The 53rd Street Community Garden was a finalist for 13th annual MANDI awards. (Photo by Kenya Evans)

Nominations are now open for the 14^th annual Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDIs).

Sponsored by LISC Milwaukee and U.S. Bank, the MANDIs recognize efforts to ensure Milwaukee’s central city is a great place to live, learn, work and grow.

Individuals, non-profits, corporations and projects can self-nominate or be nominated by a third party.

The deadline for nominations is Oct. 17 at 5 p.m., and the ceremony will be held Thursday, March 14, 2013, at the Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave.

Categories include:

• Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award for the creation or use of public space that contributes significantly to the overall well-being of the community
• BMO Harris Bank Cornerstone Award for a long-standing commitment that demonstrates persistence and 
effectiveness over time.
• Northern Trust Navigator Award for an outstanding individual that provides leadership and collaboration
• PNC Bank Trail Blazer Award for an innovative approach to a community problem
• State Farm Building Blocks Award for a real estate project that contributes significantly to the enhancement of the community

Nominations can be submitted at http://www.lisc.org/milwaukee.