Nominations Open for the 2026 WRTA Nonprofit Awards
CELEBRATING THOSE WHO SERVE THE VALLEY
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is accepting nominations for the 2026 WRTA Nonprofit Awards. Six local nonprofits will be honored at a dinner on Wednesday, November 11, at the B&O Station Banquet Hall, 530 Mahoning Avenue.
Each winner receives a WRTA Nonprofit Award, recognition at a special dinner and a shared regional marketing campaign to help further its mission. One of the six will be named WRTA Nonprofit of the Year at the dinner and will receive a cash award also.
Almost 50 Mahoning Valley nonprofits have been recognized since the program began. Past nominees and past winners are eligible again after two years.
| “Local non-profit organizations do the work most people never see, and the Valley depends on them,” said Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA. “Many of their clients, their volunteers, and their staff ride WRTA. This is our way of thanking them, and like everything we do here at WRTA, we try do go the extra mile and be a little innovative and do something that adds value and helps.” |  |
“So instead of just honoring them at a dinner and giving them an award, we get their names in front of the community and giving them a real marketing push, to help them with their mission. Many non-profits have found people who need their help, gotten more donations and volunteers after they’ve won this award.”
“We get their names in front of the community and give them a real marketing push.” — Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA
WINNING HELPS
ACLD School & Learning Center was a 2025 WRTA Non-Profit Award Winner. ACLD Executive Director Ricky Fire said: “Everyone at ACLD is so so grateful for all …you’ve done for us. If you ever wonder about the difference you make and the impact…know that ACLD has received THREE TIMES the number of school applications we typically get each year. We’ve also worked with several new parents, children and families who found us due to your support.”
WHO CAN NOMINATE? YOU CAN.
Anyone may nominate an organization: a client, a volunteer, a neighbor, a board member, or the nonprofit itself. After a nomination is received, the nonprofit must complete a short response before it can be considered. Nominations that are not completed by the organization will not move forward.
All of the organizations in the Valley’s nonprofit community are eligible, including organizations that distribute food, serve youth or veterans, provide health care, support the arts, strengthen neighborhoods, and do other community work.
Nominees vie to win an award in one of six categories:
- Community Impact Award — the organization with the broadest footprint or the deepest measurable service in the community.
- Grassroots Hero Award — a smaller, neighborhood-focused nonprofit making a large difference with lean resources.
- Innovation in Service Award— a creative approach, new use of technology, or a new solution to a local challenge.
- Excellence in Collaboration Award— an organization that partners well with other agencies, volunteers, and local institutions.
- Rising Star Award— a newer or fast-growing nonprofit that has already made a mark in the region.
- Community Cornerstone Award — an established institution with a long record of service.
READY TO MAKE YOUR NOMINATION?
Help shine a spotlight on an organization making a difference in the Mahoning Valley. Complete the form below to submit your nomination by Tuesday, October 27.
NOMINATION FORM: