Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC) announced today that the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) is its 2014 Lincoln’s Legacy Award winner. The nonprofit organization will receive a $50,000 award, resulting from a month-long social media campaign in which voters visited Lincoln Financial’s Facebook page and an alternate voting site, www.lincolnslegacyaward.com, to choose the nonprofit they felt best advanced President Abraham Lincoln’s legacy of freedom, opportunity and equality through education.

"The Museum of Science and Industry provides outstanding opportunities for children to expand their potential in science and technology, and to nurture their college aspirations. We are honored to recognize MSI as the 2014 Lincoln’s Legacy Award winner,” said Nancy Rogers, president of the Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lincoln Financial Group. “MSI’s vision to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential advances our namesake’s enduring legacy of freedom and opportunity.”

In addition to MSI, the other finalists included:

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Inc. (Atlanta, Ga.)
  • College Now Greater Cleveland, Inc. (Cleveland, Ohio)
  • Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenberg, Inc. (Charlotte, N.C.)
  • Family Connection of Columbia County, Inc. (Grovetown, Ga.)
  • First Graduate (San Francisco, Calif.)
  • Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club of St. Louis, Inc. (St Louis, Mo.)
  • Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science (Miami, Fla.)
  • The Opportunity Network (New York, N.Y.)
  • YMCA of Greater Indianapolis (Indianapolis, Ind.)

The award is part of “Lincoln’s Legacy,” the company’s three-year initiative that coincides with the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The initiative culminates in 2015, the year that marks the 150th anniversary of the adoption of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

“The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is proud to have been selected for this honor,” said David R. Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry. “On behalf of the thousands of students, teachers and community organizations we impact each year with high-quality STEM education, I’d like to thank the Lincoln Financial Group and everyone who voted for the Museum. Your support allows us to transform lives through the power of science.”

For more information about the Lincoln’s Legacy Award, please visit www.lincolnslegacy.lfg.com.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower Americans to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $216 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2014. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com.

About Lincoln Financial Foundation

The Lincoln Financial Foundation, established in 1962, is a nonprofit organization formed and supported by Lincoln Financial Group. Under Lincoln Foundation guidelines, grants are made in the areas of arts, education, human services and economic/workforce development.

About The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI)

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive science experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. Through groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that can’t be found anywhere else, to Live Science Experiences that make you the scientist—a visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE), MSI offers a variety of student, teacher and family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to the Museum’s larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open 9:30–4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Extended hours, until 5:30 p.m., are offered during peak periods. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, find MSI online at msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.

LCN-1006750-090514