To see a detailed description of eligibility, criteria, and history for each CDS award, click on the award name.
- Duane L. Gibson Distinguished Service Award: Presented to a CDS member in recognition of superior and long-standing service to the field of community development, and, in particular, work for the advancement of the Society. Board members and officers are ineligible for this award. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Innovative Program Award: Presented to a CDS member or a group in recognition of a superior innovative program (recent or on-going) using the Principles of Good Practice as adopted by the Society. This award will recognize a new, creative, and promising program contributing to community development practice.
- Ted K. Bradshaw Outstanding Research Award: Presented to a CDS member in recognition of a significant stream of superior research which exemplifies and positively impacts community development practice and represents a lasting contribution to the field. The award will recognize research which reflects the Principles of Good Practice throughout the research process. Nominations should focus on highlighting exceptional current research. Only one Outstanding Research Award is bestowed by the Society each year. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Community Development Achievement Award: Presented to a CDS member in recognition of his or her outstanding contribution to community development. The person may be recognized for teaching, research, practice, programming, administration, or any combination of these roles. This person should exemplify the Principles of Good Practice as adopted by the Society. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Outstanding Community Development Educator Award: Presented to a CDS member in recognition of their excellence in teaching and instruction within the field of Community Development. The person may be recognized for their outstanding contributions within community development education. This person should exemplify the Principles of Good Practice as adopted by the Society and illustrate them in their educational practice within formal and/or non-formal educational settings. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Outstanding Program Award: Presented to a CDS member or a group in recognition of completion of superior programming that exemplifies and positively influences community development practice and has demonstrated sustained success. The award will recognize an established program that reflects the Principles of Good Practice throughout the implementation process.
- Donald W. Littrell New Professional Award: Presented to a CDS member in recognition of a superior contribution to the field of community development and the Society. This person should exemplify the Principles of Good Practice as adopted by the Society. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Current Research Award: Presented to a CDS member in recognition of a current research project(s) or product that represents an important contribution to the field of community development and reflects the Principles of Good Practice as adopted by the Society.
- Friend of Community Development Award: Presented to a person who is not a CDS member, but who has made a significant contribution to the field of community development. This contribution could have been accomplished through his or her role as author, educator, administrator (public or private sector), community organizer, or elected or appointed official. This person should exemplify the Principles of Good Practice as adopted by the Society. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Student Recognition Award: Presented to a CDS member who is either an undergraduate or graduate student, in recognition of his or her contribution to community development through a paper, an article, a field project or internship, or other applied research. This person should exemplify the Principles of Good Practice as adopted by the Society.
- International Community Development Award: This award recognizes an outstanding contribution to community development in an international setting. This includes (but is not limited to): Working with communities in countries other than the United States of America, working with people with an international background within the USA, such as engaging immigrant and refugee people, research, teaching or practice that contributes to international community development outcomes, or individuals or teams are eligible for the award. The award can be presented to a CDS member or to a person who is not a current CDS member but who exemplifies the Principles of Good Practice as adopted by the Society.
- Special Awards: From time to time, the Community Development Society offers special, one-time awards to individuals or projects in recognition of their unique contributions to the field or to CDS, or as part of a partnership or collaboration with other organizations. If you would like to nominate someone for a special award, please contact admin@CDSociety.org with information about them and why none of the existing award opportunities are appropriate.