LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Presented to an individual (not an organization) who has demonstrated significant and lasting philanthropic accomplishments in Colorado for at least 10 years. The accomplishments must cross multiple issue areas, such as arts and human services. The individual must embody the characteristics inherent in two or more of the award categories below. This is the highest honor presented at National Philanthropy Day.
Past Winners: Marilyn Van Derbur Atler, Steve Graham, David E. Henninger, A. Barry Hirschfeld, Doris Kester, Charles D. Latuda, Gail and Dave Liniger, Ann Love, Sally Rippey, Daniel L. Ritchie, Sue Anschutz Rodgers, and Shari F. Shink, Esq.
OUTSTANDING LARGE BUSINESS (approximately 100+ Colorado employees)
Presented to a large for-profit business or government agency that has demonstrated outstanding long-term or sustained commitment to the community through financial support and the creation of a corporate philanthropic culture that encourages and motivates employees/others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement.
Past Winners: Adelphia (formerly Century Communications), Agilent Technologies, Alpine Banks of Colorado, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Ball Corporation, Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Central Banks of Denver, City Market Stores, Inc. (Grand Junction), CoBiz Financial, Colorado Springs Utilities, Comcast, Continental Airlines, Denver Newspaper Agency/Post-News Community, Dependable Cleaners, Empower, Exempla Lutheran Medical Center, FirstBank Holding Company, HealthONE, Hogan & Hartson LLP, Holme Roberts & Owen (Denver and Colorado Springs), IMA Financial Group, Inc., Johns Manville Corporation, Kaiser Permanente, Kroenke Sports Enterprises, Noble Energy, Norwest Banks, PACE Membership Warehouse, Public Service Company of Colorado, SM Energy, The Pueblo Chieftain, Qwest Communications, Weifield Group Contracting, Wild Oats Community Markets, and Xcel Energy.
OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS (approximately 1-99 Colorado employees)
Presented to a for-profit small business or government agency that has demonstrated outstanding long-term or sustained commitment to the community through financial support and the creation of a corporate philanthropic culture that encourages and motivates employees/others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement.
Past Winners: Bachus & Schanker, LLC, Barefoot PR, Bluepoint Bakery, Delta Dental, Denver Curves Co-op, FredrickZinkElliott,P.C., Group14 Engineering, PBC, Honey Stinger, Horse & Dragon Brewing Co., InsureMe, Johnston Wells Public Relations, KB Home – Mountains Division, Kundinger, McCutcheon, Corder & Engle P.C., Left Hand Brewing Company, Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, Inc. Multi-Link, Odell Brewing Company, OtterBox, The Rangely Office of Chevron/Texaco Production, Rocky Mountain Coffee Connection, Security Central, Snooze: an A.M. Eatery, and Vesta Dipping Grill.
OUTSTANDING FOUNDATION
Presented to a grantmaking (private, community, or corporate) foundation (giving to the broader community, across several funding areas, not just one organization) that has demonstrated outstanding commitment through strategic financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement. For corporate foundations, please focus on the work of the foundation, not the company's entire philanthropy program and employees.
Past Winners: Anschutz Family Foundation, The Anschutz Foundation, A.V Hunter Trust, Bohemian Foundation, Boettcher Foundation, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Caring for Denver Foundation, The Colorado Health Foundation, The Colorado Trust, Community First Foundation, Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, Adolph Coors Foundation, COVID-19 Arts & Culture Relief Fund, Daniels Fund, Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, The Denver Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Brownson Memorial Fund, Energy Outreach Colorado, First Data, Western Union Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, The Hunt Alternatives Fund, Helen K. & Arthur E. Johnson Foundation, Latino Community Foundation of Colorado, Piton Foundation, Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation, Rose Community Foundation, Schlessman Family Foundation, Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation, US West Foundation, Women's Foundation of Colorado, and Xcel Energy Foundation, and YouthRoots.
OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST
Presented to an individual or couple who has a record of exceptional personal generosity that demonstrates outstanding diverse civic or charitable responsibility and whose impactful leadership has encouraged others in philanthropic roles.
