Questions About The 2024 LION Sustainability Awards? Get Answers Here!

Here, you’ll find answers to commonly-asked questions about the LION Awards — from eligibility criteria to submission guidelines, event details, and more.

Who is eligible to apply for a 2024 LION Sustainability Award?

• The LION Awards are exclusively open to current LION members, listed here. If your organization is not on the current member list, please email [email protected] to become an active member no later than April 15, 2024, to participate in the 2024 LION Awards.
• Collaborative entries between more than one LION member must be submitted in the Collaboration of the Year category.
• The 2024 LION Awards recognize work achieved between April 15, 2023, and April 15, 2024. Note: the New Business of the Year Award will recognize work achieved between January 1, 2023, and April 15, 2024.
• Applicants must meet the submission deadline of Monday, April 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PT to be considered for a LION Award.
• LION members may apply for consideration in as many award categories as they wish. Members must complete an entry application and pay the entry fee for each award category.

How do I apply?

• Beginning on March 4, 2024, you may submit your work for consideration for a LION Award by filling out the entry form.

How are the submissions being evaluated?

• Please refer to our announcement post for detailed information on what our judges will be looking for in each Award category.

How many winners will be selected?

• In the judge-evaluated categories, there will be a maximum of one winner per award category, per revenue tier. The final number of winners will be  dependent on the number of entries received that meet the criteria and standards required for winners. We will combine revenue tiers when member participation requires it.
• That means that for the eight evaluated judging categories, there will be a maximum of 32 winners. In the two recognition award categories, there will be one winner per award, ending with a maximum of 34 winners. Ties are always a possibility, but we strive to support judges in choosing one winner. 

How many cash prizes will be provided?

• Every LION Award winner will receive a cash prize. The amount per winning entry will depend on the exact number of winners. In 2023, we awarded more than $55,000 in cash prizes to 36 winning organizations.

How long will it take to complete a LION Awards entry?

• We estimate that it will take between 45 minutes to 2 hours per entry, depending on how long it takes to gather relevant documentation and answer the open text questions thoughtfully. 

How much does it cost to submit a LION Awards entry?

• Just as LION’s membership dues reflect a sliding scale based on annual revenue, we have implemented a sliding scale for entry fees based on revenue tier:
  • Micro tier members: $15 per award entry
  • Small tier members: $20 per award entry
  • Medium tier members: $25 per award entry
  • Large tier members: $30 per award entry
• For example, if you are a Micro tier member and submit three entries, the total cost would be $45. Refunds will not be issued. 

When and where will the LION Awards Ceremony take place?

• The LION Awards Ceremony & Dinner will be hosted on September 5, 2024, during LION’s Independent News Sustainability Summit in Chicago. Purchase your ticket to the LION Awards Ceremony & Dinner here.

Can I still be recognized as a LION Awards finalist or winner even if I can’t attend the in-person LION Awards Ceremony?

• Absolutely!

Can I volunteer to be a LION Awards judge?

• Yes! Please fill out this form to indicate your interest. As a judge, you’ll have the chance to evaluate exceptional work and celebrate the achievements of outstanding candidates.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to [email protected] for more information. You can also check out our official announcement post here for more details!