In 1925, James. H. McGraw, principal in the McGraw-Hill empire, established an annual award to encourage constructive thinking for the advancement of the electrical industry. From 1925–1990, this award was sponsored by McGraw-Hill. In 1991, NECA was granted permission by the McGraw family to assume sponsorship of the Award for electrical contracting.

The James H. McGraw award is given in recognition of the most important personal contribution of progress in the electrical industry. To qualify, the candidate shall have contributed an idea or constructive service to the advancement of the industry, over and above their own responsibilities toward their company's progress.

Nominations are accepted no later than May 1, and the Award is announced after the Executive Committee's decision at their June meeting.