Toronto Community Champion Award nominations open for 2026
Toronto Community Champion Award nominations highlight grassroots organizations supporting equity-deserving communities across the city
TORONTO — Toronto Community Champion Award nominations are now open for 2026, with the City of Toronto partnering once again with United Way of Greater Toronto to recognize community organizations making a meaningful difference across the city.
Launched in 2023, the Toronto Community Champion Award celebrates non-profit and grassroots organizations that strengthen neighbourhoods, support residents and foster inclusion, with a particular focus on groups serving Indigenous, Black and other equity-deserving communities. The program is designed to amplify the work of organizations that are often deeply embedded in the communities they serve.
Residents are encouraged to submit nominations based on their lived or living experiences with local organizations. The City says this approach helps ensure the award reflects real community impact rather than institutional visibility.
Recognizing Toronto’s changemakers: nominations open for 2026 Toronto Community Champion Award.
Read the news release: https://t.co/CV1vw8KmBE
Featured image shows the 2025 event. pic.twitter.com/xvuGylILHF
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) January 6, 2026
Who the award recognizes
Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of community leaders, with recipients selected from organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be community-focused, adaptable to local needs and innovative in their approach, while prioritizing direct service delivery over fundraising or grant-making.
To qualify, organizations must be Toronto-based, primarily serve Toronto residents and operate as not-for-profit, charitable or grassroots organizations. They must also have a volunteer board or leadership committee of at least three people. Schools, hospitals, government institutions and City-run programs are not eligible.
The City also notes that nominated organizations must not have previously received a Toronto Community Champion Award or another City award, ensuring recognition is spread across a diverse range of community groups.
How to nominate
Nominations for the 2026 Toronto Community Champion Award are open until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Residents can submit a nomination or review eligibility details through the City’s official website.
Award recipients will be announced and formally honoured at a ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
City officials say the program reflects Toronto’s broader commitment to equity, inclusion and community-led solutions, recognizing organizations that play a vital role in supporting residents and strengthening social connections across the city.
Source: City of Toronto News Release, January 6, 2026
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