The Chick-fil-A Foundation honored the 25 recipients of its inaugural True Inspiration Awards during an awards ceremony featuring Grammy Award winning hip-hop artist Lecrae and actress Kim Williams-Paisley on Friday, Sept. 4 at Atlanta's Fox Theater. Earlier this year, the organizations were awarded more than $1 million to fund local initiatives. 

The True Inspiration Award recipients were announced in January and include nonprofit organizations across the country. Each recipient organization received a grant ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to further their local community impact in three categories:

• Emerging Leader Development: Organizations focused on character development, positive community and cultural involvement and effective civic engagement

• Youth Entrepreneurship: Organizations committed to developing business knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy

• Innovative Education: Organizations dedicated to improving teaching and learning through ground-breaking practices and visionary leadership

"These inspirational organizations not only align with the Chick-fil-A Foundation's mission to support youth, they are also improving teaching and learning through ground-breaking practices and visionary leadership," said Rodney Bullard, executive director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation. "This inaugural event is our chance to celebrate these unsung heroes who are making a difference in their communities every day."

The True Inspiration Awards were inspired by the generosity of Chick-fil-A's late founder, S. Truett Cathy, who was focused both on the development of youth and entrepreneurship throughout his life of service. Organizations either applied or were nominated by local Chick-fil-A franchise restaurant operators. The next recipients of the True Inspiration Awards will be announced this fall.