Voting is now open for the 2026 Cox Conserves Heroes program after a record-breaking 1,100+ nonprofits, youth and adults were nominated.
Cox Conserves Heroes recognizes individuals and nonprofits making a difference for the environment. Their efforts advance the goals of Cox Conserves, Cox Enterprises’ sustainability program, including saving energy and water, reducing waste, and protecting and restoring natural habitats and species.
How to participate
Vote: Visit the Cox Conserves Heroes website, watch videos about each finalist and vote for your favorite Hero through Oct. 4.
Celebrate: Winners will be announced in October. First-place winners in each category receive a $30,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation for the environmental nonprofit of their choice. Second- and third-place winners receive grants of $15,000 and $5,000, respectively.
The nonprofit category winner also receives The Jim Kennedy Conservation Award, named for Jim Kennedy, chairman emeritus of Cox Enterprises and chairman of the James M. Cox Foundation, who started Cox Conserves in 2007.
A legacy of environmental impact
Since 2008, Cox Conserves Heroes has honored more than 200 volunteers nationwide who have made a significant impact on sustainability and environmental protection in their communities.
Visit CoxConservesHeroes.com to vote for your Hero through Oct. 4 and learn more about the program and previous winners.
