Excellence in Communications Awards

2026 NC3C Annual Conference — Beaufort logo lockup

The NC3C Excellence in Communications Awards recognize outstanding local government communicators and showcase top-level work across North Carolina.


These awards foster achievement among members and highlight the vital role of communications in connecting residents to their communities.


Awards are presented each spring at the NC3C Annual Conference.


You must be a current NC3C member to enter.


NC3C Excellence in Communications Award trophies at the 2023 Wilmington conference

How to Enter

Submitting your work is simple:

  1. Review the categories and rules to find the best fit for your project
  2. Prepare your descriptive letter and supporting materials
  3. Upload your entry at nc3c.awardsplatform.com
  4. Submit payment to complete your entry

Eligibility

  • Open to NC3C members only
  • Projects must have been completed between Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 of the previous calendar year
  • All entries must be digital (print pieces may be shown in photos or videos to demonstrate use)
  • Members may submit unlimited entries across multiple categories

CATEGORIES & RULES

The 2026 program includes 27 award opportunities in six categories:


  • Print

    • Annual Report
    • Brochure
    • Employee Newsletter
    • External Newsletter

  • Video

    • Promotional Video
    • Public Service Announcement
    • Reels & Shorts
    • Regular Programming
    • Special Programming
    • Videography

  • Digital Technology

    • Audio
    • Digital Employee Newsletter
    • Digital External Newsletter/Blog
    • Website

  • Social Media

    • Campaign
    • General Use on a Single Platform
    • Single Post

  • General Composition

    • Branding/Logo
    • Graphic Design
    • Photography
    • Writing

  • Other

    • Best Use of Humor
    • Citizen Participation
    • Crisis Communication
    • Most Creative with Least Dollars Spent
    • Multi-Platform Campaign
    • Special Events

Entry Fees

  • Early Bird: $50 per entry
  • Regular: $75 per entry

Rules of Competition

  • First- and second-place awards may be given if minimum scores are met
  • A second-place award is not guaranteed unless a category has at least four entries
  • An entry is not complete until payment has been received
  • Members must certify their submission was actively used and fits the spirit of the program

Judging Process


Entries are reviewed by communications professionals from outside North Carolina to ensure fairness.


In 2026, members of the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) will serve as judges.


Judging Requirement


To keep the program strong, NC3C requires that members who submit entries also serve as judges for a partner organization’s awards.


If you cannot judge, you may appoint a colleague in your organization. Failure to meet this responsibility will result in a $25 per-entry penalty fee to the organization and will be assessed the following year during the awards cycle.


This partnership ensures unbiased, professional evaluation, when you win an NC3C award, you know you earned it.



Judging Criteria (six areas):

  1. Problem/Opportunity Statement: Why the project was needed
  2. Intended Goals or Outcomes: The measurable objectives
  3. Project Details: Key information and approach
  4. Documentation of Achievement: Results, data, media coverage, or participation
  5. Overall Execution: Creativity, clarity and effectiveness


Entries must earn at least 65% of points to be considered for an award. Top two qualifying scores may receive first- and second-place recognition.