The nomination period is currently closed for 2023.

To be considered for a Classy Award, you are required to complete an application focused on the impact and innovation of a program run by your nonprofit. Winners for the 2023 Classy Awards will be announced on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

2023 Timeline

January 17, 2023

Nominations Open

March 10, 2023

Nomination Deadline

April 6, 2023

Top 50 Finalists Announced

June 7, 2023

Winners Announced

Benefits of a Classy Award

Nonprofits work tirelessly to solve our world’s most pressing issues but are rarely recognized for their efforts. Classy created the Classy Awards to celebrate nonprofits and spotlight the impactful work of the social sector. Winners are given a platform to amplify their cause and showcase the impact of their programs. This year, through our partnership with Upworthy, winners will be featured on their website and social media channels, which collectively reach 16+ million followers across platforms.

Finalists receive:

Two complimentary passes to Classy’s 2023 Collaborative conference

Invitation to connect with other forward-thinking nonprofits and members of the Leadership Council through exclusive celebrations at Collaborative

Feature on the finalists page of the Classy Awards website

Winners receive:

Inclusion in an article and social media posts on Upworthy, which collectively has 16 million+ followers across platforms

Inclusion in the Classy Award winners press announcement

Dedicated media relations campaign highlighting your organization with regional and national press

Special winners announcement and recognition at Collaborative

Custom engraved Classy Awards trophy

Feature on the winners page of the Classy Awards website

Recognition on Classy’s social media channels

Press kit complete with templates and tools to leverage award notoriety

Eligibility

Classy Awards are awarded based on the following eligibility:

Applicants must be a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status and a valid EIN number
Organizations must be headquartered in the United States, but programs can operate anywhere in the world
Organizations must have a representative who is 18 years or older and a U.S. resident
Programs must have at least one year of measurable results
A program is considered a specific initiative that addresses a social or environmental problem, relies on dedicated resources and budget, and has a strategy to achieve distinct goals
Organizations may submit up to three programs
Organizations must comply with the Terms of Participation

Judging Process

Phase 1: Nominees

All participants must submit an application to be eligible for the Classy Awards
Each completed program application will count as a submission for a Classy Award
Organizations can submit up to three programs for consideration
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on March 7, 2023
Nomination period: January 17 to March 10, 2023

Phase 2: Finalists

All submitted applications are evaluated by the Classy Awards Committee based on the following judging criteria:
- Problem knowledge and expertise
- Innovative approach
- Ability to solve the problem
- Organizational effectiveness
The 50 programs with the highest scores will be announced as the Classy Awards finalists and will be announced on the Classy Awards website
Finalists announced: April 6, 2023

Phase 3: Winners

Finalists are required to complete a second round of application questions to move onto the Leadership Council evaluation
Finalists who complete phase 2 of the application are evaluated and scored by the Leadership Council based on the same judging criteria
The winner of the People’s Choice category will be selected by public vote
The winners will be announced at Classy’s 2023 Collaborative in Philadelphia, PA
Winners announced: June 7, 2023