Nominations Open for 2026 Fayetteville-Cumberland Community Awards

The Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations Commission has opened nominations for the 2026 Community Awards. These awards honor residents and groups that work to improve well-being and build positive connections across the city and county. Nine categories await nominees: youth, individual, lifetime achievement, humanitarian, industry or business, educator, military, religious leader, and organization.

Nominations must arrive by Dec. 11, 2025. Forms are posted at FayettevilleNC.gov/HumanRelations.

"This is a moment we get to recognize and honor individuals and organizations who are making a lasting impact in our community," said Human Relations Director Yamile Nazar, per the news release. "Oftentimes, our community heroes work quietly in the shadows. This is the community's way of letting them know, we see them, we value them, and we appreciate the difference they're making."

The awards program shines a light on people who dedicate themselves to helping others throughout Cumberland County. Winners get recognized at an annual luncheon where the entire community gathers to celebrate.

The Annual Community Recognition Awards Luncheon happens Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. Cape Fear Botanical Garden will host the event at 536 N. Eastern Blvd. in Fayetteville. Tickets cost $35.

Tickets can be bought at the Human Relations Office, which sits at 225 Ray Ave, Suite 100, in Fayetteville. Hours run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Online purchases work too. Just visit Fayetteville.idtplans.com/secure.

To buy tickets online, residents must register first. Tickets must be purchased by Feb. 4, 2026. No tickets will be sold at the door.

The funds raised from the event will support Human Relations Scholarships. These scholarships go to high school seniors who want to attend higher education. The program helps students pursue college and other post-secondary options, opening doors that might have seemed impossible.