Community Heroes
Community Hero Awards for Leadership & Service
Nomination Packet Nomination Form
As part of its 60th Anniversary celebration, The Schenectady Foundation is reviving a program that brings visibility to the outstanding work that people do for our community – the Community Hero Awards for Leadership & Service.
The awards will recognize outstanding leadership and service in Schenectady County’s social sector and neighborhoods. By bringing attention to the excellence of people, partnerships and collaborative groups throughout our community, The Schenectady Foundation aims to build capacity, promote inclusive and equitable practices, and advance the development of leadership qualities and commitment to civic engagement.
Awards:
Each selected Community Hero will be able to direct a $10,000 grant to a qualified Schenectady County social sector organization, or community-based charitable endeavor of their choice. The Schenectady Foundation plans to make as many as ten awards, with cumulative grants totaling as much as $100,000.
Nomination Process:
Nomination forms may be submitted by any person who lives, works or serves in Schenectady County. Individuals or partnerships may nominate themselves, or be nominated by a second party, provided all relevant information is provided.
The following will be required for consideration of an award by The Schenectady Foundation:
Completed Community Hero nomination form submitted by April 29th, 2024.
Application forms are available below, or by requesting a form via email to spawlusik@schenectadyfoundation.org
Previous Recipients
The following people were named Community Heroes during the Foundation's 50th Anniversary in 2014.
David Buicko
Chief Operating Officer
Galesi Group
Phillip Grigsby
Executive Director
SICM
Mark Moran
STRIDE Adaptive Sports
Chris Parsons & Nathan Mandsager
Schenectady Bridges Out of Poverty
Gary Riggi
Flood Recovery Coalition for
Schenectady County
Michael Saccocio
Executive Director
City Mission of Schenectady
Walter Simpkins
Executive Director
Community Fathers
Mary Jane Smith
Coordinator
Daily Bread Food Pantry
Joanne Tobiessen
Working Group on Girls
Margaret Rogers Meagher & Nicole Baptiste
Ellis Medical Home/Navigator Team