We seek to recognize leaders who are
helping their communities and this country
navigate trying times.

By turning outward and forging a new civic path, we can put our country on a better trajectory. That’s why we’ve launched the inaugural Harwood Catalyst for Change Award: to honor community leaders and everyday citizens who are demonstrating what it means and what it takes to move our communities forward.

We invite everyone to nominate yourself, a colleague, or someone in your community who deserves recognition as a Harwood Catalyst for Change.

Your nominee does not need to be a Harwood Public Innovator but should exemplify what it means to be turned outward. For example, nominees should demonstrate some or all of the following characteristics that sit at the heart of the Harwood approach:

  • Turning Outward in their personal and professional lives

  • Engaging the community around people’s shared aspirations

  • Unleashing action on issues that impact people’s daily lives

  • Strengthening civic culture—how people work together and get things done

  • Catalyzing others to create their own ripples of change

  • Inspiring others by telling positive stories of change that make the invisible visible

What makes an Ideal Candidate

Nominate Someone Who Inspires You

The Award Process

  • Nominations are open now until December 11.

  • An awards committee will review all submissions and select a number of deserving award-winners from across the country.

  • We will announce award winners in early 2027 through The Harwood Institute’s newsletter, website, and other channels.

2027 Harwood Catalyst for Change Nomination Form

Please be detailed in your open-ended responses. Understanding the depth and breadth of a nominee's impact is key to making informed decisions in our selection process. If your nominee is selected, we may use anonymous quotes from your nomination form to highlight their impact through blog stories, social media posts, and network-wide communications.