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NAM Catalyst Award

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Catalyst Award

Submit your nomination by August 15, 2025!


Each year, the NAM Catalyst Award is presented at the Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands to recognize a nonprofit organization that is driving excellence and innovation in the sector.

What is the Catalyst Award?

A catalyst is an agent of change – someone who sparks progress, inspires action, and drives transformation. The NAM Catalyst Award honors a nonprofit organization that embodies this spirit by advancing excellence, inspiring others, and creating meaningful impact within the Midlands.

Who is a Catalyst?

Think about the nonprofits that:

  • Inspire and support others to be more effective
  • Commit to ongoing excellence in nonprofit leadership and operations
  • Innovate and find new solutions to long-standing challenges

Eligibility & Selection

The Catalyst Award winner is chosen by the Nonprofit Executive Institute Leadership Team, a committee of nonprofit leaders who review nominations based solely on the written narrative provided. Supplemental materials are not considered.

Nominees must:

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Nebraska or Western Iowa (NAM membership not required)
  • Organizations may self-nominate or be nominated by others
  • Must demonstrate a commitment to the Guidelines & Principles for Nonprofit Excellence

Past Awardees