Save the Date
October 21, 2026
The Women's Nonprofit Network is proud to announce the return of the WNN Awards Program — a nationwide celebration honouring the trailblazing leaders and initiatives advancing gender equity and driving social change across Canada's nonprofit sector.
Now in its second year, the WNN Awards take a digital-first, story-driven approach that removes geographic and financial barriers to participation, ensuring nominees from every corner of the country can be celebrated on an equal playing field. Award recipients gain national visibility and the opportunity to showcase their impact through WNN's platforms and partner media channels.
WNN Awards Program Returns for 2026
Nominations Opening Soon
Nomination details and eligibility criteria will be announced in May 2026.
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Award Categories
Start thinking about who deserves to be recognized.
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Celebrating emerging talent in the nonprofit sector — recognizing a rising star who has demonstrated exceptional potential and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their community or workplace. This award is open to individuals at any stage of life who are in the early phases of their nonprofit careers. What matters most is dedication, impact, and potential.
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Honouring an individual who has demonstrated exceptional creativity, vision, and leadership to address challenges and create transformative change in the nonprofit sector. Recipients exemplify "out-of-the-box" thinking — carving new pathways and redefining what is possible for women and gender-diverse people in the sector.
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The highest honour bestowed by the Women's Nonprofit Network. This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has dedicated a minimum of a decade to advancing the rights and well-being of women and gender-diverse individuals within the Canadian nonprofit sector — a lifetime of advocacy and leadership that has left a lasting impact on the nonprofit community.
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A special recognition honouring a WNN volunteer who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and gone above and beyond in their contributions to the organization. Awarded only when a volunteer's efforts stand out as truly exceptional over the course of the year. (Not open for public nomination.)
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Honouring women and gender-diverse professionals who have made remarkable strides in creating programs, networks, or spaces that empower individuals, foster confidence, and build supportive communities — cultivating environments where mentorship and collaboration thrive.
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Recognizing women and gender-diverse people in the nonprofit sector who are working to make the sector more equitable, amplify diverse voices and perspectives, and foster a genuine sense of belonging and inclusion. This award celebrates those who pursue DEIB with intentionality — not just in numbers, but in culture, norms, and practice.
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Recognizing women and gender-diverse leaders in the nonprofit sector who empower others, drive impactful change, and actively develop the next generation of leaders. This award celebrates those who have pushed past systemic barriers and are supporting others to do the same.
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Recognizing corporations that demonstrate a strong and ongoing commitment to empowering women and gender-diverse individuals within the nonprofit sector — through inclusive policies, strategic partnerships, mentorship support, and systemic advocacy that goes beyond financial contribution.
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Recognizing women and gender-diverse people who are leading efforts to combat burnout and create supportive workplaces — championing fair wages, work-life balance, and mental health support to ensure nonprofits remain sustainable and empowering places to work.
Celebrating Our 2025 Award Winners
We are proud to honour the remarkable individuals and organizations recognized at the inaugural WNN Awards. Their leadership continues to inspire a growing movement for gender equity across Canada's nonprofit sector.
The WNN Awards are made possible through the generousity of our sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities for 2026 are now available, and we'd love to build a partnership that aligns with your corporate social responsibility goals, brand values, and budget.
What 2025 recipients said:
"The constant flow of support and encouragement throughout the process exemplified the passion and dedication that each individual involved has for the WNN and the women it supports. Well done, everyone, this was perfectly executed!"
"For many years, I’ve poured into my community, often thinking about how to serve others and this is the first time someone has thoughtfully considered me in return. It reminded me that the hard work and sacrifices are not unnoticed."
"The recognition and how thoughtfully everything was organized... the trophy was beautiful, and the extra touch of receiving flowers made it feel even more special."
The 2025 inaugural WNN Awards by the numbers:
150,000+ people reached
8.2% engagement rate
6,000+ community members and growing
To explore sponsorship opportunities, contact: Hailey Rodgers, Founder & Executive Director, Women's Nonprofit Network executivedirector@womensnonprofitnetwork.com