Voting
Voting for the 2026 New Jersey Social Innovation Awards is now open. Voting closes on April 6th, 2026
Proceeding the voting process we will host the 2026 New Jersey Social Innovations In-Person Awards Ceremony on April 9th, 2026 2pm-5pm EDT
Finalists
INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
1. Community Health and Well-Being - Innovative service models improving behavioral health, social determinants of health, and overall community well-being
David's Sensory Gym, Paper Strategies Inc.
Janice Campbell, Tri-State Canines
Pam Capaci, Hope Shed's Light
The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development
Durand, Inc. - Community Connections
Kristin Prinn, LUCY Outreach
INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH ACCESS
2. Advancing Access to Health - Innovative models and strategies reducing health disparities and ensuring access to care, especially for special populations
The Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center at Hamilton
Dr. Marguerite Pedley, Princeton House Behavioral Health, Moorestown NJ
Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi, Cherry Hill Free Clinic
CARE - Community Addiction Recovery Effort
Edwin Asuta, The Arc of Union County
Steve Setteducati, New Concepts for Living
3. Community Voice and Impact - Novel strategies that amplify community voice, promote belonging, and influence policy or programs
Anthony Comerford, New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care
Wendy Alexander, Center For Family Services
Karly Forman Cohen, Raise the Bar
The Salvation Army Kroc Center
Pastor Randy Van Osten, First Baptist Church of Pitman
POPULATION HEALTH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
4. Excellence in Population and Public Health – Innovative strategies improving clinical health outcomes, care coordination, and public health policy to create sustainable impact.
Tabitha Patel
Eat Well Food Farmacy
Maxwell Kursh, Cooper University Health Care
Jessica Czepiel, Inspira Health
Sharsheret, Inc.
INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL MOBILITY
5. Economic, Educational and Workforce Advancement - Innovative workforce development, education, and economic mobility strategies
Onna Jones, Hopeworks
Camden Dream Center
Pamela Brant, Symphony in C
GoMo Health's Behavioral Health Division
Corey Hoffmann, Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors
6. Housing and Community Development - Innovations in stable, attainable housing models that strengthen communities
Thrive Red Bank, Parents With A Plan
George Vessels, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
Richard Cotton, Asbury Farms Real Estate
Ross Croessman, Project Live
NJ Organizing Project
INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL SECTOR SYSTEMS
7. Innovative Philanthropy and Funding Strategies - Funders taking innovative approaches to social sector investment
Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and Camden Coalition
Kim Bezanis, Zallie Community Foundation
Sherie Martin, PNC Charitable Trusts
8. Transformative Partnerships - Cross-sector partnerships solving complex social or environmental challenges.
Share My Meals and the Meal Recovery Coalition
Dana Redd, Camden Community Partnership
Jonathan Cummings, Revive South Jersey and Ranch Hope
Durand, Inc. - Community Connections
Joseph's House
9. Advocacy, Policy, and Systems Change - Innovative advocacy, policy reform, and legislative strategies advancing rights, justice, and structural change
Catherine Chin, The Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities (ABCD)
Volunteer UP Legal Clinic Staff
Bikers Against Child Abuse - South Jersey Chapter
Contact of Burlington County
Heather Simms, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey
10. Thought Leadership and Capacity Building - Strengthening the social sector through research, learning, and leadership development
Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs Center (RISN)
Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs - Rutgers-Camden
Association of Fundraising Professionals, New Jersey, Southern Chapter, AFP Global
Robert Budsock, Integrity, Inc.
Mary Coogan, Advocates for Children of NJ