Four philanthropists honored in Cleveland

Earlier this month, four individuals received awards for outstanding achievements in philanthropy. This year is the 13^th consecutive year our board of trustees has awarded the Ohio Philanthropy Award, which went to Hank Doll. Read more about the four awards and awardees below.

Innovation Award – Don Ambrose

The Innovation Award honors a philanthropic catalyst – someone who has moved philanthropy forward from an original idea through implementation to results, and the 2017 winner is Don Ambrose.

Del Mar Healthcare Inc.’s President Don Ambrose established the Del Mar Social Innovation Award at the Dayton Foundation with the goal of challenging local organizations to think deeply and creatively about how they can serve older adults. Since 2010, the Social Innovation Award has granted more than $2 million to enhance the lives of Greater Dayton’s older adults. The award funds proposals that demonstrate groundbreaking, unique and highly collaborative projects. Without the encouragement of the Del Mar Social Innovation Award, some of these important community projects may have not come to fruition.

Aiyana Marcus, program officer at The Dayton Foundation, accepted the Innovation Award on Don’s behalf and is pictured with Robert Jaquay, The George Gund Foundation associate director.

Emerging Ohio Philanthropist – Anthony Richardson

The award for an Emerging Ohio Philanthropist honors someone who, regardless of age, has engaged in philanthropy for the first time in the last few years, either as a volunteer or as staff. Nominees should demonstrate exemplary leadership in advancing philanthropy, engagement beyond a single community, creativity in a philanthropic endeavor or project and significant accomplishment over a short period.

The 2017 winner is Anthony Richardson, described by his nominators as someone “who has exemplified the spirit of quiet leadership and innovative approaches to problem solving.” Another nominator noted that he has “emerged as a strong voice and active member of Philanthropy Ohio’s DEI Committee.”

Anthony currently serves as the Civic Affairs and Education Program Officer for The Nord Family Foundation. He is involved with Philanthropy Ohio’s DEI Committee, Education Advisory Committee, Public Policy Committee and the Tax Reform Working Group. He recently was named chair of the Academic Distress Commission for Lorain City Schools, appointed by State Superintendent of Schools Paolo DiMaria.

The 2017 Emerging Philanthropist is Tony Richardson (center) pictured with Connie Hawk (left), Licking County Foundation director and Robert Jaquay (right), George Gund Foundation associate director.

Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy – Treye Johnson

The Philanthropy Ohio Board of Trustees created this award after Mike’s death in March 2015. He was the founder of the Shinn Family Foundation and served as secretary of Philanthropy Ohio’s Board of Trustees; he also chaired the board’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, taking on primary responsibility for guiding Philanthropy Ohio’s efforts in that arena. In addition to the philanthropy he did through the Shinn Family Foundation, Mike was an active and respected community volunteer who gave generously of his time, talent and treasure.

Award nominees should have made outstanding contributions to philanthropy by demonstrating that he or she builds bridges, connecting people dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion; champions the acceptance, respect and inclusion of all; promotes justice and fairness; forges genuine partnerships with diverse communities; and implements DEI practices in organizational operations, grantmaking and other areas.

Treye Johnson, program officer at The Burton D. Morgan Foundation, is the 2017 winner. He helped bring the Racial Equity Institute’s Groundwater training to Northeast Ohio over the past two years and is planning future activities that follow up on the training. He also coordinated the 2016 Forward Cities national convening that focused on initiatives advancing inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation. Treye has also been a driving force on our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, bringing his passion and voice to this important work.

One of his nominators described Trey’s impact, saying, “Treye has emerged as a strong voice and active member of Philanthropy Ohio’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. As I learn of all the things he’s involved with, I continue to be impressed. It’s people like Treye who give me hope for the future. He is passionate, articulate and involved in both his community and philanthropy.”

Deborah Hoover, president and CEO of Burton D. Morgan Foundation, noted, “Treye has served as an inspirational role model in helping to create a ‘culture of inclusion’ in our Northeast Ohio entrepreneurial ecosystem. Trustees and staff are extremely proud of this meaningful recognition of Treye.”

Treye Johnson (right) won the 2017 Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy. He’s pictured with Athens County Foundation Executive Director Susan Urano (left) and Deborah Aubert Thomas, Philanthropy Ohio vice president for programs and learning.

Ohio Philanthropy Award – Hank Doll

The Ohio Philanthropy Award is the award for lifetime achievement. It recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding achievements over a long period, demonstrating long-standing leadership in advancing philanthropy, creativity in responding to societal problems and significant positive impact on philanthropy.

This year’s award winner is Hank Doll of the Doll Family Foundation. Many thoughtful letters extolling Hanks’ accomplishments and passion for philanthropy spoke of his generosity of spirit, his longstanding leadership and his integrity. Hank’s contributions to philanthropy span five decades and have influenced foundations, nonprofit organizations and communities across Ohio. He has worked as an executive, an individual philanthropist, civic leader and advisor. His creation of the “Giving Back Gang” not only inspired giving, but also engaged more than 70 individual philanthropists, generating $275,000 in grants over 15 years. Philanthropy in Ohio would not be the same without Hank.

Hank Doll of the Doll Family Foundation won the 2017 Ohio Philanthropy Award.

Congratulations to our 2017 Philanthropy Award winners!

Jessica Howard