Make a Difference Awards

Share Make a Difference Awards on Facebook Share Make a Difference Awards on Twitter Share Make a Difference Awards on Linkedin Email Make a Difference Awards link

Do you know a person or an organization that deserves recognition for their contributions and commitment to helping others in need, improving our neighborhoods, creating community and making Ridgefield a better place to live?

These are the unsung heroes whose volunteer efforts and giving spirit don’t usually get recognition or awards. The Make a Difference Awards are a way for us to say 'Thank You'.

Congratulations to the 2026 Make A Difference Award Winners!


Kathy Winters was recognized as our Individual Award Winner for her participation in multiple non-profits, reading with children, painting and more. In 2025 she was instrumental in bringing the Ridgefield Art Gallery into reality. Her positive impact on community spaces is not new as her fundraising efforts to build the new Ridgefield Community Library were paramount.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors was recognized as this year's Organization Award Winner. They provide food and other essentials to hundreds of people monthly from the 98642 zip code, and manage the Giving Tree each holiday season to provide holiday gifts for families in need.



Do you know a person or an organization that deserves recognition for their contributions and commitment to helping others in need, improving our neighborhoods, creating community and making Ridgefield a better place to live?

These are the unsung heroes whose volunteer efforts and giving spirit don’t usually get recognition or awards. The Make a Difference Awards are a way for us to say 'Thank You'.

Congratulations to the 2026 Make A Difference Award Winners!


Kathy Winters was recognized as our Individual Award Winner for her participation in multiple non-profits, reading with children, painting and more. In 2025 she was instrumental in bringing the Ridgefield Art Gallery into reality. Her positive impact on community spaces is not new as her fundraising efforts to build the new Ridgefield Community Library were paramount.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors was recognized as this year's Organization Award Winner. They provide food and other essentials to hundreds of people monthly from the 98642 zip code, and manage the Giving Tree each holiday season to provide holiday gifts for families in need.



  • CLOSED: The nomination window has closed.

    2026 Make A Difference Award Nominations

    The process is straightforward. Nominate up to two individuals and one organization that you feel should be recognized for work they did in Ridgefield in 2025 and tell us why. City Council will review the nominations and select winners.

    You can complete and submit your nominations online in the surveys below through February 20, 2026.

    Share 2026 Make A Difference Award Nominations on Facebook Share 2026 Make A Difference Award Nominations on Twitter Share 2026 Make A Difference Award Nominations on Linkedin Email 2026 Make A Difference Award Nominations link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    2025 Make A Difference Award Nominations

    The process is straightforward. Nominate up to two individuals and one organization that you feel should be recognized for work they did in Ridgefield in 2024 and tell us why. City Council will review the nominations and select winners.

    You can complete and submit your nominations online in the surveys below through February 21, 2025.

    Share 2025 Make A Difference Award Nominations on Facebook Share 2025 Make A Difference Award Nominations on Twitter Share 2025 Make A Difference Award Nominations on Linkedin Email 2025 Make A Difference Award Nominations link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    2024 - Organizations

    Vote for up to three (3) organizations that you feel should be recognized this year.

    The top three (3) nominees will be recognized, and the top nominee will receive an award.

    The Make a Difference Award ceremony will take place at the State of the City, on March 19, 2024.

    Submissions are due by March 5, 2024.

    Share 2024 - Organizations on Facebook Share 2024 - Organizations on Twitter Share 2024 - Organizations on Linkedin Email 2024 - Organizations link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    2024 - Individual

    The process for nomination is straightforward. Nominate up to three individual(s) whose efforts you think are award worthy, and tell us why. 

    The top three (3) nominees will be recognized, and the top nominee will receive an award.

    The Make a Difference Award ceremony will take place at the State of the City, on March 19, 2024. 

    Submissions are due by March 5, 2024.

    Share 2024 - Individual on Facebook Share 2024 - Individual on Twitter Share 2024 - Individual on Linkedin Email 2024 - Individual link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    2023 - Organizations

    Vote for up to three (3) organizations that you feel should be recognized this year.

    The top three (3) nominees will be recognized, and the top nominee will receive an award.

    The Make a Difference Award ceremony will take place at the State of the City, on March 21, 2023 at 5:30PM. 

    Submissions are due by March 7, 2023.

    Share 2023 - Organizations on Facebook Share 2023 - Organizations on Twitter Share 2023 - Organizations on Linkedin Email 2023 - Organizations link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    2023 - Individual

    The process for nomination is straightforward. Nominate any individual(s) whose efforts you think are award worthy, and why. 

    The top three (3) nominees will be recognized, and the top nominee will receive an award.

    The Make a Difference Award ceremony will take place at the State of the City, on March 21, 2023 at 5:30PM. 

    Submission are due by March 7, 2023.

    Share 2023 - Individual on Facebook Share 2023 - Individual on Twitter Share 2023 - Individual on Linkedin Email 2023 - Individual link
Page last updated: 24 Mar 2026, 01:50 PM