Applications are now being accepted for the $100,000 Innovations in American Government Award.

Offered by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Innovations Award is heralded as the nation’s premier award for the public sector. It recognizes programs that demonstrate creative and effective government at its best.

This year, the Center’s Innovations Program will also continue to identify and promote promising government efforts and partnerships through the Bright Ideas program.

All units of government — federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial — from all policy areas are eligible to apply for recognition.   

The top winner of the Innovations in American Government Award will receive a $100,000 grant to support replication and dissemination activities. Top finalists will also receive monetary grants.

Applications and additional information for both initiatives are available at www.innovationsaward.harvard.edu

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE ON MARCH 15, 2012