NAM Catalyst Award
Honoring innovation, leadership, and impact.
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
- 2024 - RISE
- 2023 - Inclusive Communities
- 2022 - Girls Inc. of Omaha
- 2021 - Kids Can Community Center
- 2020 - Food Bank for the Heartland
- 2019 - I Be Black Girl
- 2018 - BJ Reed / UNO
- 2017 - Seventy-Five North
- 2016 - Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance
- 2015 - Youth Emergency Services
Check back for details on the 2025 nomination process