Innovation

June 2, 2026

In 2026 the Meridian Foundation will have a limited time opportunity for nonprofits to apply for the annual innovation award. Interested nonprofits should complete the short inquiry form between June 2 and August 3 on Google drive. The rolling application window allows the foundation to review submissions as they are submitted, giving more attention to innovative nonprofits that apply earlier.

Nonprofit innovation is defined as a creative solution, large or small, solving a community problem.

The short inquiry form for an Arago Honor on Google drive, linked here, is the first step in the consideration process for an innovation award. For nonprofits who wish to view the entire form in advance there is a pdf of all short inquiry form questions here.

Nonprofits that make their case for innovation on the short inquiry form will be invited to complete the longer Arago honor application form, also on Google drive. We would like to stress that nonprofits should be clear about the problem they are solving in the community to advance in our review process.

In addition, the Meridian Foundation celebrates the ongoing innovation work of three formerly recognized nonprofits in 2026: Be Nimble Foundation, Christel House, and CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions. These nonprofits were previously honored as first-time Arago Honor recipients in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The nonprofits share an additional $37,500 in 2026 for their continued work as innovators. The summary of these three second ideation programs by Be Nimble, Christel House and CICOA that are furthering nonprofit innovation concepts is available here.

Inquiries about the Arago Honor innovation awards in 2026 can be sent to indymeridianfoundation@gmail.com.