The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Council on Foundations announced today the 2018 winners of the Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships. The awards are given to place-based funders for initiatives that recognize exemplary partnerships between foundations and government that have been critical in transforming communities and improving lives. The Spartanburg County Foundation is recognized as one of 10 award winners for the work being done through the Northside Initiative.
The Spartanburg County Foundation, along with the Mary Black Foundation, applied for the award to demonstrate the effective public and private partnerships formed around the Northside Initiative. The Northside Initiative, led by the Northside Development Group, a 501(c)3 nonprofit community development corporation, is an effort to fundamentally transform a 400-acre, once blighted and forgotten neighborhood into a sought-after community of choice. The Northside Development Group and its many community partners have and continue to work toward a shared vision – to create a vibrant cradle to career education pipeline, affordable housing options, and a stable, safe, and healthy environment that supports all stages of life through comprehensive social and community services.
“It’s exciting for the community to receive national recognition for a public and private partnership that is making such a huge difference,” said Bill Barnet, CEO and Board Chair of the Northside Development Group.
From the onset of the project, the Northside Development Group formed public and private partnerships with neighborhood residents, government agencies, local businesses, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and the philanthropic sector – partnerships that continue to remain strong eight years after the project’s initiation.
“It’s this collaborative approach to service that will lead us to find solutions to help the most vulnerable in our communities,” Secretary Ben Carson said. “I’m pleased to recognize these award winners for the important work they do to serve the housing, health, safety, and educational needs of their fellow Americans.”
This year’s winners were presented today by Secretary Carson as part of an event at HUD Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The winners of the 2018 Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships are:
• Anthem Foundation
• Bon Secours of Maryland Foundation
• Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
• The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
• Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
• The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and The Leonard & Helen R. Stulman Foundation
• Michael Reese Health Trust and Polk Bros. Foundation
• Rasmuson Foundation
• The Spartanburg County Foundation
• U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities
“The cross-sector partnerships demonstrated among the winners of this year’s awards highlight the power of collaboration,” said Gene Cochrane, interim president and CEO of the Council on Foundations. “Through innovative, bold ideas and unique partnerships, these foundations are shining examples of philanthropy’s ability to promote the common good.” To learn more about 2018 winners and their initiatives, visit: https://www.huduser.gov/secaward/cof
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The Spartanburg County Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Spartanburg County residents by promoting philanthropy, encouraging community engagement and responding to community needs. Established in 1943, The Spartanburg County Foundation is the oldest community foundation in South Carolina. Additional information about the Foundation is available at www.spcf.org.
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov. You can also connect with HUD on social media or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.
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