HUD and Council on Foundations honor work of grassroots philanthropic organizations
WASHINGTON, DC – September 10, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — In countless neighborhoods across the country, hundreds of community foundations are improving the lives of residents and the places where they live. These philanthropic organizations often work without much recognition—until now. Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in partnership with the Council on Foundations, announced the first winners of a new awards program to recognize community foundations for the excellent work they do along with their public partners in the areas of housing and community development.
The new HUD Secretary’s Award for Community Foundations honors community foundations that 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.
“From offering free dental care to public school students in Oregon to turning foreclosed homes into affordable housing in Boston, the organizations we honor today are redefining what it means to give back,” said HUD Deputy Secretary Maurice Jones, who delivered the awards in New Orleans. “On behalf of HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan I congratulate these foundations on creating positive change by bringing together public and private partners to find lasting solutions to the issues facing our diverse communities.”
“The 10 awardees, and all our community foundation members, represent lives improved, neighborhoods saved, jobs created, people trained, kids educated, and homes built,” said Vikki N. Spruill, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations. “Philanthropy is hard at work investing in America’s communities, addressing challenges head on, and innovating for a better future.”
A jury selected one community foundation from each of HUD’s 10 regions. Awards were given to community foundations for completed or ongoing initiatives that are executed in partnership with a local, regional, or federal government agency. The winners are:
| Winner | Location | Project | HUD Region |
| The Boston Foundation | Boston, Massachusetts |
Neighborhood Stabilization Loan Fund |
HUD Region I |
| Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo |
Buffalo, New York | Green and Healthy Homes Initiative Buffalo |
HUD Region II |
| Hampton Roads Community Foundation |
Norfolk, Virginia | Ending Homelessness in Norfolk, Va. |
HUD Region III |
| The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee |
Nashville, Tennessee |
The Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund |
HUD Region IV |
| Cleveland Foundation | Cleveland, Ohio | The Evergreen Cooperative Initiative |
HUD Region V |
| Greater New Orleans Foundation |
New Orleans, Louisiana |
Neighborhood Stabilization Loan Fund |
HUD Region VI |
| Lincoln Community Foundation |
Lincoln, Nebraska | Lincoln Community Learning Centers |
HUD Region VII |
| Telluride Foundation | Telluride, Colorado | Paradox Community Trust | HUD Region VIII |
| The San Diego Foundation | San Diego, California |
The San Diego Foundation’s Climate Inititative |
HUD Region IX |
| The Oregon Community Foundation |
Portland, Oregon | Ready to Smile | HUD Region X |
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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the
need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build
inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business.
More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and
http://espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at
www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s News Listserv.
The Council on Foundations (www.cof.org), formed in 1949, is a nonprofit membership association
of grantmakingfoundations and corporations. Council members include more than 1,700 independent,
operating, community, public and company-sponsored foundations, and corporate giving
programs in the United States and abroad. The Council’s mission is to provide
the opportunity, leadership, and tools philanthropic organizations need to
expand, enhance, and sustain their ability to advance the common good.
Contact:
Elena Gaona
(202) 708-0685
