ONPHA Innovation Award

About this award 

The ONPHA Innovation Award recognizes non-profit housing providers that have developed an innovative response to an environmental, operational or community challenge. Their initiatives demonstrate promising outcomes and serve as inspirations for other non-profit housing providers. 

This award recognizes an organization (rather than an individual) for a particular project or initiative.

Eligibility criteria  

The initiative or program must meet the following criteria:

• One or more of the participating organizations must be an ONPHA Housing Provider Member.
• Has created a unique program or service response to a challenge facing the corporation, its tenants, community, or physical environment, either individually or in partnership.
• Demonstrates creativity, quality, and innovation.
• The program or service response can serve as a model for other non-profit housing providers.
• Has evidence (qualitative or quantitative) of the initiative’s impact on individuals, the community, the environment and/or the organization.
• Is a recent initiative, in place no longer than five years.

2026 Awards

Do you know someone doing great work? Nominate them for the 2026 ONPHA Award by Friday, May 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Doing it offline? Download the nomination form here.

2025 ONPHA Innovation Award Winner:

Expanding Possible | Circle Community LandTrust

Circle Community LandTrust’s Expanding Possible capital repair program shows that housing renovations can be more than repairs, they can be a blueprint for the future. By weaving affordability, sustainability, and dignity into every repair plan, Circle is transforming homes into lasting, resilient spaces. The results speak for themselves: 60% less energy use, 95% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and homes built to stand strong for decades to come.

Past Winners

Other ONPHA Awards

Know someone who deserves recognition? Explore our other awards and nominate them today!