Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s Milwaukee chapter recently announced the 15 finalists in the running for the 2016 MANDI Awards.
The 17-year-old program – which stands for Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation – calls attention to individuals, organizations and corporations making a hands-on impact throughout neighborhoods in need.
Each finalist was selected by a 40-member independent volunteer committee that vetted public nominations. Winners will be named at a March 16 gala.
Finalists of the U.S. Bank-sponsored program are:
- The “Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award” highlights a public space that helps build the community. Finalists are Moody Park Revitalization, Milwaukee County Parks & Partners; Open Doors, Historic Milwaukee Inc.; and Turtle Park, River Revitalization Foundation.
- The BMO Harris Cornerstone Award honors an organization for its commitment and effectiveness over time. Finalists are COA Youth & Family Centers, Northside Housing Initiative, and Safe & Sound.
- The Northern Trust Navigator Award praises an individual for leadership and collaboration. Finalists are Larry and Sharon Adams, founders, Walnut Way Conservation Corp.; Rodney Bourrage, Sr., founder and executive director, Operation DREAM; and Dick Larsen, community volunteer and retired president, Larsen Electric.
- The PNC Bank Trail Blazer Award applauds an innovative approach to a community issue. Finalists are ACTS Housing, Foreclosure Reclamation Project; Rebuilding Together Greater Milwaukee; and The Wisconsin Cycle, First Stage.
- The State Farm Building Blocks Award honors a real estate project that advances the community. Finalists are Maskani Place, Heartland Housing; Paper Box Lofts, Sherman Associates; and St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care-Bucyrus Campus, St. Ann Center.
- LISC also gives out the Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award, which honors a winner of a social media voting contest. All finalists are eligible for that award.
