Celebrate Awards

Our annual Celebrate Awards are a party with a purpose – to honor our incredible nonprofit and volunteer community. The 2026 Celebrate Awards will be at Erlanger Park on June 18. Nominations close April 10, so don’t wait.

Award Categories

Nonprofit of the Year

This award recognizes an organization excelling in mission impact, collaboration, sustainability, and operations.

Nonprofit Leader of the Year

This award is presented to a Nonprofit President/CEO who serves as a guiding light in our community; representing the best that local nonprofits have to offer in terms of driving their mission and impact to create real change.

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognizes an outstanding individual or group who has demonstrated extraordinary generosity with their time and talent as had made significant community impact through volunteer service.

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes an emerging nonprofit organization operating for 3 years or less that has made a significant impact in their early stages of operation within our community.

Live United, not Divided

This award recognizes an organization working to build a more united community where every voice is uplifted.

Our 2025 Winners

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Nonprofit of the Year

First Things First

“This recognition affirms our commitment to equipping couples and parents with the resources they need to build strong, healthy relationships. Stronger families create stronger communities, and this fuels our passion to break generational cycles and create positive change. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a lasting impact and remain dedicated to helping people thrive in their relationships and in life.”

Nonprofit Leader of the Year

Dave Buck with the Chattanooga Autism Center

“Every day I’m grateful for how lucky I am to get to collaborate with so many of the most dedicated and passionate nonprofit leaders in our community. I’m incredibly proud of all of us and what we accomplish together.”

 

Roper's Live United, not Divided Award

Be The Change Youth Initiative

“Be The Change Youth Initiative is incredibly honored to win United Way’s Live United, Not Divided Award. We believe real change happens when people come together with a shared purpose, and this nomination reflects the impact our young leaders are creating as catalysts for change.”

Rising Star Award

Chattanooga Free Store

“We at the Chattanooga Free Store are positively DELIGHTED to be the winner of the new Rising Star Award!  Our organization is 100% fueled by our community – from the volunteers who staff the store, to the donors who bring in items to share, to the funders who pay our rent.  Thanks to the United Way and to everyone who supports us and believes in what we do – creating a safe space for all Chattanoogans to access what they need.  Solidarity, y’all!”

Volunteer of the Year

Margy Oehmig volunteer for Metropolitan Ministries

“Metropolitan Ministries has held a special place in my heart for over 25 years. I have witnessed first-hand the incredible help offered to those in need of housing, utility payments, etc. The list of needs is endless; the one constant being compassion, dignity, and respect. I am very honored to receive this award on their behalf. “

Photo Gallery

Want to Stay in the Know?

Check our socials and stay tuned!

See the memorable moments from last year and stay tuned for when tickets go on sale.

Celebrate Photo Gallery

More Ways to Get Involved

Give

Your donation stays local to support life-changing efforts in your own backyard.

 

Donate Now

Volunteer

Find opportunities to share your time and talents with those who need it most.

 

Serve Today

Advocate

Use your story to advocate for a brighter future for all.

 

Learn More