With North Carolina potentially facing deep cuts in health and human services programs, three new counties, including Moore, are joining the list of those eligible for a GlaxoSmith-Kline IMPACT Award.

For the third year in a row, GlaxoSmithKline and Triangle Community Foundation will award $40,000 each to up to 10 groups that set an outstanding example in providing access to health care.

The third annual GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Awards will honor community nonprofit organizations in Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person and Wake counties that excel in providing access to health care, according to a news release. The success of the event in 2009 and 2010 convinced sponsors to extend eligibility to nonprofits in Alamance, Lee and Moore counties.

Applications will be accepted through 4 p.m. Thursday, March 31.

The GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Awards (which stands for Innovation, Management, Partnership, Achievement, Community focus and Targeting needs within community-based health care organizations) honor nonprofit organizations that have a significant impact on their communities and are capable, proactive and effective in their work.

The economic downturn combined with proposed cuts to state budgets underscore the important role of nonprofits in local communities, the news release said.

To qualify for a GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT award, an applicant must be located in one of the eligible counties, and its primary mission must be to provide access to community health care services to residents of the included counties.

Each group must have annual total operating expenses between $160,000 and $3 million and have been in existence as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization for at least five years. Organizations will be recognized for the success and achievements of their overall body of work, not for new or specific initiatives.

The criteria for the award will include a strong demonstration of ongoing success in providing access to health care, commitment to serving people in need, facilitation of health care delivery, substantive partnerships, policy development and a solid record of achievement, management and leadership.

GlaxoSmithKline and Triangle Community Foundation will present awards at a ceremony in the Research Triangle Park in late 2011.

Anyone needing more details or to apply can visit the GlaxoSmithKline website at us.gsk.com and select "Our work with communities," click "Health programs," "Awards" and then click "RTP region." Or call GlaxoSmithKline Community Partnerships at (919) 483-2669.