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Nonprofit Awards

March 24, 2026 at 11:30 am - 2:00 pm

Nonprofit awards seek to identify professionals, board members, and volunteers who best exemplify excellence in one of our award categories. Nominate for the 2026 Awards today!

2026 Nonprofit Awards NOMINATION FORM

Deadline: Monday, January 16, 2026

Nonprofit awards seek to identify professionals, board members, and volunteers who best exemplify the categories listed below. Please select one category before completing this nomination form. If your candidate qualifies for more than one category, please make each nomination entry separately. If you have questions please contact Jill Allen at BizEventz at jallen@bizeventz.com, (315) 579-3917.
How did you hear about the Nonprofit Awards? (You may choose more than one):(Required)
PLEASE NOTE: Fields marked with a red (Required) need a selection to continue.

CATEGORY and DEFINITIONS:

  • Board Development: Nominee enhanced the board through a higher level of participation and involvement. He/she is a lay leader, who contributed significantly to the organization through fundraising efforts or creative ideas that contributed to or improved operations for the board and the organization.

  • Board Leadership: Nominee is a lay leader. He/she may be a current or past president of the board, board member, or auxiliary. List examples of how the nominee strengthened the board and helped the organization.

  • Career Achievement: Nominee has made a lifetime commitment by advocating for nonprofit organizations and by dedicating his/her time and resources for the common good of the community. Please provide examples (can include resume or CV).

  • Collaboration Award: Recognizing successful collaboration between a nonprofit and another organization that has resulted in positive & measurable outcomes for both. Please provide specific examples.

  • Corporate Community Support Award: Nominee is a business that has provided support including monetary contributions, volunteer time, and/or in-kind donations targeted to helping one or more nonprofits achieve greater sustainability.

  • Executive of the Year: This award is given to a nonprofit executive who leads by example, has a clear vision for the organization, promotes board and staff development, demonstrates fiscal management and longevity with the organization.  Please show by example(s) how the nominee fits this description and brought positive improvement to strengthen the organization.

  • Impact Award: This award is for someone who created or implemented a program that touched the lives of others in a meaningful way and has had a direct impact on the community. Must be able to demonstrate the impact.

  • Outstanding Fundraising Event: This award is presented to a nonprofit organization for innovative fundraising efforts that engage donors, volunteers, board and staff to raise funds and further the mission of the organization. Please share in detail the program and why it is unique and innovative. Please include the name of the event, how long the event has been running, how much money has been raised. (Example: The Rotary Clubs of Springfield were recognized for staging the annual Rock’n Ribs BBQ a Festival to benefit local children’s charities. Standard walks/runs will not be considered.)

  • Rising Stars Award (members are typically 21 & under): This award celebrates the talents of young leaders who demonstrate efforts in community involvement, leadership, and fundraising for a nonprofit. Cite the details of this group, approximate age range, their contributions, and why they are deserving of this award.

  • Volunteer of the Year This award recognizes a volunteer whose community service has made a positive impact on the nonprofit organization(s) that they serve. Please provide examples.

Awards Criteria:

    Nominees must be located in one of the 16 counties covered by CNY Business Journal. (Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Tioga, and Tompkins).

    The nomination and supporting documents should answer the following questions: Note that the judging panel can only score nominations based on documentation provided.

    1. What makes this individual an exceptional Leader/Volunteer? (ie: projects, volunteer hours, communication, board support, innovation, etc.)
    2. How has the individual had a measurable and positive impact and influence with their nonprofit and/or community?
    3. If nominating for Outstanding Fundraising Event, please include the name of the event, how long the event has been running, how much money has been raised, and what Nonprofit the event is in support of.
    4. If Nominating for Collaboration Award, please include details on what exactly the collaboration was between the organizations, how the nonprofit was supported, and how both organizations were positively impacted.

    Judging: A panel of community judges will review nominations for each category. Honorees will be announced in the CNY Business Journal mid-February and honored at the Nonprofit Awards in March 2026.

Step 1 — Select a Category

Nominee Category (you must select one). Using the definitions above, please select a category:(Required)
PLEASE NOTE: Fields marked with a red (Required) need a selection to continue.

Step 2 — Provide Nominee Information

Nominee Organization Address:

Step 3 — Provide Nominator Information

Step 4 — Written Qualifications

Please note the judging panel will only score nominations based on documentation provided.
Max. file size: 5 MB.

Additional Documentation

Additional documents may include one or more of the following: a. Letter of recommendation, b. Resume, c. Featured articles

*For Outstanding Fundraiser, nominators may include information related to funds raised, how funds assisted the organization and number of event participants.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 5 MB, Max. files: 10.

    Thank you for taking the time to submit a nomination for the 2026 Nonprofit Awards! If you need to send additional supportive documentation, please contact jallen@bizeventz.com or call (315)-579-3917.

    Deadline: Monday, January 16, 2026

    Click the SUBMIT button below and your nomination will be complete.

    Event Information: Registration: 11:30 AM, Lunch & Awards: 12:00-2:00 PM

    Sponsorship Opportunities Are Available!
    Email registration@bizeventz.com for more information

     

    Details

    • Date: March 24, 2026
    • Time:
      11:30 am - 2:00 pm
    • Event Category:

    Venue