Erie Canalway Heritage Award of Excellence

Heritage Award Application Process

Application Deadline: Applications accepted on rolling basis (historical deadline was February 28, 2020)

Submission Instructions:
1. Download the Heritage Award Overview for more information
2. Applications must be submitted using the forms and format provided online
3. Online application cannot be saved in progress
4. Recommendation: Complete answers in Word document, then copy into online form
5. Applications judged on quality, not volume—respect word limits
6. Include at least one photograph depicting the place being nominated
7. Include map, brochure, or other documentation if relevant

Required Information:

Project/Place Information:

Project name

Street address, city, zip code

Date initiated

Project completion date (must be complete and open to public for at least 1 year)

Project development cost

Annual operating budget

Applicant Information:

Applicant name

Applicant title

Applicant organization

Complete address

Email address

Telephone number

Organization website

How you heard about the award

Key Participants:

Name, organization, role, telephone, email

Use of Materials Agreement:

Grant permission for Erie Canalway to use, reproduce, and make available application materials

Warrant full power and authority to submit application and grant rights

Electronic signature and date

Narrative Questions (Word Limits):

1. Abstract (max 350 words): Brief overview of project

2. Project Goals (max 100 words): List main goals

3. Merit Statement (max 500 words): Why project merits award. Consider:
- Impact on local community and Canalway Corridor as whole
- Innovative or unique approaches to advancing Preservation & Management Plan

4. What Makes the Place Great (max 150 words): Describe what is unique about it

5. Challenges Faced (max 150 words): What obstacles encountered? What significant tradeoffs required?

6. Local Issues Addressed (max 150 words): How affected local community?

7. Development Process (max 100 words): Key elements including community participation

8. Financing and Funding Sources: List all sources

9. Five-Year Evolution (max 200 words): How will project evolve? What challenges to continued success?

10. Lessons Learned (max 200 words): What lessons applicable to other settings/communities in Corridor?

11. Awareness Raising (max 150 words): What measures taken to raise awareness about project or lessons learned?

12. Other Awards: Has project received honorary awards? List name and date.

Required Attachments:

Photo (max 2MB) - Required

Supporting documents combined into single PDF: brochures, maps, interpretive signage, testimonials, etc.