City of Toronto Announces 2026 Toronto Community Champion Award Recipients
Toronto Community Champion Award 2026 honours 25 organizations supporting communities across the city
TORONTO — The City of Toronto, in partnership with United Way Greater Toronto, has announced the 25 recipients of the 2026 Toronto Community Champion Award, recognizing organizations making a significant impact on the health, well-being and resilience of communities across the city.
Mayor Olivia Chow formally recognized this year’s recipients during a presentation at Toronto City Council on April 23. The award winners will be honoured at a formal ceremony on May 12 at the Toronto Reference Library.
Now in its fourth year, the Toronto Community Champion Award highlights the work of grassroots organizations that are advancing equity, inclusion and social connectedness, particularly among equity-deserving communities.
City of Toronto announces 2026 Toronto Community Champion Award recipients
News release: https://t.co/BmF70fE8jX pic.twitter.com/8jO8PxaPVH
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) April 23, 2026
Recognizing Community Impact Across Toronto
Each recipient will receive a cash award to support their ongoing work, along with additional recognition through a highlight video and City of Toronto social media platforms.
Mayor Olivia Chow said the awards reflect the strength of Toronto’s communities.
“Toronto’s strength comes from the people and organizations who show up for their communities every day. This award recognizes the incredible work happening across our city to build connection, advance equity and support those who need it most,” Chow said.
2026 Toronto Community Champion Award Recipients
The full list of organizations recognized this year includes:
- AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives
- Call Auntie
- Canadian Connections: Welcoming Refugees Home
- Canadian Street Soccer Association Toronto
- College-Montrose Children’s Place
- Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre
- Delta Family Resource Centre
- Eritrean Canadian Community Centre
- Evangel Hall Mission
- Finding Your HeART
- JAYU Festival Inc.
- Mennonite New Life Centre
- Miziwe Biik
- NeighbourLink North York
- NUTMEG Soccer
- Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre
- R.I.S.E Arts & Community Services
- Rexdale Community Health Centre
- Small World Music
- St. Jamestown Youth United
- The Gatehouse
- Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee
- Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society
- Vasantham – A Tamil Wellness Centre
- Working Women Community Centre
Building Stronger, More Connected Neighbourhoods
United Way Greater Toronto CEO and President Heather McDonald said the recipients demonstrate the power of collaboration and grassroots leadership.
“When we work together, we build stronger and more connected communities. Across the city, people are stepping up to support one another and drive change where it’s needed most,” McDonald said.
The program is supported by United Way Greater Toronto and Enbridge Gas, reinforcing partnerships between the public, private and non-profit sectors.
A Continued Focus on Equity and Inclusion
City officials say this year’s recipients were selected for their commitment to serving vulnerable populations, fostering inclusion and strengthening neighbourhoods across Toronto.
The Toronto Community Champion Award continues to position local organizations at the forefront of addressing complex social challenges, from newcomer support and youth programming to health services and cultural initiatives.
More information about the award and recipients is available on the City of Toronto’s official website.
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