Founded in 1991 at the time when GNI was still a special interest group (SIG) of The Naturist Society (TNS), and known as Gay and Lesbian Naturists (GLN), the Crawford Award was created to recognize outstanding achievement in gay naturist journalism. Articles would be submitted to local, regional, or national naturist publications by members and then nominated to be considered for the Crawford Award. During the winter board meeting, board members read the nominations and then vote on the winner. Following is a listing of winners over the seven (7) years the award was given out. The award was finally disbanded in 1998 primarily due to the proliferation of the internet causing a reduction in the amount and frequency of print publications.
Both the journalist and named club won the Crawford Award. Surnames have been redacted for online privacy though they are retained by GNI in our permanent archives.
| 1991 | Al A | Males au Naturel | |
| 1992 | Bruce N | Palm Springs Social Sun Tanners | |
| 1993 | Larry L | Northeast Ohio Naturists | |
| 1994 | Andy S | Los Angeles Nude Guys | |
| 1995 | Doug D | Bare and Gay of Connecticut | |
| 1996 | Douglas M | Naked Minnesota | |
| 1997 | Lane S | Chicago Area Naturist Sons |