The Inform USA Innovation Award recognizes organizations that have introduced impactful changes within their community navigation services. Whether through a simple yet effective adjustment or the execution of a bold, complex strategy, this award celebrates innovations that make a meaningful difference in the delivery of services and community impact. 

Inform USA may award up to three Innovation Awards each year, showcasing excellence and creativity. We encourage diverse interpretations of innovation, from small refinements to groundbreaking solutions!

What is an Innovation?

It inspires! The process leading to the innovation, its implementation and its developer(s) will inspire future innovators in community navigation.

It demonstrates leadership! The nominee(s) demonstrate leadership in their work. There is evidence of initiative, collaboration, risk-taking and problem-solving in the process of developing and implementing the innovation.

It makes an impact! The innovation has a positive effect on the organization, the staff, or the community. There is a quantifiable demonstration of the impact the innovation is having because of its successful implementation. 

 Check out past winners for inspiration:  https://www.informusa.org/inform-usa-awards

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Inform USA organizational member in good standing
• Must have completed the Membership Profile. (Learn more)
• Individual members are not eligible

Nomination and Selection Process:

• Nominations can be submitted via an online form, accessible to all Inform USA members.
• A submitted application provides Inform USA with permission to share the attributed information with other Inform USA members
• The award recipient will be selected by the Inform USA Board President Alumni Committee based on the nominations received. 
• If a committee member is or has been involved with a nominated organization, they must recuse themselves from the selection process.
• The decisions of the Inform USA Board President Alumni Committee are final, and the committee reserves the right to withhold an award in any given year.

Award:

• The recipient will receive an inscribed plaque at the Award Luncheon during the Inform USA Annual Conference. If members of the recipient organization are not in attendance, the award will be shipped to their preferred address.
• The organization and it’s innovative submission will be highlighted in the Inform USA Newsletter and across various platforms and publications.
• The recipient will also be invited to present a session about their innovation at the next conference.

The Inform USA Networker of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to building and fostering relationships within the Inform USA community. This award honors those who consistently engage with others, share valuable insights, and actively contribute to a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes professional growth and development. The recipient of this prestigious award exemplifies the spirit of community, connection, and mutual support that is at the heart of Inform USA.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Inform USA member in good standing.
• Individuals may self-nominate.
• Demonstrates initiative by participating in Inform USA committees, Roundtables, webinars, events, and other programming.
• Frequently engages with fellow members by offering insights, support, and encouragement.
• Contributes to creating a positive, inclusive environment for all members.

Nomination and Selection Process:

• Nominations will be accepted via an online form, available to all Inform USA members.
• Members who have earned a Badge on the Inform USA Networker or have demonstrated activity on Inform USA platforms may also be nominated by Inform USA staff. (Activity includes posts, comments, and appreciations or ‘likes’ on Inform USA platforms)
• A final list of nominees will be announced, and the Inform USA membership will vote to determine the recipient of the Networker of the Year Award. Each member is allowed to cast only one vote.
• The individual with the most votes will be determined the winner. If there is a tie, the voting period will be extended no more than one week to encourage more members to vote for the tied nominees.

Award:

• The award will be presented to the recipient during the Award Luncheon at the Inform USA Annual Conference.
• If the recipient cannot attend in person, the award will be shipped to their preferred address.

The Inform USA Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates an individual whose sustained contributions to the Community Navigation sector have made a profound and lasting impact. This prestigious recognition honors a career defined by exceptional dedication, leadership, and a commitment to excellence that has shaped and advanced the field.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Inform USA member in good standing
• Nominees must have held a leadership role within an organization or group dedicated to providing community navigation services.
• Nominees should have dedicated the majority of their career to the community navigation sector.
• Nominees must have served Inform USA in a significant capacity, either as a board member or on a committee.
• Nominees must be retired from their full-time position at the time of nomination.
• Nominees must not have previously received this award.

Nomination and Selection Process:

• Nominations can be submitted via an online form, accessible to all Inform USA members.
• The selection of the award recipient will be made by the Inform USA Board President Alumni Committee based on the nominations received. Identifying information such as name and organization will be redacted from the info provided to the Committee.
• If a member of the committee is nominated or nominates an individual, they must recuse themselves from the selection process. 
• The Inform USA Board President Alumni Committee decisions are final, and they reserve the right to withhold an award in any given year.

Award:

• Inform USA will provide full conference registration (excluding airfare, hotel, and meals not covered by the conference ticket) for the selected recipient, allowing them to attend the event in person and accept the award, if they choose.
• The award will be presented during the Award Luncheon at the Inform USA Annual Conference. If the recipient is unable to attend in person, the award will be shipped to their preferred address.

The Inform USA Community Resource Specialist of the Year Award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional expertise, dedication, and leadership within the field of Community Navigation. This distinguished award recognizes an Inform USA Certified professional in each core certification who has made a lasting and meaningful impact through their contributions, passion, and commitment to their organization and community. The recipient exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in their role, inspiring others and fostering growth and innovation within the profession.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Inform USA member in good standing.
• Nominees must hold at least one of the following Inform USA certifications:               
  • Community Resource Specialist (CRS)
  • Community Resource Specialist - Aging/Disabilities (CRS - A/D)
  • Community Resource Specialist - Database Curator (CRS - DC)

     

• Nominees must be actively employed in the role for which they are being nominated.

Nomination and Selection Process:

• Nominations can be submitted via an online form, available to all Inform USA members.
• Self-nominations are not permitted.
• Inform USA staff members and Certification Commission members are not eligible to submit nominations.
• The Inform USA Certification Commission will select the award recipient from the nominations received. Identifying information, such as name and organization, will be redacted from the information provided to the Commission.
• The Inform USA Certification Commission's decisions are final, and they reserve the right to withhold an award in any given year.

Award:

• The award will be presented to the recipient during the Award Luncheon at the Inform USA Annual Conference. If the recipient cannot attend in person, the award will be shipped to their preferred address.
• The recipient will also be have their next recertification fees waived and a $50 Inform USA credit.