All year round, nonprofits from all over our city and state work hard to make this a better place. And once a year, we get to honor them at our annual Light a Fire awards, where one of the winners goes home with a big check to continue their important work. 

This year is our 15th year, and we want to make this a big one. We’ve added a brand new award this year called Leveling the Field, awarded to a nonprofit pushing for gender equality. 

But we need your help to make this the best Light a Fire award season ever.  Follow this link to submit a nomination now! (Deadline for nominations is June 30). We want to hear all about the nonprofits, volunteers, and charitable projects dedicated to improving our communities. You can submit a nomination for anyone you think is deserving—including yourself. The winners will be chosen by an independent panel of experts. 

Over 15 years, the Light a Fire Award have honored more than 200 organizations and individuals working on a range of issues, including health care, education, the environment, hunger, at-risk youth, and homelessness.

With more than 22,000 registered nonprofit organizations across the Portland metro area, we lean on our readers and fellow citizens to help us determine whom to celebrate. Honorees will have their stories featured in Portland Monthly’s November issue (check out last year’s winners here) and will be feted at our annual Light a Fire awards ceremony on Thursday, November 21st, at the Portland Art Museum, where one lucky nonprofit will also receive our big check.

Please let us know now who to shine a light on this year!