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 Bates-Hendricks Community Garden 2nd Place Recipient for the Physical Revitalization category for Neighborhood of the Year Award 2025
The 2025 Collaborative Spirit Award winner will be announced at INRC’s 4th Annual Jubilee on October 9, 2025. The winner will also be recognized at the 2026 Neighbor Power Indy closing session.
Vote for the 2025 Collaborative Spirit Award Winner!
