Some donors choose to create awards funds to honor loved ones or recognize the individual achievement of community members. Awards funds are given to individuals in our community for a variety of reasons, and can be created in many ways. Contact us for more information.
Create an Awards Fund
Interested in creating an awards fund? Please contact a member of our staff.
Make a Contribution to an Awards Fund
Make a contribution to an awards fund administered by The Columbia Foundation by visiting our Online Giving page.
Awards Available
Bonnie Schwartz Excellence in Teaching Award – $500
This award is in memory of Bonnie Schwartz, a teacher of gifted and talented students at Thunder Hill Elementary School. Candidates must be a full-time or part-time teacher with at least five years of experience teaching grades 1 – 5 in a public elementary school.
Only available for elementary school teachers at Howard County Public Schools. Teachers must be nominated by the principal at their school.
The Casey and Pebble Willis Making a Difference Award – $2500
This award is in memory of Casey and Pebble Willis. Casey was a community activist for the 26 years she lived in Howard County who believed people could have a positive impact by putting their beliefs into action. Dr. Eugene “Pebble” Willis was an Orthopedic Surgeon dedicated to providing excellent care and services to his patients and making a difference in our community. Any organization in Howard County with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation involved in human services is eligible to apply for the annual award.
Only available July-August for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Howard County.
The Columbia Foundation Leadership Council Award - $1,000
This award has been established by the Foundation’s Leadership Council to recognize a next generation person (25-45) who serves as a member of a nonprofit board in Howard County. Any organization in Howard County with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation is eligible to nominate a board member for this award. A $1,000 award will be made to the nonprofit organization in recognition of their next generation board member.
Only available July-August for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Howard County.