STORY SUBMISSIONS

Your story deserves the stage.

Submitting a story to NPD 2026 is an opportunity to share the work you organization has built — and let Orange County celebrate it.

Every story submitted to NPD 2026 has a home.

Three categories. One community.

Review the categories below, choose the one that best fits your story, and submit. You may submit one story per category, up to three total. Submissions should be between 750 and 1,500 words.

SUBMIT YOUR STORY

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Any nonprofit organization doing meaningfuL work in Orange County. If your work connects to one of the three categories — Vision, Unity, or Proof — this stage is for you.

  • No. Story submissions are open to the broader Orange County nonprofit community.

  • Yes. You maY submit one story per category, for a maximum of three submissions total.

  • We encourage partner organizations to submit together as a single unit. This isn’t about whoever submits the most — it’s about who tells the most complete story.

  • Between 750 and 1,500 words. We’re looking for a real narrative — specific, grounded, and honest about both the successes and the challenges.

  • Strong submissions name a real problem, describe the response, include outcomes, and reflect honestly on what was hard. They focus on programs and partnerships — not individual résumés. They are rooted in Orange County and connect clearly to the people and communities served.

  • NPD 2026 takes place

    at the Soka Performing Arts Center. The evening is designed as a performance — a celebration of Orange County’s philanthropic community told through live storytelling, moderated conversations, and video features. Selected stories will be woven throughout the program across three acts: Philanthropy as Vision, Philanthropy as Unity, and Philanthropy as Proof. Details on the full program will be shared as the event takes shape.

  • No. Story submissions are completely free. This is an open invitation to every nonprofit organization doing meaningful work in Orange County.

  • This year, NPD is doing something it has never done before — expanding recognition beyond a handful of individuals to celebrate the full story of philanthropy across our region. That means more organizations featured, more stories told, and more of the Orange County nonprofit community in the room. Sponsoring NPD 2026 puts your brand at the center of a historic shift in how this community celebrates itself. It is the right year to have your name on this.

  • Yes. NPD 2026 will feature Impact Stations during the pre- and post-program receptions at the Soka Performing Arts Center — an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to showcase their work, connect with attendees, and bring their story to life beyond the stage. Details on how to secure an Impact Station will be shared this summer.

  • Every submission will be reviewed by our Storytelling Committee for potential features across our newsletter, blog, and podcast. Not every story will appear in the main event program, but no story goes unread — and many will find a home across our platforms leading up to November 12.

  • The Storytelling Committee is a group of community members responsible for reviewing submissions and selecting stories for NPD 2026. Their goal is to identify the most compelling and diverse narratives across all three categories.

  • Friday, August 14. We recommend starting early — the strongest submissions are written by a team, not one person in a hurry.

  • Reach out to us at mwadlinger@casaoc.org We’re glad to help.