How to Apply?
– Complete the Award’s Nomination online. (Be sure to save your answers on another document so that you can reference again, if needed.)
– Once all entries are submitted, Cause SD team will review all nominations and may contact you via email or phone about your submission, if we have any questions.
Please Note: All finalists & awardees will be provided a discounted ticket to attend and be recognized at the 2026 Cause Conference on Sept. 24
Announcement of Awardees
– All finalists were informed on Sept. 11, 2026.
– All finalists are invited to the 28th Annual Cause Conference on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to be recognized for their superior work at our awards program in the late afternoon.
– All awardees will be recognized on stage during the Cause Conference awards program.
For more details about the 2026 Cause Conference visit www.causesandiego.org. We also have exhibitor spaces and sponsorship opportunities to build awareness about your organization, find clients, partners, investors and volunteers. Contact us at info@causesandiego.org to learn more.
Finalists:
John and Elizabeth Leonard
DeLinda Forsythe
Katie Khasim-San
Leslie Levinson
Finalists:
BBB Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland CA
Business for Good San Diego
North County Philanthropy Council
Catalyst of SD/IC
San Diego Business Chamber
Finalists:
Elusen, Inc.
Sevilla Productions, LLC
J Walcher Communications
Casa Sur Hacienda
Finalists:
Better APC
Civilian
Drab to Fab
House Collective
Finalists:
AutoNation Subaru Carlsbad
TCWGlobal
Mission Fed Credit Union
JPMorganChase
Enterprise Bank & Trust
Finalists:
Think Dignity
Healing Wave Aquatics
LabRats San Diego
Reins of Resilience
Veterans Association of North County (VANC)
San Diego Climate Week
Finalists:
Meals on Wheels of SD County
Adjoin
Feeding San Diego
Walden Family Services
SD Housing Federation
Wakeland Housing & Development Corporation
Finalists:
UCSD Extended Studies
CSU San Marcos
Palomar College
San Diego Oasis
Finalists:
City of Carlsbad
City of Chula Vista
City of Poway Parks & Recreation
Live Well San Diego
Finalists:
Samantha Scholl, BBB Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland CA
Robert Smith, Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO)
Arlene Lieberman, Exec. Director, Barney and Barney Foundation
Ethan Drake, Founder, SD Mental Health Network
Finalists:
Eric Aguilera, Bold Builds Construction, Inc.
Shaina Gross, SDG&E
Sam Mazzeo, Better APC
Jim Floros, Floros and Associates
Finalists:
Karen Henken- USD
Mary McCabe – PLNU
Laura Hall – TEDxSanDiego
Andrew Biros, Ed.D. USD
Finalists:
Bob Kamensky, CEO Feeding San Diego
David Boone, San Diego Military Advisory Council
Chris Thorne, SD Business Chamber
Eligibility: Organizations may apply that conduct social and/or environmental impact programs throughout the year to enhance the quality of life for their employees, customers, communities where they operate. Open to organizations of all sizes operating in the San Diego region, regardless of the organization’s headquarters location.
Social Impact For-Profit Business of the Year
This award acknowledges a business that has excelled by integrating social impact into its mission and/or operations. Nominated businesses should illustrate how their commitment to social responsibility has created positive change in San Diego community while simultaneously achieving business success.
Social Impact Nonprofit Charity of the Year
This award celebrates a nonprofit organization that has made a substantial difference in our community through effective programs, partnerships and initiatives. Nominated organizations should showcase their innovative approaches and the measurable impact of their efforts.
Social Impact Government Agency of the Year
Eligibility: Individuals may apply that contribute their time, talent and/or treasure to improving the San Diego region and the communities where they live, work and play. Open to all paid employees, vendors, volunteers and interns.
Philanthropic & Community Advancement Lifetime Achievement Award
This prestigious award recognizes an individual whose lifelong dedication to philanthropy and community advancement has significantly transformed San Diego. Nominees should demonstrate a sustained impact through their exceptional leadership and commitment to social causes over their careers.
Nonprofit Social Impact Changemaker of the Year
This award praises one individual who has significantly advanced their organization’s mission and impact through community engagement, volunteerism and/or through financial giving. Nominees should demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to creating positive social and/or environmental change in our community through their work.
Business Social Impact Changemaker of the Year
This award praises one person that has significantly advanced their organization’s mission and impact through volunteerism, community engagement and/or financial giving. Nominees should demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to creating positive social change in our community through their work.
Government Social Impact Changemaker of the Year
This award praises one person that has significantly advanced their organization’s mission and impact through community engagement, volunteerism and/or advocacy work. Nominees should demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to creating positive social change in our community through their work.
Veteran Social Impact Changemaker of the Year
This award honors an individual that has made outstanding contributions to support our military community. Nominees should showcase their dedication to enhancing the lives of service members and their families through advocacy and support.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact us at info@causesandiego.org .
Philanthropic and Community Advancement Lifetime Achievement Awardee
Nonprofit Social Impact Leader of the Year
Social Impact Achievement Awardee
CEO, MANA de San Diego
Social Mobility and Advancement Social Impact Leader of the Year
Senior VP, Chief Legislative Officer, Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) & San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E); 25th Annual Cause Conference Honorary Co-Chair
Social Impact Achievement Awardee
National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. & REBOOT
Military Community Champion of the Year
Social Impact Business of the Year