ABOUT PCIA
Since the idea was born in 2006, the Pillar Community Innovation Awards has become the biggest storytelling event for the social impact sector in Canada. The Pillar Community Innovation Awards celebrates how individuals, organizations and enterprises are investing in positive community impact in our region in the categories of Innovation, Leadership, Impact, Collaboration and Community Choice.
At the core of the Pillar Community Innovation Awards is a desire to share stories of positive impact and to build community connections for social good. Our hope is to honour and amplify those doing critical work to improve our region, raise awareness about systemic issues and inspire our attendees to consider how they can contribute to a more engaged, more vibrant and more inclusive community.
Why take the time to tell stories and celebrate when there is so much work left to do? Storytelling is a powerful tool for transformation. Stories can move us, inspire us, unite us and ultimately have the power to change us at our very core. Stories are our connection to the past and our bridge to the future we wish to create.
The stories we believe are the way we see the world. They can divide us or unite us. Sometimes we become disconnected from the reality of those facing struggles in our community or feel that we alone can’t make a difference. Stories help hear voices that can go silent and highlight our shared humanity. They show us we are more alike than different and remind us we are in service to each other.
Over the past 15 years, our finalists have shown what is possible when we focus our efforts on solving challenges in our communities and shifting systems and inequities. We hope that the stories of our finalists and the communities they serve might just help you re-frame your own story and consider how you can take action to volunteer, donate or offer to support someone in need so we can co-create a thriving future for our community.
AWARD CATEGORIES
COMMUNITY INNOVATION
Nominees for this award have recognized new and better ways to address a need in the community despite the many demands, and sometimes too few resources. Nominees have found innovative, creative and efficient solutions to make a difference in the lives of others. Their innovative efforts have had a positive impact on the community.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Nominees for this award stand out because of their exceptional professional and/or volunteer achievements in the community, which are above and beyond their role in a paid position. Their integrity, dedication, ingenuity and leadership are undeniable throughout their notable contribution to a nonprofit and/or not for profit social enterprise. These nominees embody the spirit of the community and, through their actions and accomplishments, are an inspiration to others.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Nominees for this award recognize new and better ways to address a need in the community despite the many demands, and sometimes too few resources available. Their efforts have a positive and meaningful impact on the broader community, resulting in clear and measurable change. Nominees in this category demonstrate a commitment to building relationships and collaborating meaningfully with the individuals and communities they serve. They have changed the culture of their organization or worked towards shifting systems by listening to the voices in their community and involving them in solutions and/or processes.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
Nominees for this award provide outstanding examples of collaboration within their communities. These nominees recognize the benefits that come from accessing resources and expertise of individuals, local businesses, government, nonprofits or charities for positive community impact. Through the synergy that comes with community collaboration, the nominees have facilitated increased sustainability, efficiency, impact and innovation in the service they provide to their community. One collaborative partner must be from a nonprofit organization or nonprofit social enterprise.
COMMUNITY CHOICE
Once the finalists are confirmed and announced, the award recipient will be determined by online community vote.