Philanthropy Awards

About

The Dr. Gerald K. Smith Award for Philanthropy was established in 2013 to honor the work and philosophy of Dr. Smith, who was a strong advocate and mentor, a bold and charismatic leader, and a pioneer in the field. Dr. Smith was also one of the original co-chairs of the Michigan Forum for African Americans in Philanthropy (MFAAP), a CMF affinity group. He dedicated his entire career to making the Detroit community better for children and their families. The award honors the legacy and leadership of Dr. Smith, recognizing significant efforts and contributions of individuals in the field whose work and grantmaking activities promote effective and responsive social change in African American communities and who have demonstrated leadership, impact, creativity and collaboration. Nominations are accepted for individuals with at least four years of experience in the field. The current co-chairs of MFAAP are not eligible for this award.

We are grateful to the co-chairs of MFAAP who serve as peer reviewers for the Dr. Smith Award submissions and lead the selection of the winner. (Co-chairs may also engage the support of one or more past winners.)

Previous Recipients

2024: Dr. Shakiyla Smith-Sengu
2023: Melanca Clark
2022: Yazeed Moore
2021: Pamela Lewis
2019: Lynne Ferrell
2018: Wendy Lewis Jackson
2017: Robert Thornton
2016: Vivian Pickard
2015: Laura Trudeau
2014: Johngerlyn “Jonse” Young
2013: Rod Gillum
2012: Carol Goss
2011: Tonya Allen

About

The Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award was established by CMF and the Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) Michigan Chapter in 2021. The award honors an emerging practitioner in the field for their demonstrated leadership, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and advocacy for social justice in their work. The award celebrates emerging leaders working in Michigan who have advanced connections in the field and have shown support for peers in the emerging leader space. Emerging leaders include individuals from all career pathways, positions and ages with experience levels under 10 years. Nominees need to be a staff member, trustee or committee member of a CMF member organization to qualify.

We are grateful to the EPIP Michigan Steering Committee, who serve as peer reviewers for the Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award submissions and lead the selection of the winner.

Previous Recipients

2024: Tryphena Clarke
2023: Jonathan Pulley
2022: Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys
2021: Erika VanDyke

About

The Karen Aldridge-Eason Innovations for Equity Philanthropy Award was newly launched in 2023 to honor the work of CMF members engaged in shifting narratives, broadening relationships, addressing power, expanding access and/or opportunity through philanthropic practice, examining policy or people-focused strategies, and other forms of equity-centered philanthropy. This award celebrates the unique and outstanding efforts of Michigan philanthropy to advance equitable outcomes for Michigan. The nominees will have demonstrated significant, bold action to create positive change, remove barriers and address structural inequity within their local context or for the philanthropic field at large. Examples include, but are not limited to innovative public-private partnerships, reimagined grantmaking strategies, exceptional community engagement and leadership in critical policy change. Again, please note that these are just examples and the award seeks new ways of thinking and innovative action. Actions may look different based on a foundation’s region, size, mission, stakeholder needs and more. Recognizing that deep and lasting change takes time, this award recognizes effort, not necessarily demonstrated outcomes. The nominee can be an individual or team of people and must include - but is not limited to - CMF member staff and/or trustees.

We are grateful to representatives from MNA and the CMF Community Foundation Committee, who served as peer reviewers for the Karen Aldridge-Eason Innovations for Equity Award submissions and led the selection of the winners.

As of October 2024, this award is now named in Karen's honor: The Karen Aldridge-Eason Innovations for Equity Philanthropy Award honoree!

previous Recipients

2024: Karen Aldridge-Eason
2023: Jennifer Heymoss, Beth Berglin, Ebony Hemphill, Emily Olivares and Stacey Ledbetter 

About

The Community Philanthropy Award was established by CMF and the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) in 2006 to honor a living individual and/or family for their exceptional service and commitment to growing community philanthropy in Michigan on behalf of one or more community foundations. This award recognizes generosity of time, talent and treasure, ties and testimony (the 5 Ts of Philanthropy) specifically the individual or family's leadership, impact, creativity and collaboration. Examples of eligible honorees include community foundation volunteers, donors, partners, youth leaders and others who have contributed to the foundation and community philanthropy through partnership, impactful initiatives, special projects, efforts towards movement building, etc. Nominations will be accepted for a living individual or family and must be submitted by staff or a board member of a community foundation in CMF's membership. Public officials, foundation staff and CMF trustees are not eligible for nomination. 

We are grateful to representatives from MNA and the CMF Community Foundation Committee who serve as peer reviewers for the Community Foundation Philanthropy Award submissions and lead the selection of the winner.

previous Recipients

2023: Matt and Karen Cullen
2022: W. Frank Fountain, Jr.
2021: William H. Piper
2019: Georgia and Travis Fojtasek
2018: Charles Janssen and The Honorable Carlene Walz Lefere
2017: Doug & Margaret DeCamp
2016: Mary Little Tyler & Dr. Samuel Shaheen and the Shaheen family
2015: Donna Niester
2014: Lawrence E. Moon
2013: Dirk Hoffius
2012: Barbara VanDusen
2011: David Donovan
2010: Richard (Dick) Groos and Lucas Pfeiffenberger
2009: Edward and Nancy Hanenburg
2008: Walter North
2007: Molly Dobson
2006: Raymond H. Dresser, Jr.