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2026 UTK College of Social Work - Social Justice Changemaker Award
All applications due by July 10th
The Social Justice Changemaker Award, sponsored by the University of Tennessee College of Social Work, recognizes a minority-led nonprofit organization driving transformational change through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This award celebrates organizations advancing social justice by addressing systemic inequities and creating more inclusive, equitable outcomes within their communities.
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Finalists Awards:
The category recipient will receive $5,000, which will be gifted to the organization.
$1,000 will be presented to each of the two finalists. This amount will be gifted to the organization.
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Requirements for this Award:
- Must be a minority-led organization that has been a 501(c)(3) for at least three years, is a member of CNEMT as of May 27, 2026, and have an active and current profile with Giving Matters.
- Organizations should have their mailing address listed in Middle Tennessee and provide significant services to residents of Middle Tennessee.
- Local chapters of national organizations are eligible to apply, provided they are locally managed, have financial information available on a local basis, and the program highlighted in the application had or has direct impact on the Middle Tennessee area.
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Previous Recipients and Finalists:
Previous recipients of this award are not eligible to reapply for three years. (For example, if the agency was a recipient in 2022, the agency is eligible to re-apply in 2026.)
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Please note: This application is a step-by-step process and requires you to pull together much information. You will want to set aside at least 30 minutes to complete it.
Information will not be saved until the application has been fully submitted.
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Nominator Information
(Required.)
Nominator Organization Name
Nominator First Name
Nominator Last Name
Title
Email
Phone Number
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Name of Nominee Organization
(Required.)
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Nominee Organization Information
(Required.)
Street
City
State
Zip Code
Phone Number
Website Address
Giving Matters Site Address
Year Organization Founded
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Nominee Organization Mission Statement
(Required.)
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Nominee Organization Executive Director Information
(Required.)
First Name
Last Name
Phone Number
Email
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Please attach a high-resolution logo for the nominee organization (PNG and JPEG files are highly preferred, must be smaller than 16 MB).
(Required.)
Choose File
No file chosen
Nominee Organization Social Media Handles (example: @CNEMTNashville)
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
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How has the nominee organization proven an impactful commitment to the work of social justice on the policy level for those they serve (limit to 1,000 words)?
(Required.)
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Share how the organization has been deliberate about creating an environment for their stakeholders where everyone is respected and able to achieve their full potential, creating a team, board, and community that is free of discrimination and bias (limit response to 1,000 words).
(Required.)
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How have they led cross-sector change to promote increased inclusion and belonging in the greater Nashville area (limit to 1,000 words)?
(Required.)
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How has their work evolved in response to recent challenges in the community (limit to 1,000 words)?
(Required.)
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In applying for the Salute to Excellence Awards, I have carefully read the requirements for submitting the nomination. I understand that: 1) This entry will be reviewed by the award panelists to ensure all requirements are met, 2) A panel of independent judges will evaluate entries and choose the finalists and a recipient, 3) We may be asked to provide additional information and may be visited by representatives of the judging panel (via Zoom), 4) Any submissions and attachments become the property of CNEMT and may be publicized as a part of the Salute to Excellence Awards promotions.
(Required.)
Yes
No
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I acknowledge the nominee organization is a current CNEMT Member as of May 27, 2026, and has an active and current Giving Matters profile.
(Required.)
Yes
No
