Media Innovation Competition Rules

The deadline for submissions for Citygate Network’s Media Innovation Competition (MIC) is early 2024. The contest showcases some of the most efficacious media content crafted by Citygate Network members and is an exclusive benefit available to mission/ministry members.

Make sure your entries meet the following rules, and be sure to review the judging criteria for further information.

The MIC opens in the first quarter, and all entries must be submitted and postmarked in early 2024. Check out the 2023 Winners page for inspiration now.


  1. All submissions must be made using an online entry form made available closer to the contest date. Please Note: Only Citygate Network mission/ministries are eligible to submit an entry for consideration; business members are not eligible.
  2. PRINT PUBLICATIONS
    For print publications (annual reports, general brochures, newsletters/magazines), only items produced for use in 2023 may be entered. In addition, you must submit one hard copy each of up to two printed publications and the name of the vendor (if applicable) for each category entered. For example, one copy of the May/June 2023 issue of your newsletter, or one copy each of the March/April and May/June 2023 issues of your newsletter; please do not submit more than two different issues published during the year.
  3. PHOTOGRAPHY
    Photographs submitted must have been taken in 2023 (but not necessarily used in publication that year). Photographs must be related to mission ministry: the people you serve, methods of service, results of ministry, etc. Please include the photographer’s name and date the photo was taken. Photo submissions should be high resolution, but no larger than 3 MB. Photography must be original (not stock) and missions submitting photographs must own the rights to publish the photos. You will upload the photos using an online entry form made available closer to the contest date. (You do NOT need to mail printed copies.) PLEASE self-edit and submit your best three entries only. 
  4. VIDEOS
    Video submissions can be submitted in two categories: (1) PSAs/Commercials (60-second duration); and (2) Extended Videos (longer than 60 seconds) produced to tell a client's story, for fundraising purposes, or to show at a mission banquet. Video entries also must have been produced in 2023.
  5. LOGOS
    Mission logos must be the result of a new design or redesign in 2023. Please upload a PDF or .jpg of your logo along with the name of the designer/vendor using an online entry form made available closer to the contest date.
  6. SOCIAL MEDIA
    Social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and websites will be judged in their current states in 2023. Please list the URL to each as indicated on an online entry form made available closer to the contest date.
  7. Missions may enter more than one piece per category but will be eligible to win only one award in that category.
  8. Judging will be completed by experts knowledgeable in their respective fields of media. Decisions of the judges will be final.
  9. All submissions must be completed online.
  10. All mail-in copies for print categories must be postmarked in order to be eligible. Submission date will be provided as we get closer to the contest date.

Here's How to Enter:

  1. Choose your categories.

    You may submit work in the categories below:
    Newsletters | Brochures | Annual Reports | Photos | Logos | PSAs/Commercials | Extended Videos | Websites | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

  2. Determine your budget category.

    This is not project/department budget, but total operating budget of your mission. Please choose from one of the following: up to $5,000,000 | more than $5,000,000

  3. Review competition rules (above) and judging criteria.

  4. Complete the online entry form.

    Use an online entry form made available closer to the contest date for ALL categories by entering titles and vendor information. For print media categories, you will mail in one copy of each entry; for all other categories, you will upload digital files or enter URLs.

  5. Confirm entry submission.

    You will receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting entries through an online entry form made available closer to the contest. If for some reason you do not receive a confirmation, please email Justin Boles.

  6. Mail in your hard copies for judging.

    For print categories, please download, print, and mail in a hard copy of the mail-in entry form (made available closer to the start of the contest) with your publications.

If you have questions, please email Justin Boles