our process

The Process

In the month of August, Cox Enterprises and its family of businesses will issue a call for nominations and the public will nominate volunteers using a brief online form. Next, Trust for Public Land will assemble a panel of civic and environmental leaders to select one winner from the pool of nominations for each region to go on to compete for the national Cox Conserves Hero title. Additionally, judges will select a second and third place winner from each region.

Each regional winner will be profiled on the Cox Conserves Heroes website with a video and will have the opportunity to share their unique story. The public will view the videos and then vote for the nominee they feel is most deserving of the $50,000 grand prize. Other prizes will be awarded, please visit the FAQ page for more details.

Phase One: Nominations

Nominations are accepted through August 1 – 15, 2021. Prizes will be awarded in each of the four regions and one winner per region will go on to phase two.

Nominate a Volunteer

Phase Two: Voting

Each regional winner will compete at the national level for the title of National Cox Conserves Hero.

Vote for a hero

Phase Three: The Hero

The National Cox Conserves Hero will be honored with a grand prize of $50,000 for their nonprofit of choice.

View past heroes

Who is Eligible?

Individuals of all ages are eligible to become Cox Conserves Heroes. You may nominate yourself or someone else. Cox Enterprises, its affiliated companies, The Trust for Public Land employees and their immediate families are not eligible. Previous Cox Conserves Heroes and finalists are not eligible.

Nonprofit of Choice Criteria

  • The organization must be a public 501(c)(3).
  • The organization’s efforts must focus on environmental improvement.

NOMINEES & THEIR PROJECTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor Spaces

Nominee's activity creates, protects and/or beautifies an outdoor community space.

Volunteer Basis

Volunteer Basis

Nominee's activity is done on a volunteer basis and is not part of his or her paid employment.

Inspires Others

Inspires Others

Nominee's activity inspires others to engage in community conservation.