Innovation Awards

January 22, 2026

Posted By: Sarah Pottelberg in Inform USA Awards,

The Inform USA Innovation Award recognizes organizations that have introduced impactful changes within their Community Navigation services. Whether through a simple yet effective adjustment or the execution of a bold, complex strategy, this award celebrates innovations that make a meaningful difference in service delivery and community impact.

Inform USA may award up to three Innovation Awards each year, showcasing excellence and creativity. We encourage diverse interpretations of innovation, from small refinements to groundbreaking solutions!

What is an Innovation?

It inspires! The process leading to the innovation, its implementation and its developer(s) will inspire future innovators in community navigation.
It demonstrates leadership! The nominee(s) demonstrate leadership in their work. There is evidence of initiative, collaboration, risk-taking, and problem-solving in the development and implementation of the innovation.
It makes an impact! The innovation has a positive effect on the organization, the staff, or the community. There is a quantifiable demonstration of the impact the innovation is having because of its successful implementation.

Submit a Nomination!

Past Innovators

211 LA
2025 - Disaster Preparedness

Several wildfires devastated large portions of Los Angeles County, displacing thousands of residents in January of this year. In response, 211 LA activated its disaster response protocol and worked closely with a variety of partners.

211 LA partnered with Airbnb.org to provide displaced residents with free housing, which leveraged Airbnb’s network of hosts, offering accommodations at no charge, ensuring residents had immediate places to stay. 211 LA also worked with the American Red Cross to provide shelter placements and disaster case management.

Submission Details: 211 LA

Supporting Doc: News Releases

United Way of the Midlands
2025 - Cooperative Relationships

211 Military and Family Helpline

Provides confidential, 24/7 support to service members, veterans, and their families, connecting them to essential resources like mental health care, financial assistance, and crisis intervention.

United Way of the Midlands partnered with Offutt Air Force Base to create this program after determining there was a need for military-connected individuals to have access to both government and community programs.