Collaborative Spirit Award 

 

Recognizing Neighbors Who Seek Partnerships To Help Communities Thrive

 

 

The Collaborative Spirit Award is our annual award that celebrates the efforts of neighborhood associations and neighborhood-based organizations working together to better the quality of life in Indianapolis communities. Some examples of these initiatives might include collaboration on projects, community events, and neighborhood planning. 

Since 2006 this award has recognized groups who dedicate their skills and talents to help shape our neighborhoods for the better.

The awardee will receive a cash prize and a one-person trip to attend the annual Neighborhoods USA Conference to be nominated for a national award called the Neighborhood of the Year Award which includes a chance for additional cash prizes. The registration fee, flight, hotel, and per diem costs will be covered.  

The Neighborhood of the Year Award requires a presentation on the project that is then scored by a panel of judges.

There are three categories for award:

  • Physical Revitalization/Beautification
  • Social Revitalization/Neighborliness
  • Multi-Neighborhood Partnerships

Each project is scored based on the level of self-help/financial capability, grassroots involvement, innovation, community benefit, sustainability, leadership development, partnership building, volunteerism, and replicability present in the project.

Learn more about scoring at www.nusa.org/awards.

Collaborative Spirit Award Winner 1000 Words Inc. finalist for the Physical Revitalization category for Neighborhood of the Year Award

 

The 2024 Collaborative Spirit Award winner will be announced at INRC’s 3rd Annual Jubilee on October 10, 2024. The winner will also be recognized at the 2025 Neighbor Power Indy closing session.  

How it Works 

Applications will open on August 5th and close on September 9th. Interested applicants will need to tell us about a completed collaborative community project that will occur or has occurred within the timeline of Jan 1 2024 to Sep 9, 2024.

Once submitted, applicants will also need to create and send us a 3-5 minute video mentioning how the project mobilized community resources and created partnerships for the enhancement of Indianapolis communities.

Videos will be shared on INRC’s YouTube Channel, social media, and newsletter for our audience to vote on their favorite story that demonstrates the spirit of innovation, grassroots leadership, and collaboration in late September. 

Eligibility 

  1. Any neighborhood association or neighborhood-based organization across the city is eligible to submit a nomination who completes a project between Jan 1-September 9 2024
  2. Online applications are due by Monday, September 9, 2024  
  3. Only complete applications with all supporting documentation and a 3–5-minute video will be considered. 

How to Apply

  1. The application is closed.