What's Right with the Region

Starting Dec. 1, 2026, we will be accepting nominations for the 2026 What's Right with the Region Awards. Entries are welcome in the following categories:

1) Demonstrating Innovative Solutions: Nominee has demonstrated innovation, creativity and vision in making the St. Louis region a better place to live, work, invest or visit.
2) Improving Equity and Inclusion: Nominee has shown a strong commitment to promoting diversity, access, inclusion, opportunity for all.
3) Promoting Community Health & Well-being: Nominee is working to improve the collective health and wellness of our region’s residents, as well as addressing the social determinants of health.
4) Emerging Initiatives: Nominee is a promising new business, organization or initiative (in existence for 3 years or less) that is already serving as a catalyst for change.
5) Community Changemakers: Nominee is an individual leading and inspiring change in their organization, their community and/or our region for the benefit of all. Note: this category is only for individuals.

All nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which category should I choose? It's not uncommon that a nominee might fit in multiple categories. Please choose the one that best fits the nature of your nomination and their efforts. All entries will be reviewed prior to judging, and category adjustments may be made if needed.
• Can I nominate the organization where I'm employed? Yes, self-nominations by organizations are welcome.
• Will multiple nominations increase the chance of being selected? No, one thorough nomination is best. Additional weight is not given based on the number of nominations.
• I submitted a nomination in a past year that was not selected - should I submit again? Absolutely! With so many great entries each year, it’s always a difficult choice for our judges. We welcome resubmissions!
• Can I nominate an organization/individual who has been recognized before? Judges will consider all submissions, but they will take into account the length of time since last recognition and whether substantial changes have occurred. Entries recognized in the past five years are unlikely to be selected again.
• How do I know if a nominee has been recognized before? View past honorees.

All nominations are reviewed by our committee of community volunteers to select the final 20 honorees.

This year's Selection Day is set for Feb. 12 from 8:30-10:30 a.m., and we're currently recruiting volunteer judges to participate. As a judge, you will be assigned to one of the five categories and will be provided with instructions and entries to review/score in advance. Committee members will then come together virtually on Feb. 12 to finalize the award recipients. Selection Day will be conducted virtually on Zoom, and log-in details will be provided along with judging instructions a couple of weeks prior.

FOCUS members, alumni and community members are all welcome to participate!

Each year, FOCUS applauds the efforts of the individuals, organizations and initiatives making a positive difference in the St. Louis community with our What's Right With the Region Awards. All in our community are invited to join us for this inspiring evening of celebration and networking!

Save the date and make plans to join us on May 7, 2026, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. We'll kick off the evening with a networking reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres and beer/wine bar, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards celebration from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

What’s Right with the Region represents FOCUS St. Louis’ most important fundraising event of the year, and your ticket purchase helps to support our ongoing mission to educate and connect leaders and facilitate important conversations in our community.

Tickets will go on sale in early March.

What’s Right with the Region has a tremendous impact on FOCUS St. Louis and on the organizations and people we honor each year, and meaningful partnerships make all the difference.

A sponsorship is a unique opportunity to participate in one of the region's best networking events, build stronger community ties and demonstrate your support for leadership. 

For more details, contact us!