Leadership Award is presented by CohnReznick with additional support from BoardSource.
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ADVANCEMENT
The Center for Nonprofit Advancement is the first association in the country created for nonprofits and has been serving the Greater Washington area since 1979. Today, the Center interacts with thousands of nonprofits through training programs, award competitions, insurance benefits, group buying programs and communications. Monitoring new and shifting trends, the Center works collaboratively with local experts to develop custom programs and solutions, helping nonprofits save more … do more … and succeed more—ultimately achieving a more sustainable future. Learn more at www.nonprofitadvancement.org.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL POLICY AND UNDERSTANDING (ISPU)
The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) provides objective research and education about American Muslims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making. Founded in 2002, ISPU is a leading producer of solution-seeking research. ISPU is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that builds understanding and strengthens communities by laying a foundation of facts. As the only organization of its kind, ISPU is the go-to source for anyone seeking information about Muslims in America and issues that impact them. ISPU has offices both in Dearborn, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. Learn more at ISPU.org.
Press Contact
Katherine Coplen
Director of Communications
317-603-6909 // kcoplen@ispu.org