Past Winners: G. Wayne Ballah, Morley C. Ballantine, Laura Barton, Kristin and Jim Bender, Marcy and Bruce Benson, LaFawn Biddle, Joan Brennan, Brad Busse, Merle Catherine Chambers, William K. Coors, Tammy and Noel Cunningham, Bill Daniels, Margaret Foote, Sam Gary, Tim Gill, Barbara Grogan, Gail and Dave Liniger, Kathy Loo, Harold MacArthur, Sharon and Bob Magness, Frank Massard, Anabel C. & Jerome P. McHugh, Myra and Kenneth Monfort, Janet Mordecai, Carrie and John Morgridge, Conrad Nelson, Alan R. Phipps, Jared Polis, Daniel L. Ritchie, Edward and Richard Robinson, Lola and Rob Salazar, Linda Shoemaker, Bea Taplin, Judi & Joe Wagner, Florence Winograd, and J. Robert Young.
OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL GRANTMAKER
Presented to an individual grantmaking professional who works at a grantmaking organization (or one who has made a significant impact as a professional and is now retired or working as a consultant) and who has made a significant impact through outstanding commitment, dedication, and talent toward promoting and supporting philanthropy over a sustained period of time in the community. This individual has demonstrated commitment to advancing philanthropy through mentoring others in the profession and holding various volunteer leadership positions in the community.
Past Winners: John H. "Jack" Alexander, Joni E. Baird, Letty Bass, Sheila Bugdanowitz, Linda Childears, Ted Harms, Elsa I. Holguín, Stan Kamprath, Peter A. Konrad, Terri Konrad, John R. Moran, Jr., Jeff Pryor, Tim Schultz, Christine Soto, Susan Steele, LaDawn M. Sullivan, Robert F. Sweeney, Kristin Todd, and Dace West.
OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISER
Presented to an individual fundraising professional who works for a 501(c)(3) public charity (or one who has made a significant impact as a professional or is now retired or working as a consultant) and who has made a significant impact through successful fundraising, outstanding commitment, dedication, and talent in promoting and supporting philanthropy over a sustained period of time in the community. This individual has demonstrated a commitment to advancing philanthropy through mentoring others in the profession and holding volunteer leadership positions in the community.
Past Winners: Mitzi R. Barnes, Karen Campbell, Elycia Cook, Bob Cooper, Jennifer Darling, Bonnie Downing, Debra Edwards, Mary Feller, Griff Freyschlag, Jacquie Hall, Sarah Harrison, Donna Hultin, Dianna L. Kunz, Jackie Norris, Lisa Schlarbaum, Jan Weimer, Carolyn Schaefer Wollard, Russell Schuckman, and Alexandra Yajko.
OUTSTANDING SERVICE ORGANIZATION
Presented to a volunteer social club/community service group (with no paid staff) that has demonstrated outstanding commitment through financial support and the encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement. This category does not include nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity organizations providing direct services.
Selected Past Winners: Altrusa International of Grand Junction, Colorado Association of Realtors Housing Opportunity Foundation, Colorado Chapter, Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation, Inc., Denver Active 20-30, Denver Mile High Rotary, HomeAid Colorado, Fruita Thrift Shop, Grand Junction Lions Club, Hugo Improvement Partnership, Impact100 Metro Denver, Italians of America, North Denver, Kiwanis Clubs of Alameda West, Arvada, Arvada Jefferson, Columbine, Lakeside and Lakewood, Loaves & Fishes, Optimist Club of Monaco South, The Rotary Club of Denver, The Rotary Club of Southeast Denver, Scottish Rite Foundation of Colorado, Steamboat Rotary Club, Xi Pi Chapter-Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Woman's Club of Ouray, Zonta Club of Denver and Zonta Club of Denver II.
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER
Presented to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in volunteer service leading to significant outcomes and impact for the community. This individual should have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in recruiting, motivating, and coordinating groups of volunteers, devoted great time and effort to the advancement of volunteerism, or shown deep commitment of voluntary action to address community needs.
