NYC Imagine Awards 2026 Puts Five-Borough Nonprofits in Focus
The October 27 awards at Guastavino’s pairs six category grants with films introducing the city’s nonprofit finalists.
The sixth annual NYC Imagine Awards takes place October 27 at Guastavino’s, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The focus is nonprofit work across the five boroughs: the organizations serving New Yorkers and the ideas behind their programs.
Recognition with a practical purpose
The 2026 program spans Arts & Culture, DEIA, Innovation, Leadership Excellence, Rising Star and Social Impact. Organizers say each category winner receives a $5,000 grant, while all 24 finalists receive professionally produced films shown during the evening. The awards therefore offer two different forms of support: funding for winners and a way for finalists to explain their work to a wider audience.
The program also includes a separately sponsored Fan Favorite award. Its voting period ended September 25; that was a voting deadline, not the admission deadline for October 27. Winners are due to be announced during the event. A finalist listing should not be read as a result in advance.
Who can use the nonprofit ticket
The current sixth-annual ticket section lists $400 individual tickets and a $200 nonprofit option. The reduced price is specifically for paid staff of a nonprofit. Donors, volunteers and other supporters should check their eligibility rather than assume the discount applies to everyone connected with a cause.
Guastavino’s is at 409 East 59th Street. Use the official reservation page for admission; the event’s dates and ticket choices are collected in our permanent guide. The New York gala calendar connects this edition with the rest of the city’s benefit season.
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