Nominations Now Open – Annual MCOA Award Submissions

Jul 22, 2026 | News

The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) is now accepting nominations for our annual awards!

Submission deadline, September 4, 2026

These awards honor individuals, groups, and programs that have significantly impacted the lives of older adults. Categories include “Director of the Year” and “Innovation of the Year.”
Join us in celebrating the champions of our older adult community. Nominate someone today and help us honor their exceptional work and dedication!
We are accepting nominations from municipal employees, including COA Board members, staff, and municipal leadership.
Awards will be presented at the Fall Conference, October 22-24 at the beautiful Sea Crest Beach Resort in Falmouth. Questions? Please contact kelly@mcoaonline.org

Innovation of the Year

Award Criteria

COAs are allowed to self-nominate their programs for this award

  • Introduction of a New Initiative
    • Launched a creative or groundbreaking initiative.
    • Significantly enhanced services, programs, or operations of their COA.
  • Measurable, Positive Impacts
    • Improved the COA’s ability to serve its community.
    • Increased efficiency.
    • Expanded outreach.
  • Innovation and Sustainability
    • Shows potential for long-term sustainability.
    • Replicable in other COAs or aging service organizations.

Innovation of the Year Nomination Form

Nomination Statement:

Please provide a detailed description below of why the nominee deserves this award. Include specific examples of how they meet the criteria above for the award category for which you are nominating them.
Project Contact Name
Please add individuals who worked on the Innovation if applicable
Address
The nominee should have introduced a new, creative, or groundbreaking initiative that has significantly enhanced the services, programs, or operations of their COA. The initiative should have demonstrated measurable, positive impacts on the COA's ability to serve its community, improve efficiency, or expand outreach. The innovation should show potential for long-term sustainability and be replicable in other COAs or aging service organizations.

Please let us know who is making this nomination.

Please fill in the fields below so we know who to contact about this nomination submission.
Primary Contact
Address

MCOA Director of the Year

Award Criteria

  • Exceptional Leadership Qualities
    • Exhibits vision and integrity.
    • Demonstrates effective decision-making leading their COA.
  • Positive Community Impact
    • Implements innovative programs.
    • Provides outstanding service delivery.
    • Engages in impactful advocacy efforts.
  • Advocacy and Collaboration
    • Advances the interests of older adults.
    • Fosters collaborations that strengthen the COA’s community role.

MCOA Director of the Year Nomination Form

Nomination Statement:

Please provide a detailed description below of why the nominee deserves this award. Include specific examples of how they meet the criteria above for the award category for which you are nominating them.
Nominee Name
How many years has the Director been in their position.
Address
The nominee should demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, including vision, integrity, and effective decision-making in leading their COA. They should positively impact the lives of older adults in their community through innovative programs, advocacy, or service delivery. Additionally, the nominee should engage in advocacy efforts that advance the interests of older adults and foster collaborations that strengthen the COA's role within the community.

Please let us know who is making this nomination.

Please fill in the fields below so we know who to contact about this nomination submission.
Primary Contact
Address