Past Winners: Pres Askew, Steve Austin, Bob Bell, Ray Cushman, Heather Dearman, Valerie Escatel, Steve Fobes, Sue Foerster, Jackson F. Fuller, Jim Garcia, Ed George, Julie Gomez-Nuanes, Arden (Denny) Gray, Jamie Hamilton, Robert F. Hill, Gaku Homma, Eric Hughes, Kezno Kawanabe, Susan Lane, Virginia Lappala, Nadyne Leedom, Kevin MacCary, Millie Malcolm, John McConnell, Cindy McMullin, Jerry Middel, Andrea Philleo, Wynafred Plunk, Kenneth M. Portuese and Larry Wolk, M.D.
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER
Presented to an individual who has made a significant impact through exceptional leadership skills in coordinating, recruiting, and motivating others to make financial contributions, demonstrated his/her own financial support, and shown a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy.
Past Winners: Jamie Angelich, Shirley Bradsby, Dorothy Brandt, Bob Charles, Robert L. Cohen, Patty Cook and Sarah Schnabel, Charlie Forster, Caleb F. Gates, Jr., Malcom Giles, E. Atwill Gilman, Arlene Hirschfeld, Walt and Georgia Imhoff, Kelvin B. Kent, Jackie Kingsbury, Katie Lindquist, Dawn and Andy Marshall, Max Martinez, Pat Miller, Greg Poschman, Dean Prina, M.D., Kristin Richardson, Nelson A. "Buz" Rieger, Madeleine St. John, Arthur & Julie (posthumously) Seiden, Mary Sissel, Katie Stapleton, Robert Tointon, William Vega, Cora Wall, James B. Wallace, William H. Winn, and Gary Yourtz.
OUTSTANDING YOUTH
Presented to an individual youth volunteer (18 and under) who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the promotion of philanthropy and volunteerism through his/her work in the community. This commitment and impact is demonstrated specifically through activities by the individual in Colorado. The individual acts as a role model for other youth in the community and generates interest in volunteerism in other groups. The winner will receive a $3,000 award for education expenses.
Past Winners: Marko Babiak, Christina Bear, Eric Bear, Tim Brungardt, Jenna County, Gage Crispe, Mia Garcia, Amaya Garcia-White Buffalo, Danielle Graham, Sarah Greichen, Briana Johnson, Janean Jubic, Emily Masar, Alyssa Motz, Skye O'Toole, Nicholas Owens, Samantha Pelican, Aimee Resnick, Michelle Romero, Joey Ruffini, Nichole Saucedo, Isaac Solano, Laura Ann Sprowls, and Allison Winn.
OUTSTANDING YOUTH GROUP
Presented to a youth group (majority of members 18 and under at time of nomination) that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the promotion of philanthropy and volunteerism through their work in the community. This commitment and impact is demonstrated specifically through activities in Colorado. The group acts as a role model for others in the community and generates interest in volunteerism. Preference given to youth directed groups (for example, student councils). The group will receive a $3,000 award to assist in the continuation of its community work.
Past Winners: Arapahoe High School Student Council, Aspen Middle School (Peter Westcott's 5th & 6th Grade Classes), B.I.O.N.I.C. Team at Green Mountain High School, B.I.O.N.I.C. Team at Pomona High School, Bradford Elementary School - Community Outreach, The Brighton Youth Commission, City of Boulder Youth Opportunities Advisory Board, Collbran Job Corps Center Students, Glenwood Springs High School A-Team, Grandview High School Student Equity, Lafayette Youth Advisory Committee, Lewis-Palmer High School Serteen Club, Logan School for Creative Learning, Lowry Elementary Eagle Ambassadors, Montrose High School Interact Club, Mountain Vista High School Student Leadership, North High School Ethics Club, Parker Kids' Club, Rock Canyon High School Student Council, Safe City Youth Power Leadership Team, Student Community Involvement Team, Vilas Citizenship and Leadership Council, Vilas Livestock 4-H Club, and Washington Elementary Project L.E.A.D. Service Learning.
INSPIRATION AWARD
2023 Update: Presented to an individual, team, business, or nonprofit organization that has focused efforts on racial justice and advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and access efforts (IDEA). This commitment and work are evident in an environment where all are valued, innovative, and empowered. This individual, corporation, organization, or group acts as an inspiration to others to increase community involvement, support, or philanthropy.
Past Winners: Anythink Libraries and Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado.
*These guidelines are current for 2023. Previous winners may have been selected and won under different guidelines. Previous award winners are only eligible for nomination five award cycles after their award year.