NYSCAA Community Action Awards

Community Action Awards

Celebrating excellence, leadership, service, innovation, and impact across New York's Community Action network. These awards recognize the people, programs, partners, and agencies that reflect the heart of Community Action.

Coming Soon

2026 Awards Status

NYSCAA is preparing updated information for the 2026 Community Action Awards. Nominations are not open yet. Updated details will be posted when the nomination process, award categories, deadlines, and recognition plans are finalized.

To Be Posted

Nomination Form
The 2026 submission form will be shared once available.

To Be Confirmed

Award Categories
Final 2026 categories will be announced with the nomination information.

To Be Announced

Deadline
Submission deadlines will be posted once the award cycle opens.

To Be Shared

Recognition Details
NYSCAA will share how awardees will be recognized.

Why These Awards Matter

Each year, NYSCAA honors outstanding contributors in the Community Action network. These awards spotlight personal achievement, rising talent, transformative leadership, innovative programs, and meaningful contributions that reflect the mission and values of Community Action.

Recognize Leadership

Celebrate the people and programs leading with vision, commitment, and impact.

Highlight Impact

Showcase the meaningful difference Community Action makes across New York State.

Honor Service

Acknowledge dedication, perseverance, and service to individuals, families, and communities.

Build Community Pride

Help the network celebrate excellence and share what strong Community Action looks like.

Before Nominations Open

Start Thinking About Strong Nominations Now

While 2026 nomination details are being finalized, agencies can begin thinking about individuals, programs, partners, and stories that reflect leadership, service, innovation, perseverance, and the spirit of Community Action.

Information to Gather

Nominee Information
Name, title, agency, organization, or program.

Impact Summary
What changed because of their work, leadership, or service?

Specific Examples
Stories, outcomes, partnerships, or accomplishments.

Supporting Materials
Optional photos, quotes, program details, or other helpful context.

Award Areas Usually Recognized

Past award cycles have recognized personal achievement, employee impact, rising talent, Community Action values, opportunity, access, innovation, collaboration, and transformative change. Final 2026 categories will be posted once they are confirmed.

Personal Achievement
Individuals who persevere and achieve meaningful personal accomplishments.

Leadership and Impact
Employees, partners, or programs making a meaningful difference.

Rising Talent
Emerging leaders who show exceptional promise and commitment.

Innovation and Access
Work that expands opportunity, strengthens access, and supports community change.

Previous Award Cycle

2025 Community Action Awards Reference

In 2025, NYSCAA invited nominations to recognize individuals, employees, partners, and programs that exemplified the heart of Community Action by advancing opportunity, overcoming barriers, and empowering communities across New York State.

Please note: The 2025 nomination period has closed and the 2025 nomination forms are no longer active. The information below is provided for reference only while NYSCAA prepares the 2026 award cycle.

2025 Community Action Awards graphic

2025 awards graphic shown for reference only.

2025 Award Categories, For Reference Only

The following categories were used for the 2025 Community Action Awards. They are provided as a reference and should not be treated as final 2026 categories.

2025 Reference

Personal Achievement

Recognized a current or former Community Action participant or customer who achieved significant personal accomplishments. This award honored perseverance, personal growth, positive influence, appreciation, and dedication to helping themselves and others. This award was not intended for staff persons.

2025 Reference

Impact

Recognized an existing employee of the Community Action network whose leadership positively and significantly impacted a specific community, agency, program, or the network at large while promoting greater economic opportunity for children and families.

2025 Reference

Promise

Recognized an individual who contributed significantly to the Community Action network, its programs, and activities and exemplified the true meaning of Community Action.

2025 Reference

Rising Star

Recognized an up-and-coming Community Action employee who showed exceptional promise and made a significant impact early in their career.

2025 Reference

Opportunity and Access

Recognized exceptional and innovative contributions by Community Action Agencies, staff, and programs in advancing opportunity and access throughout New York's Community Action network.

Help Us Celebrate Community Action Excellence

Start Thinking About the Stories Worth Recognizing

Updated information for the 2026 Community Action Awards will be posted soon. In the meantime, agencies are encouraged to think about the people, programs, partnerships, and achievements that deserve recognition.