Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) announced today that it is now accepting applications from education-focused nonprofits for its third Lincoln’s Legacy Award. The award recognizes an organization that exemplifies President Abraham Lincoln’s legacy of freedom, opportunity and equality, and whose programs impact increased high school graduation rates and college readiness.

The Lincoln’s Legacy Award is part of “Lincoln’s Legacy,” the company’s three-year initiative that began in 2013 with the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and is culminating this year, with 2015 marking the 150th anniversary of the adoption of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. One $50,000 Lincoln’s Legacy Award is being presented during each year of the initiative. The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago won the 2014 Lincoln’s Legacy Award, and the inaugural winner in 2013 was Brigade Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington, N.C.

“In cities across our country, community organizations are empowering people to live greater lives for themselves and their children. We celebrate the positive impact these nonprofits are having on the individuals, families and communities they serve,” said Nancy Rogers, senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility and president of the Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lincoln Financial Group. “For over 100 years, Lincoln has been committed to improving the quality of life in our communities by providing the type of support that leads to empowerment and opportunity. The Lincoln’s Legacy Award is an important part of delivering on that promise, one that recognizes a deserving organization and helps to invest in the future of our children and generations to come.”

Applications for this year’s award are being accepted now through May 15, 2015.

“Lincoln’s Legacy is just another example of how we are bringing our company’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion to life,” said Allison Green, senior vice president and chief diversity officer for Lincoln Financial Group. “We are connecting with communities in new and special ways to honor the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln’s Legacy Award is an opportunity to create access and opportunity not only for today’s children, but for generations to come.”

All applications meeting the eligibility requirements will be reviewed by Lincoln Financial’s Internal Selection Panel, which will select five finalists. The company’s social media community will then vote for their favorite finalist to help choose the winner of this year’s Lincoln’s Legacy Award. Click here for the application form and other details.

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 $218 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2014. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter (@lincolnfingroup), LinkedIn and YouTube. To sign up for email alerts, please visit our Newsroom at http://newsroom.lfg.com.

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