Public service agencies, such as park districts and school districts, that have developed creative solutions to better reach their constituents could be eligible to win a $5,000 award.

DePaul University’s Government Assistance Program (GAP) and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation are launching the Richard H. Driehaus Public Innovator Award this year to honor public service teams that have improved their service delivery, addressed problems and demonstrated measurable results.

This fall GAP will present the Driehaus Public Innovator Award to three agencies that complete innovative projects in one of the three categories: design of physical space, technology, and capacity building, such as mentoring programs.

To qualify, applicants must be members of a cross-departmental or inter-agency team, their project must be based in Illinois, and the projects must demonstrate results, such as cost savings or increased efficiency. Projects also must include a community and/or stakeholder input component. The application deadline is 4 p.m. Sept. 8. There is no charge to apply.

Each of the three winners will receive a $5,000 award, which will be presented during GAP’s Annual Recognition Luncheon on Nov. 14. The award must be applied toward public awareness/education, funding a new staff person/consultant for a new project, or to purchase equipment/materials associated with a project.

“We wanted to recognize efficiency in public service,” said Mary Ann Sullivan, GAP president. “There are not a lot of awards for government agencies here in Illinois.”

To obtain an application, visit the Web site: www.depaul.edu/gapweb, or call 312/362-6670. A selection committee will review all applications. Finalists will be notified and asked to submit more detailed descriptions of their projects and to host a site visit. Winners must be present on Nov. 14.

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation was founded in 1983 and supports the arts, architecture and design. It also encourages and celebrates the services and the development of ground-breaking programs in government. Established in 1989, GAP works to develop innovative partnerships with government agencies to strengthen their capacity to deliver excellent service to the public.