The Tampa Bay Business Journal has selected Lutheran Services Florida as a finalist for the 2011 Nonprofit of the Year Awards.

LSF was nominated in the category of Family Services.

These awards recognize Tampa Bay-based 501(c)(3), non-foundation community organizations benefiting residents of Greater Tampa Bay who are fiscally responsible and accountable with regard to program outcomes.

The awards will be presented at a luncheon on Thursday, June 23. At the luncheon, each organization will be recognized on stage. Awards will include the seven category winners, the Judges Choice Award recipient and the Overall Winner who will be named the 2011 Nonprofit of the Year.

Finalists in each category include:

Family Services

- Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services Inc.

- Lutheran Services Florida

- PACE Center for Girls Inc.

- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay

- Success 4 Kids & Families

Arts, Culture and Humanities

- Dunedin Fine Arts Center Inc.

- Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

- The Florida Orchestra

Crisis Resources

- 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares Inc.

- Child Abuse Council Inc.

- Homeless Emergency Project Inc.

- The Children's Home Inc.

- The Spring of Tampa Bay Inc.

Education

- American Marketing Association - Tampa Bay Chapter

- Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center

- Computer Mentors Group

- Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County Inc.

- Science Center of Pinellas County Inc.

Environment and Animals

- Animal Coalition of Tampa Inc.

- Big Cat Rescue Corp.

- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Inc.

- Humane Society of Tampa Bay

- Tampa Bay Living Green Inc.

Health Services

- Camelot Community Care

- Children's Cancer Center

- Community Aging & Retirement Services Inc.

- Directions for Mental Health Inc.

- Gulfside Regional Hospice Inc.

- Infants and Young Children of West Central Florida

- Operation Helping Hand

- PARC

- Volunteers of America Florida

Public and Societal Benefit

- AMIkids Inc.

- Best Buddies International, Tampa

- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County

- Gulf Ridge Council Inc. Boy Scouts of America

- Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County Inc.

- Housing & Education Alliance Inc.

- University Area Community Development Corp. Inc.

- West Central Florida Council Inc. Boy Scouts of America

Lutheran Services Florida is a statewide, nonprofit human services agency dedicated to helping all people in need regardless of religious affiliation, age or national origin. Headquartered in Tampa, the agency has more than 60 programs located throughout Florida. Since it was established in 1982, LSF has helped more than 850,000 children and families. LSF’s mission is to bring God’s healing, hope and help to people in need. To learn more visit www.lsfnet.org.