SCHEDULE
Below is the 2026 Aging Out (AO) Awards Program schedule.
CATEGORIES
Below are the 2026 AO Awards categories. For all categories, applicants must represent a program or organization that supports youth aging out of foster care. Scroll down to find out more about this year’s exciting awards program!
PRIZES
We are again excited to provide monetary prizes to the winners of our awards program! The amount for each program/organization size category was selected to be commensurate to general budget size. The larger amount for the Youth Impact category reflects the importance of applying strategies that actually make a difference in youths’ lives, as well as incorporating a solid process for identifying, measuring, and tracking the impact you are having.
* ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to participate in The 2026 AO Program Awards, applicants must meet the following criteria:
The applicant must be a representative of a 501(c)(3) organization (nonprofit or educational institution) located in the United States, or a program operating within a 501(c)(3) organization.
The organization or program must provide services that support youth aging out of foster care, either by preparing youth to transition out of care or by supporting them after exiting the foster care system.
To apply in 2026, the program or services supporting youth aging out of care must have been active for at least three years, with a program start date of June 1, 2023, or earlier.
Applicants must hold an active AO Membership through the GlueUp platform in order to access the application portal and submit an application.
Organizations that do not maintain an active membership will not be eligible to submit or have their application reviewed for the AO Program Awards.
Register for AO Membership here:
https://app.glueup.com/org/ao/memberships/
AO MEMBERSHIP
AO Membership connects organizations to a national network of programs and leaders working to improve outcomes for youth aging out of foster care.
Membership provides access to communication, collaboration, and engagement opportunities connected to the AO Awards initiative.
Membership is required in order to apply for the AO Program Awards.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
AO Membership may include:
• Eligibility to apply for The 2026 AO Program Awards
• Access to AO member announcements and updates
• A quarterly digital newsletter highlighting field insights, resources, and member organizations
• Invitations to virtual briefings, trainings, or informational sessions as available
• Opportunities to engage with AO Awards alumni and peer organizations
• Opportunities to provide input through member surveys to help identify training topics, emerging needs, and areas where shared resources may be helpful
Programming, communications, and engagement opportunities are developed throughout the year based on member interest, organizational capacity, and program development.
Participation in surveys or events is voluntary and availability may vary.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The 2026 AO Program Awards application window will open in June 2026.
Applicants may access the online awards platform to create an account and begin the application process. The application does not need to be completed in one sitting. Applicants may save their progress and return to the platform to continue editing their responses prior to submission.
Applications will be accepted during the June–July application period, in accordance with the official AO Awards timeline.
Steps in the Application Process
1. Become an AO Member (Required)
Before accessing the application portal, applicants must complete their AO Membership registration through GlueUp.
Register here:
https://app.glueup.com/org/ao/memberships/
Once membership is active, applicants may proceed to the awards platform.
2. Create an Application Account
Register on the awards platform to create your application file.
3. Review and Confirm the Program Rules
Applicants must confirm that they have read and understand the AO Awards program rules before proceeding.
4. Provide Program Information
Provide detailed information about your organization or program’s services, strategies, and measurable impact supporting youth aging out of foster care.
5. Upload Supporting Materials
Applicants may upload supplemental materials that support their application, such as:
• Reports
• Presentations
• Program materials
• Videos
• Other documentation
Supporting materials should reinforce information already included in the application and should not introduce entirely new information.
Application Portal
The AO Awards application portal is hosted at:
https://agingout.awardsplatform.com
Access to the application portal is restricted to active AO Members.
Questions or Support
For assistance regarding the application process, please contact:
info@therightwayfoundation.org
frank@therightwayfoundation.orgHere are the links:
Application Tips & Tricks Webinar Video
Application Tips & Tricks Webinar Slides (PDF)