Community Champions Awards
Submit Nominations Here
Celebrate Those Making a Difference in the Lives of Children and Families
The Children’s Trust of Alachua County invites you to help us recognize the individuals, young people, businesses, organizations and community leaders who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, youth and families across Alachua County.
The Children’s Trust Community Champions Awards, sponsored by SouthState Bank, celebrate exceptional leadership, service, innovation, advocacy and community impact. Whether through youth leadership, community partnerships, hands-on service or a lifetime of dedication, these honorees represent the people and organizations helping build a stronger future for our community.
Award Categories
1. Youth Empowerment Award (2 awards)
Kindergarten – Rising 5th Grade
Recognizes a young person who demonstrates outstanding leadership, advocacy, youth engagement, and a commitment to empowering others. Through acts of kindness, service, perseverance, or community involvement, the recipient inspires peers, contributes positively to their school or neighborhood, and exemplifies the values of responsible citizenship and leadership at an early age.
Rising 6th Grade – Rising 12th Grade
Recognizes a middle or high school student who demonstrates exceptional youth leadership, advocacy, civic engagement, and a commitment to empowering fellow youth. Through volunteerism, mentorship, community service, or leadership initiatives, the recipient has made a meaningful impact on their school or community while inspiring others to become active and engaged leaders.
2. Community Champion Award
Recognizes an individual, business, organization, or community leader whose commitment to children, youth, and families has created meaningful and lasting impact within the community. This award honors those who promote strong community partnerships among schools, nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, or other community partners to develop innovative solutions, strengthen community connections, and improve outcomes for children and families across Alachua County.
3. Rising Star Award
Recognizes an emerging leader who is making a promising impact during the early stages of their service or career. Eligible nominees should have served in a leadership role for three years or less and demonstrate creativity, innovation, initiative, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of children, youth, and their families. This award honors individuals whose leadership shows exceptional promise and significant potential for long-term community impact.
4. Children's Trust Heart of Service Award
Recognizes a currently funded Children's Trust provider organization that exemplifies exceptional hands-on service and support to children, youth, and families. This award honors providers that consistently demonstrate compassion, reliability, and unwavering dedication in meeting the needs of children and youth while delivering high-quality services. Recipients embody the Children's Trust's mission through excellence, responsiveness, and a steadfast commitment to improving outcomes for the families they serve.
5. Lifetime Impact Award
Recognizes an individual whose lifelong dedication, leadership, and service have created a lasting legacy for children, youth, and families in Alachua County. Through years of advocacy, mentorship, philanthropy, community leadership, or professional service, the recipient has made extraordinary contributions that continue to strengthen the community and inspire future generations. This award celebrates a lifetime devoted to expanding opportunities, improving outcomes, and leaving an enduring positive impact on Alachua County.
What Happens After You Submit a Nomination?
Every nomination is an opportunity to shine a light on someone making a difference.
Eligible nominations will be reviewed by our awards committee, who will select three finalists.
A winner will then be chosen and announced in December Award recipients will be recognized at the Children’s Trust Awards on December 14, 2026, during the Children’s Trust of Alachua County Board meeting.
We encourage you to take a moment to recognize someone who is helping children, youth and families thrive.
Your nomination will help us celebrate a deserving individual or organization making an impact throughout Alachua County.
