Leadership Awards
Foellinger Foundation established the Leadership Awards to celebrate nonprofit board and staff members who champion opportunities for Allen County residents.
Nominate a Nonprofit Leader
We are now accepting nominations for the Nonprofit Board Member Leadership Award, Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award, and Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award! Nominations are accepted through Foundant, our online grant system.
Nominations open on July 6, 2026, and are due by September 8, 2026.
Available July 6, 2026
Nonprofit Board Member Leadership Award
This award is given to a nonprofit board member who demonstrates impact in at least three of four key areas: governance, leadership, financial sustainability, and program impact.
The Nonprofit Board Member Award recipient’s nominating organization receives a $30,000 unrestricted operating grant.
Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award
This award recognizes executives who exemplify adaptive and sustainable leadership—consistently executing and improving plans based on learning, fostering a strong culture of staff and board leadership through transitions and challenges, and actively engaging stakeholders and the broader community. Nominees will be evaluated across four key categories: strategic leadership, organizational culture, community engagement, and leadership development.
The Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award recipient’s nominating organization receives a $10,000 professional development grant for the award recipient’s professional development activities, such as leadership training, executive coaching, certifications, or educational opportunities that enhance their leadership effectiveness.
Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award
This award recognizes a staff member who exemplifies adaptive and sustainable leadership—consistently executing and improving plans based on learning, fostering a positive organizational culture, and actively engaging stakeholders and the broader community. Nominees will be evaluated across four key categories: strategic leadership, organizational culture, community engagement, and professional growth and development.
The Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award recipient’s nominating organization receives a $10,000 professional development grant for the award recipient’s professional development activities, such as leadership training, coaching, certifications, or educational opportunities that enhance their leadership effectiveness.
Save the Date
Award nominees will be recognized and recipients will be announced at our 2027 Annual Meeting on January 28, 2027, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. We look forward to gathering with our partners and grantees to celebrate leadership, impact, and a shared commitment to Allen County.
History of Awards
Known previously as the David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award from 2019 to 2024 and the Carl D. Rolfsen Stewardship Award from 2006 to 2016, this award has historically recognized the significance of individual board members within nonprofit organizations. In 2025, Foellinger Foundation expanded the award to incorporate additional recognitions for CEO and staff members, along with supporting professional development grants, in response to feedback from grantees and partners regarding the demand and need for these opportunities.
Have Questions?
To learn more about the Leadership Awards and Annual Meeting, please contact Lisa Pickerman, Program Officer, at lisa@foellinger.org.