Important notice

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Community Foundation has canceled the 2020 Celebration of Philanthropy. The Community Foundation will dedicate our staff time to projects that can be a positive and helpful resource for our community during this difficult time.

With much gratitude to our generous sponsors, over 700 people gathered on May 2, 2019, to celebrate the philanthropic work of individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits in Northern Colorado. Click here to view the 2019 event album.

Community Legacy Award: The Kay and Larry Edwards Family

Through their business, The Light Center, the Edwards family supported nonprofits such as RamStrength, Homeward Alliance, and Project Self-Sufficiency. Kay’s work on developing endowed chairs for the Fort Collins Symphony has raised almost $500,000.
The Community Legacy Award is given annually to a Northern Colorado family that demonstrated philanthropy and volunteerism through multiple generations.

Community Legacy Award: Past Recipients
2019: The Gallegos Family
2018: The Schrader Family
2017: The Houska Family
2016: The Markley Family
2015: The VanAlsburg and Clay Family
2014: The Dellenbach Family

Founders Award

The Founders Award recognizes individuals and families that have provided exceptional leadership, both to the Community Foundation and our region. The award celebrates the crucial role leadership plays in strengthening nonprofits and creating dynamic communities.

Founders Award: Past Recipients
2019: Lynn and Norma Hammond
2018: The Sutherland Family
2017: Bruce and Muriel Hach
2013: Dave Edwards
2008: Bob Everitt on behalf of the Founding Trustees
2006: Gene Markley
2005: Doc and Helen Fickel
2004: Karl Carson

From our keynote speakers:

“Philanthropy, done well, is a powerful tool that adds meaning, joy, and purpose to life and enhances business success.”

– Bruce DeBoskey, 2018 Celebration of Philanthropy Keynote Speaker

“It was a tremendous group effort. If you want to give, don’t do it alone. Thank you to all of those people who made it possible for Tom to share.”

– Jean Sutherland, accepting the Founders Award on behalf of her family and her husband Tom. 2018 Celebration of Philanthropy

From our 2018 attendees:

“The socialization aspects were very enjoyable. It’s not everyday that you see 750 of the community’s philanthropic leaders together at once.”

“A room full of visionary, cooperative, philanthropic people who have worked together for generations to make our region a positive place to live and work; it’s inspiring to see this many caring people come together.”

“Connecting with people and learning about some of the really neat things happening in our community. There is so much going on that we often don’t hear about.”

“Interacting with others that one knows but rarely sees, meeting new people that are interested in a foundation that does so much for not just an area, but a broader community in total…‘a sharing of minds’ for a greater benefit.”