Everyone loves a reward especially if it comes after a considerate amount of effort.
I am not talking about a participation ribbon here, I am talking about a full blown trophy. One that you are proud to display behind a glass door in a cabinet (metaphorically speaking)
Effort in this context is working toward something in a business, and the reward here is a high state of achievement when you put in the time, money and effort.
So when you are proposing something, expecting someone to allocate hard earned resources, and it feels like a participation ribbon it is never going to cut the mustard.
Go for gold or do not be surprised when it is left on the playground with the other ribbons.