The national award designed to highlight successful examples of permanent collaboration among nonprofit organizations. The Collaboration Prize is a project of The Lodestar Foundation , a Phoenix-based philanthropic organization.

New American Pathways, based in metro Atlanta and more than 17 other nonprofits were chosen from more than 350 submissions. New American Pathways was formed through a merger with Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta and the Refugee Family Services.

CEO Paedia Mixon says, if they win the big prize it would enable the organization to strengthen the programming that resulted from the merger – specifically work that supports long-term integration for new Americans so that they can become successful, contributing members of their communities and live out their American dreams. “This prize would allow us to continue to build on this work while withstanding crises like the current refugee program halt.”

It helps refugees develop new skills, become part of the community become productive residents who can support themselves.

Another Georgia organization is also in the running - the Atlanta-based Multi-Agency Alliance for Children, a collaboration of nine agencies that provides programs to help to at-risk youth and families.

The grand prize winner will receive $150,000.

A selection panel will select eight finalists from the 18 semifinalists. The finalists will be announced Feb. 23 and each will receive $10,000. The grand prize winner will be announced in April and receive an additional $150,000.

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