Rachel DesRochers, 2025 Executive of the Year - Small Organization
About the Awards Luncheon
Celebrating the People Who Make Northern Kentucky Stronger
Every day, nonprofit professionals, volunteers, board members, and community leaders work behind the scenes to improve lives across Northern Kentucky. The Horizon Nonprofit Awards recognize these extraordinary individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service strengthen our communities and inspire others.
The Horizon Nonprofit Awards Luncheon brings together nonprofit leaders, community partners, fundholders, donors, elected officials, and business leaders to celebrate the people whose work makes Northern Kentucky a stronger, more vibrant place to live.
This annual event shines a spotlight on the individuals who often work behind the scenes— leading organizations, serving on boards, volunteering their time, and inspiring positive change throughout our region. Join us on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Training & Education Center (SETEC) as we celebrate the changemakers who make a lasting impact in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties.
Nominations Are Now Open
Do you know someone whose passion and commitment deserve to be recongized?
We invite nonprofit organizations, colleagues, volunteers, board members, donors, and community members to nominate individuals who exemplify excellence in service and leadership. New this year, Horizon is introducing the NextGen Leader Award, honoring an exceptional nonprofit professional under the age of 40 who is emerging as a rising leader in Northern Kentucky’s nonprofit sector.
Submit your nomination for the 2026 Horizon Nonprofit Awards in one of the following categories.
Nomination Deadline: July 31, 2026
Executive of the Year – Large Organization
Recognizes an executive leader who has demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership, and organizational impact at a large nonprofit organization.
Executive of the Year – Small Organization
Honors an executive who has successfully led a small nonprofit through innovation, growth, and meaningful community impact.
MVP – Nonprofit Staff Member
Recognizes a nonprofit employee whose dedication initiative, and commitment consistently make a significant difference within their organization and the community.
MVP – Nonprofit Board Member
Honors a volunteer board member whose leadership, governance, and advocacy have strengthened a nonprofit organization and advanced its mission.
Volunteer of the Year
Celebrates an individual who generousl gives their time, talent, and passion to improve the lives of others through volunteer service.
NextGen Leader Award
Recognizes an outstanding nonprofit professional under the age of 40 who is emerging as a rising leader in Northern Kentucky’s nonprofit sector. This award celebrates innovation, leadership, collaboration, and a demonstrated commitment to strengthening our community.
Cultivating Change in Northern Kentucky
About the Community Impact Fund
The Community Impact Fund brings people together through collective giving to address Northern Kentucky’s greatest needs. By supporting nonprofits that innovate, collaborate, and create lasting change, the fund helps strengthen our region today while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.
The Horizon Nonprofit Awards Luncheon raises vital resources that allow Horizon to invest in nonprofits addressing Northern Kentucky’s most pressing needs.
Every dollar raised helps grow the Community Impact Fund, providing flexible grant funding for organizations that are driving innovation, strengthening partnerships, and creating meaningful change across our region. By celebrating the nonprofit leaders making a difference today, the awards also help ensure resources are available to support the community’s needs for year to come.
