RADNOR, Pa., Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC) announced today that Brigade Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington, N.C. is the first-ever Lincoln's Legacy Award winner. The organization has received a $50,000 award, resulting from a month-long social media campaign in which voters visited Lincoln Financial's Facebook page and www.lincolnslegacyaward.com to choose the nonprofit they felt best advanced President Abraham Lincoln's legacy of freedom, opportunity and equality through education.

"We are proud to recognize Brigade for their ongoing commitment to providing children with educational programs that help them succeed in school and build a more successful future," said Nancy Rogers, president of the Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lincoln Financial Group. "It's been nearly 150 years since Abraham Lincoln's presidency, but his legacy of freedom and opportunity endures through the tremendous work of groups like Brigade."

In addition to Brigade, the other finalists included:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City  
• City Year Little Rock/North Little Rock
• City Year Sacramento
• Higher Achievement Program
• ONEGOAL
• Project GRAD Houston
• Summer Search Boston
• The Steppingstone Foundation
• YWCA Lake County

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

"We are grateful for this great opportunity and award through Lincoln Financial Group," stated Jeff Green, Brigade Boys & Girls Club Chief Professional Officer.  "We are so thankful for our friends and partners in the Wilmington community. Even though we were the smallest market in the contest, our community rallied together to support our great cause."

For more information about the Lincoln's Legacy Award, please visit www.lincolnslegacyaward.com.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. With headquarters in the Philadelphia region, the companies of Lincoln Financial Group had assets under management of $197 billion as of September 30, 2013. Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life, disability and dental insurance; employer-sponsored retirement plans; savings plans; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. For more information, including a copy of our most recent SEC reports containing our balance sheets, please visit 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 Brigade Boys & Girls Club

Established in 1896, the Brigade Boys & Girls Club serves children K-12th grade in New Hanover and Pender Counties.  The Club provides after-school and summer programming in a positive, safe and fun environment.  Programs offered at the Club include Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, The Arts, Sports & Fitness and Health & Life Skills.  Membership to the Brigade is only $10 per year.  For more information on the Brigade Boys & Girls Club, please visit www.brigadebgc.org or call 910-392-0747.

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SOURCE Lincoln Financial Group