Hit the Hill
NNA Legislative Day
Advocate and Educate
NNA receives broad bipartisan support from both the House of Representatives and the Senate as they appropriate funds and enact legislation that benefits the communities our members work in. We solidify this support by coordinating one full day when our membership “hits the Hill” to tell the story of NeighborWorks organizations’ challenges, opportunities and impacts.
NNA Legislative Day
At our last in-person NNA Legislative Day, with a total of 200 people hitting the Hill to tell our story and advocating for FY25 funding.
NNA Annual Legislative Day
Every Spring, NNA hosts its annual Legislative Day in Washington, DC where members meet with Members of Congress to advocate and educate the Hill on the collective impact and success of the NeighborWorks network, and each individual NeighborWorks organization. NNA invites all NeighborWorks organizations to the Hill, which leads to over 180 organizations participating, resulting in sustaining $158 million in core appropriations for FY25!
The most recent event was capped off with the NNA Legislative Day reception, hosted by Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) with presentations by Vice Chairwoman Susan Collins (ME), Senator Jack Reed (RI), Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01).
We instill in our members that advocacy is not a one-day event, but a much-needed activity throughout the year.
2025 Excellence Awards
The National NeighborWorks Association (NNA) is pleased to announce the 21st annual National NeighborWorks Excellence Awards. Across the NeighborWorks® Network, there are countless examples of organizations and leaders who exemplify spirit and boldness in their unwavering commitment to advancing our collective goals to change lives and transform communities.
The National NeighborWorks Excellence Awards highlight the work of those leaders and the organizations they serve as a way of celebrating significant accomplishments, and a source of inspiration for all of us as we seek to build a Network of Excellence.
The awards will be announced on April 3, 2024 at the in-person National NeighborWorks Executive Director’s Symposium in Washington, DC.
Now is the time to take stock of the accomplishments your organization has had, celebrate your executive leadership as a way of thanking them, and inspire others in the Network.
It is very easy to nominate someone and we invite nominations from your board, from your staff, from your colleagues and from you! There are three different awards: The Richard H Stallings Lifetime Achievement Award, the Organizational Impact Award, and the Emerging Leader Award.
If you need any assistance or have questions you may contact Deb Elzinga or Lou Tisler. You may also want to contact someone in your organization to assist you with the nomination process. Application due date is 5pm PST on February 28, 2025.
With Gratitude,
Deb Elzinga, NNA Excellence Awards Nomination Committee
debe@communityframeworks.org
Lou Tisler, Executive Director, National NeighborWorks® Association
ltisler@nnwa.us
RICHARD H. STALLINGS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Richard H. Stallings Award is named in honor of one of the key leaders who helped inspire the creation of the National NeighborWorks Association. Mr. Stallings was the CEO of NeighborWorks Pocatello and served in the US House of Representatives from 1985-1993. After serving in Congress, Mr. Stallings served as Board President of NNA and then as an advisor to the board of directors in opening doors and building relationships with members of Congress. This award recognizes an Executive Director/CEO who has served in the housing or community development field and has made significant contributions during their career. Nominees must be nearing retirement (within the next year), or have been employed by an NNA Member organization within the last 18 months to be eligible.
Click here to apply: Richard H. Stallings Lifetime Achievement Award
ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT AWARD
The Organizational Impact Award is focused on the organization as a whole or specific endeavor of the organization which has created significant impact for residents and the community. Impact is defined here as how the organization truly made a difference. This award focuses on the true spirit of impact by celebrating how the organization has impacted the lives of the people that it serves. This award highlights the work of an organization that has resulted in a significant impact within the community, and/or in the lives of the people the organization serves.
Click here to apply: Organizational Impact Award
EMERGING LEADER AWARD
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes professionals early in their career who show exceptional promise for future contributions to the field of affordable housing and community development. We will recognize an up-and-coming leader who has been in their position for less than five years and has produced remarkable projects or programming in a leadership capacity (whether or not they hold a formal or appointed leadership role/title within their organization). The award, therefore, is focused on any executive or key staff member who has already made significant contributions to the profession and has demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing service. Nominees should also be able to provide examples of how they have played a positive role at the local or regional level within their agency or within the community in activities that advance the work of the organization
Click here to apply: Emerging Leader Award
For the full criteria for all awards, please download the NNA Excellence Awards document here: 2025 Excellence Awards Descriptions & Criteria