WABASH COUNTY, IN- In celebration of the Community Foundation’s 70th anniversary of its founding in January of 1954, the Foundation announces the launch of its inaugural Philly Awards. Just as the Grammys recognize achievements in the recording industry; the Oscars award excellence in film; the Emmys, in television; and the Tonys for theatre: the Community Foundation, on the occasion of its 71st year, is introducing the Phillys to recognize and award philanthropic achievements in Wabash County.
The Foundation is grateful for the many citizens, organizations, elected officials, professional advisors, ministries, agencies, and social clubs who contribute to the quality of life and welfare of Wabash County citizens. Rather than a single event, the Community Foundation is planning a weeklong celebration to take place April 29 – May 03, 2024. Each day of the week, a philanthropic sector will be celebrated:
Monday- Recognize those who focus on Community Development and Population Growth
Tuesday- Focus on Nonprofit Organizations and Community Foundation Grantees
Wednesday- Celebrate Wabash County Educators
Thursday- Commemorate Giving in Wabash County
Friday- Honor Community Volunteers
In addition to celebrating Wabash County Philanthropy in all its forms, the Foundation will award a Philly in three categories: 1) Philanthropist of the Year, 2) Nonprofit of the Year, and 3) Giving Here. The Foundation will select the Philanthropist of the Year. The Community is invited to nominate candidates for the Nonprofit of the Year and the Giving Here Philly awards.
The Philanthropist of the Year honors an individual or family that has exhibited significant charitable giving, stewardship, volunteerism, and leadership in the community. The Philanthropist of the Year awardee will have the privilege of recommending a $2,500 grant to the charitable cause of his or her choice.
The Nonprofit of the Year will have provided exceptional, innovative, and steadfast service to its clients, strengthened the community, and improved the quality of life of Wabash County Citizens. The nonprofit of the Year will be awarded in two categories that alternate each year. Quality of Place nonprofits in Wabash County offer programs and opportunities to the community for recreation and sports, youth programs, arts and culture, religion, education, and civic engagement. The second category is Health and Human Services and recognizes nonprofit organizations in Wabash County that address health and wellness, hospitals and clinics, food insecurity, recovery programs, homelessness prevention, disaster relief, mental health services, and family social services. The category for 2024 is Quality of Place. The Nonprofit of the Year will receive a $5,000 grant to support its mission, operations, or programming.
The Giving Here award will recognize a person who brightens days, makes lives easier, and goes above and beyond to support others. Any Wabash County resident, regardless of age, who demonstrates a continual commitment to enhance the lives of others is eligible. The Giving Here awardee will have the privilege of recommending a $2,500 grant to the charitable cause of his or her choice.
Help choose who the Phillys go to in 2024. To nominate a Nonprofit Philly or the Giving Here Philly, visit cfwabash.org/Phillys. If you prefer a paper nomination form, please contact Melissa Ford-Kalbfell at 260-982-4824 or by email at Melissa@cfwabash.org. Nominations close Friday, April 12th.