2026 Salute to Excellence Awards

October 27, 2026
at Music City Center

Celebrate the achievements, remarkable leadership, impressive impact, and inspiring innovation of nonprofit organizations across Middle Tennessee alongside community influencers and nonprofit leaders during an engaging luncheon with a vibrant atmosphere for attendees to connect and network.

Nominations open May 27-July 10th

Tickets will go on sale August 26!!

Partner with CNE

Show your support for Middle Tennessee’s strong network of nonprofits and invest in the impact they’ll make on the region for years to come. View sponsorship opportunity details and make your organization’s commitment to nonprofit excellence known.

Email CEO Meagan Flippin to secure your sponsorship now. Deadline is August 1, 2026.

2026 Salute to Excellence Co-Chairs

Brynn Plummer

Global Head of Community & Belonging,
AllianceBernstein

Brynn brings a deep commitment to diversity shaped by her work to empower minority-owned businesses and her longstanding service to several Middle Tennessee nonprofits.

Ryan Wood

Executive Managing Director,
Colliers

Ryan pairs a 17-year career in financial services with a powerful track record of civic leadership and volunteerism.

2026 Salute to Excellence – Call for Nominations

Watch the virtual kick-off of the 2026 Salute to Excellence Awards, held on May 27! This event launched our annual celebration of nonprofit excellence across Middle Tennessee. Discover how to submit a nomination, explore award categories, and join a powerful tradition that honors the organizations and leaders driving meaningful change in our community.

Nominations open! Click on award below to make your nomination!

Leadership Award

The Leadership Award honors a nonprofit organization that has demonstrated exceptional resilience by successfully navigating significant fiscal or operational challenges. Through strong leadership and strategic decision-making, the organization has achieved a meaningful turnaround—emerging stronger, more stable, and better positioned to advance its mission and serve the community.

UTK College of Social Work – Social Justice Changemaker Award

This award recognizes a minority-led nonprofit organization driving transformational change through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This award celebrates organizations advancing social justice by addressing systemic inequities and creating more inclusive, equitable outcomes within their communities.

New Generations Award

The New Generations Award recognizes a nonprofit organization that successfully engages new and diverse audiences through innovative outreach, programming, or communications strategies. This award celebrates efforts to expand reach and relevance by connecting with new clients, donors, volunteers, or communities, ensuring the organization’s mission resonates across generations and evolving demographics.

Community Impact Award

The Community Impact Award honors an organization or collaborative effort driving systemic change in health and human services. This award recognizes initiatives that address root causes, influence policy and practice, and engage diverse stakeholders to create long-term, equitable improvements for entire populations.

Revenue Development Award

The Revenue Development Award recognizes a nonprofit organization that has implemented innovative and effective strategies to generate sustainable funding. This award celebrates creative approaches to fundraising or revenue diversification that strengthen financial stability and support long-term mission success.

Frontline Caregiver Award

The Frontline Caregiver Award honors individuals who embody compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication in service to others. Recognizing those who work directly with clients, this award celebrates consistent, values-driven care—highlighting individuals who go above and beyond to meet needs, uplift dignity, and demonstrate a profound commitment to their organization’s mission over time.

Board Member of the Year Award

The Board Member of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding nonprofit board member who exemplifies leadership, governance, and advocacy. This award honors individuals who demonstrate deep commitment, provide strategic guidance, and actively support their organization’s mission—especially during times of challenge or change.

Pinnacle Financial Partners – CEO of the Year Award

This award recognizes an outstanding nonprofit executive whose leadership drives organizational excellence and meaningful mission impact. This award honors a CEO who demonstrates strategic vision, effective management, and the ability to inspire teams, stakeholders, and communities to achieve measurable and lasting results.

Delta Dental of Tennessee – C-Suite Professional of the Year Award

This award honors a senior nonprofit leader, excluding the CEO/Executive Director, who demonstrates exceptional leadership and impact within their organization. This award recognizes individuals who drive strategy, strengthen operations, and contribute significantly to organizational success and mission delivery.

First Horizon Bank – Hall of Excellence Award

The Hall of Excellence Award recognizes visionary leaders whose sustained contributions have shaped and strengthened the nonprofit sector in Middle Tennessee. This award celebrates individuals whose careers reflect exceptional leadership, enduring impact, and an unwavering commitment to advancing mission-driven work. Hall of Fame inductees leave a lasting legacy—transforming organizations, influencing systems, and inspiring the next generation of nonprofit leaders.