The NCCAA Annual Conference is scheduled for May 13 - 16, 2025. This email contains information about Award Nominations, but act fast! Deadline for some awards is tonight.

Three New Awards

Executive Director of the Year

This award is presented annually to an Executive Director who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in impactful program development and implementation, stakeholder engagement, and resource mobilization to effectively address community needs and to achieve the agency’s mission and strategic plan. Nominations may be submitted by staff or agency board members.

Board Member of the Year

This award is presented annually to an outstanding CAA board member who has made significant contributions to the well-being and economic mobility of low-income communities through their work on the board. Nominations may be submitted by the Executive Director or agency board members. 

In recognition of the responsibilities and challenges of public service, NCCAA has established an annual award to recognize the outstanding service and contributions of an elected official who has significantly advanced the cause of Community Action in North Carolina. Nominees may be submitted by Executive Directors, board members, or staff of NCCAA member agencies.

Inductees for the 2025 Hall of Fame will join an esteemed list of champions, including change agents in our local communities, passionate members of various Boards of Directors, Executive Directors, volunteers, and awesome members of your staff. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, March 21, 2025.

Standing Awards

Standing awards are an important part of our annual conference each year.

Please take time to submit nominations from your agency!

Deadline for Awards Below is TONIGHT AT 12am!

This award is presented annually to an individual member of the N.C. Community Action Association. The member nominated shall have been in good standing with the Association not less than two years. This award focuses on exemplary individual contributions to the Association, the local community or agency and/or the low-income community at large.

The Gloria M. Williams Award is presented annually to a corporation, foundation, or other valuable partner that has advanced the cause of the North Carolina Community Action Association or one of its members. The focus of this reward will be substantial financial, volunteer, or political support of the association or one of its members.

The Lonnie D. Burton Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who, through the assistance of a Community Action Program, has achieved a significant level of self-sufficiency and independence, while recognition is given to the local Community Action Agency’s role in helping nominees to help themselves. This award focuses on the personal progress and achievements of the individuals nominated. CAA employees are not eligible for this award unless they are former recipients of CAA services.

Show your gratitude and let team members from the boardroom to the mailroom know you value what they do. Nominate ONE person who exemplifies "the heart" of community action! This deserving community action associate demonstrates passion, dedication, and discipline. He or she consistently goes above and beyond expectations in service to the agency, colleagues, families, and communities. The NCCAA looks forward to honoring this exemplary community action professional with the prestigious “The Essential Piece” award.

The North Carolina Community Action Association is proud to award this annual scholarship in honor of the late Dr. Andrea Harris. Dr. Andrea Harris was a trailblazer who never stopped fighting for social and racial equity. As the executive director of the Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity Inc., she was the first Black woman to oversee a community action agency in North Carolina. A leader and advocate for the marginalized and disenfranchised, Andrea dedicated her life to overcoming barriers to economic growth and opportunity, especially for people of color and women in the state. Dr. Harris’ legacy of community service and leadership exemplify the heart of community action and we are proud to continue her legacy by supporting the next generation of community leaders.