2023 Catalyst Awards Winners Announced

Congratulations:

Katherine Lee - Kristi Patterson

Congratulations to our finalists!

The Mid-South Nonprofit Conference is especially thankful to our partners and the Catalyst Awards review team at the University of Memphis. The lead review committee are students in the Civic Engagement and Volunteerism class, led by Professor Candace McRae Walsh.

Jalynn Caldwell | Anna Grace Calvery | Markevia Mayfield | Demetrius Smotherman
Tierra Starks | Deborah Swiney | Leroy Taylor | Justis Woodcox

The awards will be held during the conference Thursday, April 20, 2023.

The Catalyst Awards honors nonprofit professionals and organizations who have demonstrated their commitment to being a catalyst of change, hope, and belongingness. Organizations and nonprofit professionals that have shown excellence in serving the mission of the organization, and whose work has made significant impact in the local community can be nominated via the application link.

Catalyst Professional Award

This award honors an outstanding nonprofit professional whose work has resulted in significant progress towards addressing and improving community issues in a meaningful way. This person is a direct service provider or frontline worker, who has not been widely recognized, but consistently goes above and beyond their job description to address the needs or challenges in their organization and/or community. Through their action and influence, they have helped to build a better Memphis, one community at a time.

Eligibility

  • Individual must be a current nonprofit employee in a non-executive level role.

  • Individual must have a proven record of impact in their current role and in the community.

  • Individual demonstrates a collaborative spirit and instills passion in those they work with.

  • Individual demonstrates highest integrity and ethical behavior.

  • Individual understands and weaves with the principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging throughout their work.

  • Available to attend the Catalyst Awards in-person event Thursday, April 20, 2023

(One) Award Winner will receive:

  • $1,000 Cash Prize (1st Place)

  • $250 Cash Prize (2 runner-ups)

  • Training Credit towards three (3) fee-based training offerings at Momentum Nonprofit Partners.  

  • Recognition at the Red Carpet Catalyst Awards Event.

Catalyst Organization Award

This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that has shown excellence in serving and being good stewards of the organization’s mission. This organization has exhibited a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging that is exemplified in their staff/board makeup, their policies and procedures, and their approach to the work in the community. This organization, though not widely recognized with awards, has been persistent in driving its mission forward and has found creative ways to successfully impact the community in positive ways.

Eligibility

  • The organization must be a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

  • The organization must be a member of Momentum Nonprofit Partners.

  • Small to Mid-Size organization (budgets under $2.5 million dollars).

  • The organization must have a proven record of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in their internal and external practices. 

  • The organization must work across boundaries, collaborating with other organizations, to develop transformational solutions.

  • Executive staff member must be available to attend the Catalyst Awards, Thursday, April 20, 2023.

(One) Award Winner will receive:

  • $1,500 Cash Prize (1st Place)

  • $500 Cash Prize (2 Runner-ups)

  • Training credit towards six (6) fee-based training offerings at Momentum Nonprofit Partners.

  • Recognition at the Catalyst Awards Luncheon

Timeline

November 14, 2022 – Nominations Open
February 15, 2023 – Nominations Close
February 16 - 28, 2023 – Nominations Reviewed
March 28, 203 – Finalists Announced
April 20, 2023 – Winners Announced during Catalyst Awards Luncheon