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YOUNGSTOWN ---- The Western Reserve Transit Authority is accepting nominations for its 2026 WRTA Nonprofit Awards.
Six local nonprofits will be honored at a dinner on Nov. 11 at the B&O Station Banquet Hall, 530 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown.
Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA, said each winner receives a WRTA Nonprofit Award, recognition at a special dinner and a shared regional marketing campaign to help further its mission. One of the six winners will receive an additional honor and be named WRTA 2026 Nonprofit of the Year at the dinner and also receive a $1,000 donation.
Since its inception, 50 Mahoning Valley nonprofits have been recognized. Past nominees and past winners are eligible again after two years.
"Local non-profit organizations do the work most people never see, and the Valley depends on them. Many of their clients, their volunteers, and their staff ride WRTA. So, we try go the extra mile and be a little innovative. Instead of just honoring them at a dinner and giving them an award, we get them in front of the community with a real marketing push to help them with their mission. The awareness this award creates helps generate donations and volunteers for the non-profits. It also makes it easier for people who need their services to contact them." Harris said.
The ACLD School & Learning Center was a 2025 WRTA NonProfit Award Winner.
ACLD Executive Director Ricky Fire said "Everyone at ACLD is so grateful. ACLD has received three times the number of school applications we typically get each year. We've also worked with several new parents, children and families who found us due to your support,” Fire said.
Anyone may nominate an organization: a client, a volunteer, a neighbor, a board member, or the nonprofit itself. After a nomination is received, the nonprofit must complete a short response before it can be considered. If someone outside of the organization submits a nomination, the nonprofit must agree to being included in the awards process.
All of the Mahoning Valley's nonprofits are eligible, including organizations that distribute food, serve youth or veterans, provide health care, support the arts, strengthen neighborhoods and do other community work.
Nominees vie to win an award in one of six categories:
• Community Impact -- the organization with a broad footprint or deep measurable service in the community.
• Grassroots Hero -- a smaller, neighborhood-focused nonprofit making a large difference with lean resources.
• Innovation in Service-- a creative approach, new use of technology, or a new solution to a local challenge.
* Excellence in Collaboration-- an organization that partners well with other agencies, volunteers, and local institutions.
• Rising Star-- a newer or fast-growing nonprofit that has made a mark in the region.
• Community Cornerstone -- an established institution with a long record of service.
The six winners will be announced November 1 so they can attend the Nov 11 awards event. The Nonprofit of the Year will be announced at the November 11 dinner. A representative of each winning organization must attend to receive the award.
Nominations are needed by Tuesday. To nominate a deserving nonprofit go to WRTAonline.com.