SWWA Philanthropy Awards

The Community Foundation established the Philanthropist of the Year Award to recognize and celebrate individuals, couples, families or foundations that demonstrate outstanding charitable leadership and serve as exemplars of generosity in our community.

The award is presented to those who meet a high standard in the following criteria:

• Provides financial support — evidence of substantial contributions in support of southwest Washington nonprofits and communities.
• Contributes service and leadership to nonprofit sector — a history of volunteer work with nonprofits, including active board or leadership roles.
• Demonstrated philanthropic impact — efforts have resulted in major organizational successes or broad community benefits.
• Inspires and encourages philanthropy in others — positive influence on groups, organizations or individuals by exemplifying giving as a value or belief.

Candidates must be operating or living in southwest Washington or spend a considerable amount of time and energy serving communities in Clark, Cowlitz or Skamania Counties. Awards are presented to the most highly qualified candidates during the Annual Luncheon but not necessarily every year. The award is not available to those currently serving on the Board of Directors at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified nominations for consideration. A volunteer committee made up of past Philanthropists of the Year reviews all nominations before selecting a recipient.

The Community Foundation established the Community Champion Award to celebrate individuals or organizations that are deeply engaged in their communities, tackling the most pressing issues of our time. These unsung heroes, local businesses and grassroots organizations regularly apply their time and talents to create welcoming spaces and advance community-driven solutions that ultimately improve the quality of life for southwest Washington residents.

The award is presented to those who meet a high standard in the following criteria:

• Selfless commitment to the welfare of others — consistent contributions of personal resources toward the health, happiness, prosperity and well-being of others.
• Community involvement and service — active participation and responsibility in volunteer and collaborative efforts that address community needs through local organizations, groups, networks and projects.
• Fosters a culture of belonging — inspiring others to get involved by forming relationships, deepening trust and fostering acceptance so that all residents feel welcome, included, respected and supported in southwest Washington.
• Making significant impact — evidence of positive effects in people’s lives including, but not limited to, knowledge, skill, behavior, health or living conditions.

Candidates must be operating or living in southwest Washington or spend a considerable amount of time and energy serving communities in Clark, Cowlitz or Skamania Counties. Awards are presented to the most highly qualified candidates during the Annual Luncheon but not necessarily every year. The award is not available to those currently serving on the Board of Directors at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified nominations for consideration. A volunteer committee made up of community members and Community Foundation for Southwest Washington staff reviews all nominations before selecting a recipient.