C301: Best Fundraising Appeal

This program highlights efforts to raise money for an annual appeal. It honors comprehensive promotional efforts produced by an Organizational Communications member in support of annual appeals, bishop appeals or capital campaign initiatives. Entries are evaluated on message clarity, persuasive quality and overall execution of the appeal. Entry consists of a PDF or URL where judges can view the quality of the material, the clarity of the message and the quality/effectiveness of the "ask" for financial support.

• C301a: Best Fundraising Appeal – Print
• C301b: Best Fundraising Appeal – Digital

C305: Best Pastoral Message

This category is different from the annual appeal and designed for occasions when an ordinary wants to deliver a specific message to the public or to parishioners. It recognizes formal communications from leadership addressing a specific pastoral priority, public issue or local community need. Entries are judged on clarity, pastoral tone and effectiveness in articulating the message. An entry consists of a URL or PDF where judges can view the content for its clarity of message and effectiveness to produce change or action as indicated by the purpose of the message.

• C305a: Best Pastoral Message – Audio or Video
• C305b: Best Pastoral Message – Print

C315: Best Initiative or Campaign

This category is for seasonal or one-time campaigns or initiatives. It honors strategic, multi-asset communication campaigns for specific seasons, evangelization initiatives or programs. Entries are evaluated on creative execution, consistency across media and alignment with stated objectives. Annual Appeals should enter Category C301. Entry consists of a URL or PDF where judges can view three consecutive examples of the series for quality of production and its ability to deliver the message and fulfill the purpose of the series. All formats are eligible including video, podcast and graphic work.

• C315a: Best Initiative or Campaign – Seasonal Campaign
• C315b: Best Initiative or Campaign – General Campaign
• C315c: Best Initiative or Campaign – Hot Topic: Magnifica Humanitas
• C315d: Best Initiative or Campaign – Hot Topic: Beatification of Fulton Sheen
• C315e: Best Initiative or Campaign – Hot Topic: The U.S. Midterm Elections

C320: Best Annual Report

This category recognizes annual accountability reports published during the eligible calendar year documenting fiscal stewardship, pastoral milestones and institutional accomplishments for the wider community. Promotional appeal brochures and internal business audits are not eligible. Evaluated on transparency, graphic layout and editorial coherence. An entry consists of a PDF or URL where the judges can view the report.

C321: Best Press Release

This category recognizes clear, concise news statements distributed to secular or religious media. Judged primarily on news value, adherence to professional journalistic standards and clear framing of institutional announcements. An entry consists of a URL or PDF where judges can evaluate the press release in print, audio, or video format.

C325: Best Interview

This category evaluates broadcast, recorded or published interviews on Catholic topics conducted by the staff of an Organizational Communications member. Maximum run time of 30 minutes for broadcast entries. Judged on the interviewer's preparation, question pacing, technical quality and the depth of insight elicited from the subject. An entry consists of a URL or PDF where judges can evaluate the interview.

• C325a: Best Interview – Audio
• C325b: Best Interview – Video
• C325c: Best Interview – Text-Based Interview (Print or Digital)