[Society of American Archivists](https://www2.archivists.org)

February 2027 (Nomination submission deadline)

Certificate and complimentary registration to the SAA Annual Meeting for the recipient(s) (individual or group up to five); no cash prize.

Honors individuals whose work significantly benefits the archives profession and archival collections, especially those whose efforts typically go unrecognized.

--- ## Description The Spotlight Award, established in 2005 by the Society of American Archivists (SAA), recognizes individuals or small groups whose contributions have significantly benefited the archives profession or archival collections, especially when such efforts are not typically acknowledged. The award celebrates achievements such as special projects, advocacy, emergency response, innovation, extraordinary volunteerism, or the effective, quiet promotion of the archival profession. Recipients are honored with a certificate and a complimentary registration to the SAA Annual Meeting in the year the award is presented. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (Nomination submission deadline; anticipated/projection—annual cycle: February 28) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Award consists of a certificate and complimentary registration for the SAA Annual Meeting for the recipient (individual or group of up to five). - No monetary prize or direct research funding is provided. --- ## Eligibility - Open to individual archivists or groups of up to five archivists who have collaborated on a project. - Preference is given to archivists working in smaller repositories, particularly those lacking institutional support for professional activities. - Nominees do **not** have to be SAA members. - Recipients should have achieved distinction through: - Participation in special projects - Tireless committee or advocacy work - Effective responses to unforeseen or pressing needs - Innovative or creative contributions to the profession - Extraordinary volunteerism - Quiet but effective promotion of the profession --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted by the anticipated deadline (February 28, annually). - Nominations can be submitted online through the [nomination form](https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/45541-Society-Of-American-Archivists). - Required materials typically include: - Completed nomination form - Answers describing how the nominee meets the award criteria - Supporting documentation (may include letters of support or evidence of impact) - Nominations may be made by colleagues or self-nomination is permitted. - Supporting documents may be submitted electronically or by mail (see contact information below for address). --- ## Additional Information - The award is administered by the Spotlight Award Subcommittee of the SAA Awards Committee. - The recipient(s) will be recognized at the SAA Annual Meeting. - Past recipients have included both individuals and collaborative groups whose work has made a notable impact on the profession. --- ## External Links - [Spotlight Award program page (Society of American Archivists)](https://www2.archivists.org/governance/handbook/section12-spotlight) - [Nomination form and application portal](https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/45541-Society-Of-American-Archivists) - [SAA main website](https://www2.archivists.org) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [SAA Contact Page](https://www2.archivists.org/contact) | | Phone | (312) 606-0722 | | Mailing Address | Spotlight Award Committee
Society of American Archivists
17 North State Street, Suite 1425
Chicago, IL 60602-4061 | ---

Spotlight Award

Sign in to see full grant listing