Closed 2026 Nominations are closed and winners have been announced — 2nd Annual Cycle
2nd Annual Cycle Winners Announced · Est. 2024
2026
Cause Catalyst Awards
North America Human Services · Nonprofit

The organizations doing the hardest work deserve the loudest recognition.

Cause Catalyst Awards honor nonprofits and human services programs that lead with courage, listen with intention, and prove that impact is built — not accidental.

Community volunteers working together
Volunteers at a community food program, Chicago
2026 Winners

This year's
honorees.

Congratulations to the organizations and leaders recognized in the 2026 Cause Catalyst Awards.

Organization of the Year
Orange County Rescue Mission
Executive of the Year
Domonique Cooper
CEO, Atlanta CASA
The Catalyst Award
Jasmine Balignasay-Chavez
Hope Survives
Finalists
Highly Favored Foundation
Alberta Ablordeppey
Highly Favored Foundation
Nehashree Bheemu
Purple Hour
Shelter workers Shelter Services
Community health workers Behavioral Health
Veteran services Veteran Services
Nonprofit leader speaking Leadership
Homeless Shelters Behavioral Health CCBHC Programs Veteran Services Refugee Resettlement Domestic Violence Food Security Reentry Services Youth Programs Addiction Recovery Housing Navigation Crisis Services Homeless Shelters Behavioral Health CCBHC Programs Veteran Services Refugee Resettlement Domestic Violence Food Security Reentry Services Youth Programs Addiction Recovery Housing Navigation Crisis Services
Award Categories

The 2026
categories.

Recognition that means something — judged by sector leaders on criteria that reflect the actual work.

Organization of the Year
01 🏆
Organization of the Year

This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that has demonstrated exceptional service, innovation, and a tangible impact on their community. The winning organization should be committed to their mission and have a track record of success.

Executive of the Year
02 👤
Executive of the Year

This prestigious award honors a nonprofit leader whose vision, leadership, and dedication have inspired change and growth in their organization and the community. Nominations should highlight leadership skills, innovation, and significant impact.

The Catalyst Award
03 ⚡
The Catalyst Award

This is the wildcard category, open to any nonprofit initiative, project, team, or individual whose work has gone above and beyond in creating lasting impact, inspiring others, or pioneering new approaches to social change.

About the Awards
Nonprofit team in a planning session 2nd Annual · 2026
The hardest work in the world deserves the loudest recognition.

Cause Catalyst Awards are presented annually to human services organizations across North America — recognizing nonprofits that lead with courage, listen to the people they serve, and prove that impact is built, not accidental.

Winners are scored by independent sector leaders on measurable outcomes, client-centered practices, and organizational commitment to continuous improvement. Each cycle, nominations are open to any qualifying nonprofit or human services program in the US or Canada.

How It Works

A rigorous,
transparent process.

1
Nominate

Submit for any qualifying org or leader. Self-nominations are welcome.

Closed Sept 30, 2026
2
Review

Staff reviews all nominations for eligibility before advancing to judges.

Oct 1–5, 2026
3
Judge

An independent panel scores nominees on standardized rubrics via Praiz.

Oct 6–15, 2026
4
Celebrate

Winners announced and celebrated across the sector.

November 2026
Community members at a listening session
"The organizations doing the hardest work are often the most invisible. These awards exist to change that."
— Cause Catalyst Awards Mission Statement
Community celebration
Nominations Closed

Know an org doing extraordinary work?

2026 nominations have closed and this year's winners have been announced. Nominations for the next cycle will open here.

2026 submissions closed
September 30, 2026