Award Nominations

Nominate an Individual or Organization by July 24

"​Community development is hard. We all deserve to celebrate the good work happening around us. Nominating a great organization was an easy, meaningful way to lift each other up and share some joy." - Mary Delaney, Executive Director of Community Matters

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Nominations are now open for the 42nd OCDCA Annual Conference awards. This is an opportunity to recognize individuals, organizations, and projects that reflect this year's theme, Rooted in Place: Growing Strong, Interconnected Community Ecosystems, those whose work strengthens local communities and builds meaningful, lasting partnerships across the field. 

Know someone or an organization doing amazing work? Nominate them - it only takes 5 minutes!
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Whether it's a standout staff member/organization, a visionary project, or a dedicated partner, these awards are a statewide recognition of passion, progress, and perseverance. Awardees will continue to be recognized by OCDCA throughout the year, helping their organizations open doors and increase visibility. 
If your nomination is selected, you'll even get the chance to present the award to the winner at our Annual Conference in Athens! Awardees also get to attend the Awards Breakfast portion of the conference at no cost.

A testimonial from Jessica Kline, the Executive Director at New Home Development, who nominated the 2025 2025 Ned D. Neuhausel Award recipient, Caren Bauer, Director at New Home Development:
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"The selfless, community-centered work of CDC professionals often goes unrecognized. Nominating a colleague for an Ohio CDC Association award is a powerful way to honor the passion, perseverance, and deep commitment that define this field.
Last year, I had the privilege of nominating Caren Bauer, who was selected as the 2025 Ned D. Neuhausel Award recipient. The nomination process was simple and straightforward, and the chance to celebrate Caren’s 35 years of selfless service was priceless. I encourage you to take this meaningful step to recognize someone who embodies the spirit of community development."

​​Nominations are open now through July 24 at 5 PM.
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Honor the work that inspires and nominate a peer who helps your community grow stronger every day!

Awards List

Awards given to individuals who are staff of OCDCA Members:

Stephanie J. Bevens Award
The award honors Stephanie Bevens, a long-time OCDCA Board Member, an innovative director of microenterprise programs at Pike County Community Action, and a tireless advocate on behalf of low-income entrepreneurs. Nominate a CDC staff member with an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong advocate on behalf of low- to-moderate income people. 
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CDC Staff Member of the Year
Nominate an outstanding staff member, full or part-time who has made the work of the CDC a success. 

Award given to individuals who do not work for OCDCA members, so long as they are affiliated with one:

Ned D. Neuhausel Award
In honor of Ned Neuhausel, long-time leader in Ottawa County's disability support system and Executive Director of Ottawa Residential Services, Inc. Nominate one person who has played a key role in providing affordable housing for vulnerable people and been a strong advocate on their behalf.

Awards given to OCDCA Members:

CDC Project of the Year
This award gives recognition to an outstanding CDC project related to affordable housing, community economic development, community engagement, financial empowerment or food access.
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CDC of the Year
Nominate a CDC (nonprofit OCDCA member) that has done outstanding work this year.

Award given to a partner organization of an OCDCA Member:

Community Development Partner of the Year
The nomination may be a special non-profit or faith-based organization, business, financial institution, foundation, intermediary, government agency or other entity that has provided support to a CDC.