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The Women’s Nonprofit Network (WNN) is proud to announce the launch of our Inaugural WNN Awards Program—a groundbreaking, nationwide celebration honouring the trailblazing leaders and initiatives advancing gender equity and driving social change across Canada’s nonprofit sector.

We are also thrilled to welcome GreenShield as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 WNN Awards! GreenShield’s visionary leadership and commitment to gender equity, mental well-being, and social impact make them the ideal partner for this national celebration. As the sole Presenting Sponsor, GreenShield plays a key role in elevating the voices of women and gender-diverse individuals who are actively shaping a more just and inclusive Canada.

At WNN, we are dedicated to amplifying the voices of those too often overlooked—particularly women and marginalized genders—who are redefining leadership and driving transformation in the nonprofit sector. With nine distinct award categories, the WNN Awards spotlight exceptional individuals and initiatives that are breaking barriers, championing diversity, and building more inclusive, supportive nonprofit spaces.

Whether it’s shattering glass ceilings, prioritizing mental health, or advocating for equity and inclusion, the WNN Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the changemakers behind the scenes who are working tirelessly to create a healthier, fairer Canada.

The campaign will culminate on October 21, 2025. But this is more than a campaign, it’s a movement. Thanks to GreenShield’s generous support, the WNN Awards take a digital-first, story-driven approach that removes geographic and financial barriers to participation. This ensures nominees from every corner of the country can be celebrated on an equal playing field.

Award winners will gain national visibility and have the opportunity to creatively showcase their impact through WNN’s platforms and partner media channels. Through multimedia storytelling, digital features, and public recognition, we’ll amplify their work and inspire a broader movement for gender equity and social change across Canada’s nonprofit landscape.

Nominations Now Open until June 26, 2025

Trailblazer Awards (Four Thematic Awards)

Breakthrough Award

The Breakthrough Award celebrates emerging talent and recognizes a rising star who has demonstrated exceptional potential and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their community or workplace. This award honours an individual who has made a meaningful impact, broken barriers, and shown leadership in empowering others, particularly women and marginalized groups, within their early career or journey.

Note: This is not about age. This is about early career in the nonprofit world. This award is open to individuals at any stage of life who are in the early phases of their nonprofit careers. Whether they’ve recently transitioned into the sector or are just beginning to establish their leadership path, what matters most is their dedication, impact, and potential—not how old they are. We’re recognizing those who are breaking new ground and shaping the future of the nonprofit space through their early contributions. 

Visionary Impact Award

The Visionary Impact Award honours an individual that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, vision, and leadership to address challenges and create transformative change in the nonprofit sector. Recipients of this award are recognized for their courage, commitment, and groundbreaking approaches that inspire others and significantly impact women and gender-diverse people working in the nonprofit space. Their work exemplifies "out-of-the-box" thinking, carving new pathways and redefining what is possible in the sector.

WNN Volunteer of the Year Award

This award honours a volunteer within the Women’s Nonprofit Network who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and gone above and beyond in their contributions to the organization. It is a special recognition, awarded only when a volunteer’s efforts stand out as truly exceptional over the course of the year.

Note: this award is not open for public nomination.

Legacy of Equity Award

The Legacy of Equity Award is the highest honour bestowed by the Women’s Nonprofit Network, recognizing 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. This prestigious award celebrates a lifetime of advocacy and leadership, acknowledging significant contributions to the nonprofit sector and unwavering support for WNN’s mission—often well before its inception. The recipient is a distinguished leader whose enduring commitment has left a lasting impact on the nonprofit community.

Champions of Change Series (Five Thematic Awards)

Empowerment & Connection Award

This award honours 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. By tackling challenges such as loneliness, self-doubt, and a lack of networking opportunities, this award celebrates those who are dedicated to helping others expand their networks, forge meaningful connections, and dismantle barriers within the nonprofit sector. These individuals have cultivated environments where mentorship and collaboration thrive, enabling individuals to grow both personally and professionally.

DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) Award

This award recognizes 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 sense of belonging and inclusion. These individuals build strong relationships, promote collaboration, and create environments where all individuals can thrive. Increasing diversity in numbers is insufficient without changing the underlying culture, norms, and practices that maintain inequity. While many support equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, few pursue it with intentionality. This award recognizes those who have taken meaningful steps towards improving diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in the non-profit sector.

Transformative Leadership Award

This award recognizes women and gender diverse people who are leaders in the nonprofit sector and who support future leaders. These individuals empower others, drive impactful change, and foster environments of collaboration and innovation. The award celebrates those who demonstrate integrity, vision, and commitment to uplifting others and developing future leaders. Women are underrepresented in leadership at nonprofit organizations; and those who reach C-suite positions earn only 75% of men in similar positions. The more prominent and well-funded a nonprofit is, the fewer women it has on its executive board and staff leadership. Even when women reach executive positions, they make between 66-75% of what men in similar positions make. This award recognizes those who have pushed past these barriers and who are supporting others to do the same.

Corporate Trailblazer Award

This award recognizes corporations that demonstrate a strong and ongoing commitment to empowering women and gender-diverse individuals within the nonprofit sector through their support of nonprofit organizations, programs, and professionals. By investing in inclusive policies, initiatives, and partnerships, these corporations actively foster leadership development, equal opportunities, and a culture of belonging. Honoured corporations prioritize gender equity by supporting mentorship programs, providing equitable access to career growth, and addressing barriers such as childcare challenges and limited networking opportunities that often affect women’s participation in the sector. Through strategic collaborations and targeted workplace practices, these corporations play a vital role in creating environments where women and gender-diverse nonprofit professionals can thrive, lead, and succeed. This award celebrates corporations that go beyond financial support to champion systemic change—actively driving empowerment and equity for women in the nonprofit community.

Workplace Wellness Award

This award recognizes women and gender diverse people in the nonprofit sector who are leading efforts to combat burnout and creating supportive workplaces. These individuals champion decent work principles, including fair wages, work-life balance, and mental health support, ensuring that nonprofits remain sustainable and empowering places to work. Their initiatives prioritize the well-being and growth of those who work in the nonprofit sector. 

Bronze Sponsors

We are deeply grateful to the generous sponsors who are helping bring the WNN Awards Program to life. Your support is driving meaningful impact and empowering women across the nonprofit sector in Canada.