Apply Now for the Circle of Life Award

The 2026 Circle of Life Award application period is open. Eligible U.S. organizations providing direct care for patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses can apply. AHA membership is not required. Applications are due by noon Central Time, Tuesday, July 15, 2025. For questions, contact circleoflife@aha.org. 

Award Information

The Circle of Life Award celebrates innovation in palliative and end-of-life care. Organizations making progress, as shown in metrics and current data, in one or more of the following areas should apply:

• Providing access to exceptional quality, safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient- and family-centered care
• Demonstrating that palliative care is fully integrated into the care continuum
• Developing new, innovative models of care that elevate palliative and end-of-life care standards
• Using evidence-based tools to track progress and improve services
• Collaborating with community organizations to improve health and minimize disparities

Up to three awards will be presented annually, with Citations of Honor for other noteworthy programs. Awards will be given at the 2026 AHA Leadership Summit in Denver, July 12-14. One representative from the honoree organization will receive complimentary registration, flights, and hotel accommodations.

Evaluation and Judging

Applications are reviewed by the Circle of Life Awards Committee, comprising experts in palliative care, hospice medicine, social work, spiritual care, long-term care, quality improvement, management, and finance. The Committee selects organizations for site visits and determines award recipients. AHA is grateful for the extensive volunteer contributions made by Committee members.

Site Visits

Up to four programs will be visited, between Nov. 10-21. Site visits last five hours. Selected programs must provide additional information in advance. All materials are confidential.

Requirements

Programs must be operational for at least 18 months. Honored programs must:

• Identify key leaders to work with AHA and move the field forward
• Participate in outreach and education
• Provide logos, photos, and videos for AHA use
• Designate representatives for the award ceremony and panel discussion at the Leadership Summit

Applications become AHA property and may be used for best practices and case studies. In these cases, AHA will contact the organization to explore its interest in participating.

Deadline

Submit applications by noon CT, Tuesday, July 15, 2025. We are unable to accept late applications.

Additional Guidance

For readiness information, visit www.aha.org/circleoflife. The strongest applications are developed by a team, rather than a single individual. Contact Circle of Life staff at circleoflife@aha.org with questions.

Sponsors

Supporting sponsors of the 2026 award are the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States. Contributing sponsors of the 2026 award are the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, the Center to Advance Palliative Care, the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association/the Hospice & Palliative Credentialing Center/the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Foundation, and the National Association of Social Workers

Please note:

• Answer all questions marked with an asterisk. If a question doesn't apply, enter "NA."
• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• Submitted applications cannot be modified or edited.
• Each uploaded page should be single-sided with one table, graph, or chart per page. Applications that exceed the maximum allowed pages will not be reviewed.
• The application portal closes at noon CT, Tuesday, July 15. No extensions will be granted.
• After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your clutter/spam/junk folder.

Begin Your Application

To begin your application, close this tab. Create an account on the application portal to start, save, and return to your application. Only one account per organization is allowed.