Nominations are now closed.
The Toronto Community Champion Award continues to recognize the extraordinary contributions that community organizations make to support the health, interests and well-being of Toronto residents, particularly those from Indigenous, Black and other equity-deserving groups. This annual program is unique as it provides an opportunity for individual residents to recognize the hard work of community “champions” through their own lived experience by nominating an organization they feel is worthy of an award, rather than organizations or groups putting forth nominations themselves or recognizing individuals.
Once submitted, nominations are reviewed by a panel of community leaders and award recipients are selected based on the program’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for Organizations
Priority will be given to organizations that:
- are community-focused and adapt services to respond to the needs of the community;
- demonstrate an inclusive and innovative approach to their work;
- serve Indigenous, Black and/or equity-deserving groups and communities and areas;
- provide community service as their primary focus, rather than fundraising or grant making;
- align with City of Toronto’s Strategic Plan and Priorities;
- have not been previously recognized with a Toronto Community Champion Award or other City of Toronto award.
The organization you are nominating must:
- be Toronto-based, with the majority of their programs/services offered to Toronto residents and an office/location in Toronto;
- operate as a not-for-profit or charitable organization, or be a grass-roots group serving Indigenous, Black and/or other equity-deserving groups and communities;
- have a volunteer board of directors, executive or committee made up of at least three people;
- not be a school, hospital, or any other government institution;
- not be a program, or run on behalf, of the City of Toronto.
Eligibility Criteria for Nominators
To nominate an organization for a Toronto Community Champion Award you must:
- be a resident of Toronto;
- have knowledge of the nominated organization’s impact on the community (such as someone who has used their services);
- not work, volunteer, or be a board member of the organization;
- not be an employee of the City of Toronto or on the Selection Panel;
- not be an elected official.
Past Award Recipients
The Toronto Community Champion Award was launched in 2023 as part of the Stronger TOgether program. It was developed as an initiative to recognize community organizations that supported residents in neighbourhoods across the city throughout the pandemic. Due to its resounding success, the Toronto Community Champion Award has become an annual initiative, with a general focus on recognizing the importance and impact of community organizations in our city.
Learn more about past award recipients.
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