Established in 2004, Community TIEs awards are given annually to nonprofit organizations that are excelling in their service to the community.  The awards recognize excellence in the use of Technology, Innovation and Evaluation.

• Technology – rewards exemplary performance and results in using technology to improve effectiveness and efficiency, and to further the mission of the organization in serving their target population (e.g., domestic violence victims, free clinic patients, etc.)
• Innovation – rewards use of creative solutions and programs to serve clients as demonstrated through successful implementation of a truly innovative concept
• Evaluation – rewards organizations that demonstrate commitment to measuring and reporting outcomes; preference is given to organizations that have used evaluation results to improve their programs and services

Along with their designation, recipient organizations in each category also receive a $10,000 unrestricted award to be used to further their mission.

Since 2004, BCBSNC Foundation has annually partnered with a North Carolina member-based organization to present the Community TIEs Awards. Previous awards have honored affiliates of the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2004), North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (2005), Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (2006), Student Action with Farmworkers (2007) and North Carolina Housing Coalition (2008). Separately, the North Carolina Association of Free Clinics has also partnered with the BCBSNC Foundation for the awards (2005, 2006, 2007).

For 2009, the BCBSNC Foundation partnered with the North Carolina Conservation Network, to recognize groups working to protect and preserve North Carolina's natural resources and creating a better quality of life and more sustainable future for all NC residents. The winners are:

• Triangle Land Conservancy, Raleigh, Technology Award - $10,000
• Western North Carolina Alliance, Asheville, Innovation Award - $10,000
• Pamlico Tar River Foundation, Washington, Evaluation Award - $10,000

Find out more about the awards here.