HUD and Council on Foundations Launch New Award to Recognize Community-Based Philanthropic Groups

Every day across this country, hundreds of community-based foundations are improving the lives of residents and the neighborhoods where they live. These foundations often do their philanthropic work without much recognition – until now. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is collaborating with the Council on Foundations in the launch of a new awards program to recognize community foundations for the excellent work they do along with their public partners in the area of housing and community development.

The new HUD Secretary's Award for Community Foundations seeks nominations from non-profit place-based philanthropic organizations which work closely with the public sector on projects involving housing and neighborhood improvements; education; health and recreation; transportation; community participation; arts and culture; public safety; sustainability; and economic development.

"We're looking for a unique group of foundations that are redefining what it means to give back to their communities," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "Working closely with state, local and even federal agencies, these foundations work day in and day out to transform the relationship between the philanthropic and public sectors. It's increasingly clear that neither sector can solve our challenges alone but together, anything is possible. This awards program is just our way of saying thank you." 

"The Council on Foundations is honored to join HUD in recognizing the outstanding work of community foundations in establishing public-private partnerships that create sustainable and lasting change in local communities," said Jeff Clarke, interim president and CEO, the Council on Foundations. "As strategic advisors, investors and visionaries, Community Foundations are essential partners to government in building viable communities."

A jury will select a total of 10 community foundations, one each from HUD’s defined regions of the country. Awards will be given to community foundations for completed or ongoing initiatives that are executed in partnership with a local, regional, or federal government agency. The Council on Foundations must receive completed application by 11:59 pm (Pacific Daylight Time) on Friday, May 11, 2012. Any entries submitted after this date will not be eligible. 

Read more about the new HUD Secretary's Award for Community Foundations.

Press Contact:
Brian Sullivan
US Dept of Housing and Urban Development
202-402-7527