Ohio Philanthropy Awards

2026 Ohio Philanthropy Awards 

The Ohio Philanthropy Awards celebrate the individuals and organizations transforming communities through philanthropy. These changemakers are advancing bold ideas, inspiring collaboration and driving lasting impact across Ohio. Their leadership is shaping the future of the philanthropic sector and creating stronger, more equitable communities. The awards recognize outstanding lifetime contributions to philanthropy while also honoring the next generation of leaders whose vision and commitment are making a lasting difference. If you know someone whose work deserves to be recognized, nominate them and help celebrate the people advancing philanthropy across Ohio.

Philanthropy Ohio board and committee members vote for the award winners, which are celebrated at the Philanthropy Forward conference on Tuesday, October 13. Board and committee members shall abstain from voting if they are nominated for the award being deliberated upon. 

Nominate a colleague now through Wednesday, September 9, for the:

• Ohio Philanthropy Award
• Emerging Philanthropist Award 
• Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in Philanthropy

Ohio Philanthropy Award

Criteria for the lifetime achievement award – the Ohio Philanthropy Award nominees:

• Have made outstanding contributions to philanthropy.
• Demonstrate long-standing leadership in advancing philanthropy.
• Display creativity in responding to societal problems.
• Have left a significant positive impact on philanthropy. 

Ohio Philanthropy Award Winners

Michael M. Parks, CFRE (2025) | Constance Hawk (2024) | Melissa A. Kleptz (2023) | Claudia Y.W. Herrold (2022) | Pam Howell-Beach (2021) | Samuel Barone (2020) | Geoffrey Gund (2019) | Richard Pogue (2018) | Hank Doll (2017) | George B. Milbourn (2016) | Gordon Wean (2015) | Denise San Antonio Zeman (2014) | Brian Frederick (2013) | George E. Espy (2012 Special Award) | John and Annie Glenn (2012) | Robert W. Briggs (2011) | Shirley Dunlap Bowser (2010) | Malvin E. Bank (2009) | Dr. Lucille G. Ford (2008) | Catherine M. Lewis (2007) | Kathryn E. Merchant (2006) | Chad P. Wick (2005) | Steven A. Minter (2004) 

Emerging Philanthropist Award

Criteria for the Emerging Philanthropist Award nominees:

• Demonstrate exemplary leadership in advancing philanthropy.
• Display creativity in a philanthropic endeavor.
• Have achieved significant accomplishments in a short period of time.

Emerging Philanthropist Award Winners
Devontá Dickey (2025) | Adam Hodnichak (2024) | Brittany "Britt" Lovett (2023) | Allie Watson (2022) | Heather Clayton Terry (2021) | Adrienne Mundorf (2020) | Rachel Goodspeed (2019) | Dan Cohn (2018) | Anthony Richardson (2017) | Patrick Westerlund and Meredith Wood (2016) | Connor Reed Thomas (2015) | Andrea Timan (2014) | Cara Dingus Brook (2013)

Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Philanthropy

Michael G. Shinn was the founder of the Shinn Family Foundation and served as secretary of Philanthropy Ohio’s Board of Trustees until his death in March 2015. He chaired the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee, taking on primary responsibility for guiding Philanthropy Ohio’s efforts in that arena.

Criteria for Shinn Award nominees:

• Have made outstanding contributions to philanthropy by building bridges and connecting people dedicated to equity.
• Champion the acceptance, respect and inclusion of all.
• Promote justice and fairness.
• Forge genuine partnerships with diverse communities.
• Implement equitable practices in organizational operations, grantmaking and other areas.

Michael G. Shinn Award Winners

Dr. Raphael Allen (2025) | Ohio State Bar Foundation (2024) | Isabelle Ridgway Foundation (2023) | Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (2022) | Social Venture Partners Cleveland (2021) | The Raymond John Wean Foundation (2020) | John Moore (2019) | Donna and Larry James (2018) | Treye Johnson (2017) | The Community Foundation of Lorain County Board of Trustees (2016) | Kristi Andrasik (2015)

Public Policy Award

The Public Policy Award recognizes a champion in public policy or advocacy work in philanthropy in Ohio. The individual or organization that wins this award uses their voice with courage to advocate, guided by the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, to build stronger communities and more impactful philanthropy. The Public Policy Award will be celebrated at Philanthropy at the Statehouse in 2027, and nominations will open in early 2027.

Criteria for Public Policy Award nominees:

• Advocate for policies that impact the sector and its communities.
• Support public policies that address systemic disparities and produce equitable outcomes for all Ohioans.
• Remain nonpartisan while working with issues that are political.
• Amplify the voice of philanthropy while educating and influencing Ohio policymakers.

Public Policy Award Winners

Rick Kellar (2025) | Keith Burwell (2024) | John Corlett (2023)