The Traverse City Human Rights Commission is accepting nominations for the 2025 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award. Named in honor of Sara Hardy, whose advocacy helped establish the Human Rights Commission over three decades ago, the annual award "recognizes individuals who exemplify the commission’s core values of mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity within our community," according to a city release.

Nominations are sought for individuals who champion human rights and humanitarian efforts. A nomination form is available online, with a supporting letter requested detailing the nominee’s contributions and the reasons for their nomination. Submissions must include the nominee’s full name, address, email, and phone number, as well as contact information for the nominator. Nominators may be invited to present their submissions in person at a Human Rights Commission meeting. The nomination deadline is May 2.

The award recipient will be honored at the Governmental Center on a date to be announced, with a pre-award reception held during the Traverse City Commission meeting that evening. Past recipients of the award include Jane Lippert, Kathy Sanders, Courtney Wiggins, Tom Bousamra, Marian Kromkowski, and Ryan Hannon.

The Human Rights Commission is also seeking nominations for its Business and/or Organization Humanitarian Efforts Award, established to honor and give public recognition to a business or organization that has demonstrated an ongoing and sustained commitment to helping others in the Traverse City region. Nominations are being accepted online through May 2.