New Jersey Social Innovation Awards • 2025
Celebrating Innovations in the Social Sector.
Vision
We strive to live in an equitable society defined as recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to imbalances. The Social Innovations Journal has inspired leaders and organizations since 2009 to continue to dream by creating spaces for social innovators to tap into their own creativity, providing social entrepreneurs with an environment to test and grow their ideas, challenge social innovators to become better versions of themselves, and transform social entrepreneurs and their organizations into changemakers.
The 2025 New Jersey Social Innovation Awards will once again celebrate all innovators and change makers within the New Jersey region who are working hard for social justice. The 2024 New Jersey Awards were an unprecedented success, showcasing the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations driving positive change throughout the state, and we look forward to what the next year will bring.
The 2025 New Jersey Social Innovation Awards promise to be an inspiring and celebratory event that shines a spotlight on the remarkable changemakers in New Jersey. These awards serve as a platform to honor and acknowledge the innovative initiatives and individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact on their communities and beyond. It is clear that the New Jersey Social Innovation Awards will continue to play a vital role in recognizing and fostering the spirit of innovation, creativity, and social responsibility among the people of New Jersey. Stay tuned for more information as we prepare to celebrate those whose passion and ingenuity are transforming our region for the better.
Timeline
Public Nominations Open
Nominations Close - March 21st
Public Voting - March 31st - April 13th
In Person Awards Ceremony @ Conner Strong & Beckelew: TRIAD1828 CENTRE | 2 Cooper Street, Camden, NJ 08102 - 3:00pm - 5:00pm April 16th, 2025
Purpose
The 2025 New Jersey Social Innovations Awards celebrates New Jersey Social Innovators. These awards honor our region’s most passionate social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose work and social impact too often goes unacknowledged, yet their efforts are what makes our communities a thriving region of innovation and opportunity. The theme of the awards, “Achieving a More Just Society,” recognizes organic leadership who re-envision the challenges that communities face and who find innovative solutions to reshape communities. We need to recognize the social innovators who create change through innovative programs, policies, and by revolutionizing realities to bring us all forward to a more equitable and inclusive tomorrow -- today.
Process
The 2025 New Jersey Awards accepts nominations from THE PUBLIC in the published categories. The public nominations will be grouped by categories and members of the region selection and nomination committee will select 5 finalists per category. The finalists will then be put on the slate for public voting. All nominations, whether or not they move to the finalist stage, will be recognized for their work and impact on their local ecosystems.
Award Categories
INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Community Health and Well-Being – Innovative service models improving behavioral health, social determinants of health, and overall community well-being.
INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH EQUITY
Advancing Health Equity – Innovative models and strategies reducing health disparities, addressing social and economic conditions, and ensuring equitable access to care, especially for special populations such as older adults, people with intellectual disability, autism, behavioral health challenges, or physical disabilities.
Community Voice and Impact – Novel strategies that amplify community voice, promote belonging, and influence policy or programs to improve health equity.
POPULATION HEALTH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Excellence in Population and Public Health – Innovative strategies improving clinical health outcomes, care coordination, and public health policy to create sustainable impact.
INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL MOBILITY
Economic, Educational and Workforce Advancement – Innovative workforce development and economic mobility strategies, including educational strategies, that lead to a living wage and financial stability, especially for marginalized communities.
Housing and Community Development – Innovations in stable, attainable housing models that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL SECTOR SYSTEMS
Innovative Philanthropy and Funding Strategies – Funders taking innovative approaches to social sector investment to drive impact.
Transformative Partnerships – Innovative cross-sector partnerships solving complex social or environmental issues, particularly for those with complex needs.
Policy and Legislative Innovation – Innovations in policy reform, financial models, and legislative impact to improve service delivery and reduce barriers to care.