By Sunni Brown, Contest Chair

The 2026 NFPW Professional Communications Contest is open — and it’s your chance to showcase your talents and creativity across the nation — celebrating work from the 2025 calendar year!

Whether you’re a writer, photographer, designer, editor, public relations professional or communicator in any field, this contest is designed to honor your best work. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your skills celebrated by peers and professionals who understand the value of great communication.

What you need to know

The NFPW Communications Contest is a two-tiered competition that begins at the state/VPC level. First-place winners from state contests advance to the national level for an opportunity for additional recognition.

To qualify for the national contest, entrants must be members of NFPW. Membership can be completed by March 25, 2026, once state awards are announced.

This contest welcomes all communicators — professionals, students, freelancers and teams — regardless of background or location. Eligible work must have been published or broadcast in 2025.

Key deadlines

• Early Bird Deadline: January 21, 2026, at noon
  • A one-time $25 fee will apply to all entries submitted after this date.
• Book Final Deadline: February 4, 2026, at noon
  • Book entries must be submitted early due to extended judging time.
• Final Deadline: February 18, 2026, at noon
  • All remaining entries must be submitted by this date.

Recognition & awards

Winners at the state level will be honored during the annual VPC spring conference, while national winners will be celebrated at the during the NFPW National Communications Conference.

Whether your recognition comes at the state or national level, this contest is an outstanding way to showcase your creativity and celebrate your professional achievements.

Ready to step up?

Visit the contest page for details and submission guidelines — and make sure you can log in before the deadline. If you’ve forgotten your password, take a moment to reset it so you’re ready to enter without delay.

Spread the word!

Encourage your colleagues and friends to participate in the Communications Contest. It’s a fantastic way to connect with new members, celebrate excellence in communication and strengthen both your local VPC chapter and NFPW’s national community.

Questions?

Reach out to Contest Chair Sunni Brown at sbrown5@richmond.edu.

We can’t wait to see your best work and celebrate your success in 2026!