We’re honored to share that Operation Warm has been named Organization of the Year by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) in the 2026 ANA Nonprofit Excellence Awards.
This national recognition celebrates nonprofit organizations that demonstrate outstanding marketing performance while advancing their missions, and we are incredibly proud to join so many previous recipients and impactful leaders in the sector.
A National Honor Rooted in Community Impact
The ANA Nonprofit Excellence Awards recognize organizations that combine purpose-driven missions with innovative, results-driven marketing strategies. Being selected as Organization of the Year reflects not just our growth and ability to share that story, but the collective effort of partners, volunteers, donors, and communities who believe that every child deserves warmth, confidence, and hope.
Since our founding in 1998, Operation Warm has served more than 7 million children across 4,000+ communities in the U.S. and Canada, delivering brand-new coats, shoes, and sports bras to children who need them most. But at its core, this award recognizes something deeper: the way we connect essential resources with human dignity and community care.
Why Operation Warm Was Recognized
According to the ANA, Operation Warm stood out for the scale, creativity, and impact of our marketing and fundraising efforts, particularly through campaigns that meet urgent needs while inspiring generosity and engagement nationwide.
Our School Ready campaign was highlighted for addressing the growing financial strain on families at the start of the school year. With families spending an average of $570 per student, access to brand-new coats and shoes can make the difference between a child feeling prepared or left behind. Operation Warm translated that into a campaign designed to bring awareness of this need and support students. Through outreach initiatives, visual storytelling, advertisements, and more, we connected individuals, corporations, and communities to our mission and were able to serve thousands of students who would have otherwise started the year without the necessary resources to thrive.
The ANA also recognized our Giving Tuesday campaign, where we partnered with Nordstrom on a dollar-for-dollar match that doubled donor impact. Through integrated storytelling across social media, email, and influencer partnerships, the campaign mobilized donors and elevated our message of warmth, confidence, and hope. Creative elements like interactive bingo boards and volunteer spotlights helped turn a single day of giving into a shared movement.
Interested in partnering on a cause marketing initiative like this? Learn more about our Corporate Partnerships.
Marketing with Purpose, Fundraising with Heart
Operation Warm’s marketing strategy is built around one guiding principle: meet people where they are and invite them into meaningful impact.
Our multi-channel approach spans digital storytelling, targeted email, social media, earned media, and mobile-friendly giving tools, making it easy for supporters to engage and give. Corporate partnerships play a critical role, with co-branded campaigns, employee volunteer events, and point-of-sale activations that align business values with community impact.
At the same time, our community-driven fundraising empowers individuals and organizations to rally their own networks in support of children. From grassroots events to peer-to-peer fundraisers, these efforts build ownership, connection, and long-term commitment to our mission.
Gratitude and What Comes Next
We’re honored to be recognized, and this award belongs to the entire Operation Warm community. To our dedicated partners, donors, volunteers, and staff: thank you for believing in a future where every child feels valued, included, and supported.
Being named ANA’s 2026 Organization of the Year is a milestone, but more importantly, it’s motivation. The need is urgent, the impact is real, and together, we will continue to build outreach and deliver warmth, confidence, and hope to children in need across North America.
Because warmth is just the beginning.
Learn More
Operation Warm’s recognition by the Association of National Advertisers reflects what’s possible when purpose and marketing come together with intention. For more than 25 years, we’ve partnered with schools, community organizations, and leading brands to deliver more than just essentials, providing warmth, confidence, and hope to children across North America.
Interested in learning more about Operation Warm or partnering with experts in mission-driven marketing on your next CSR or cause marketing initiative? We’d love to explore how we can create meaningful impact together.
