Dr. Gerald K. Smith Award for Philanthropy (2022)
The Dr. Gerald K. Smith Award for Philanthropy was established in 2013 to honor the work and philosophy of Dr. Smith, who was a strong advocate and mentor, a bold and charismatic leader, and a pioneer in the field. Dr. Smith was also one of the original co-chairs of the Michigan Forum for African Americans in Philanthropy (MFAAP), a CMF affinity group. He dedicated his entire career to making the Detroit community better for children and their families. The award honors the legacy and leadership of Dr. Smith, recognizing significant efforts and contributions of individuals in the field whose work and grantmaking activities promote effective and responsive social change in African American communities and have demonstrated leadership, impact, creativity and collaboration.
Nomination Guidelines and Process
Nominations are accepted for individuals connected to a CMF member organization with at least four years of experience in the field. The current co-chairs of MFAAP are not eligible for this award.
To nominate an individual submit this online form, which includes a request for the contact information of the nominator and nominee, along with a brief narrative describing how the nominee's work and grantmaking activities have promoted effective and responsive social change in African American communities, and their overall leadership, impact, creativity and collaboration.
You do not need to complete this nomination form in one sitting; you can save your progress and re-access the form by choosing the "Save and Continue" option shown at the top of the survey window once the first page is complete. You will then receive an email from "noreply@alchemer.com" inviting you to re-access the form via a custom link.
Nominations are due June 30, 2022.
The team of peer reviewers who are reading the nominations may request additional information to support the selection of final candidates, including contact information for two individuals who can serve as references for the nominee.
Selection and Recognition
A volunteer peer panel that includes the current co-chairs of MFAAP and past winners of the Dr. Smith Award will review all nominations and select the award winner. We will contact all nominators with the results of the selection process by July 30.
Honorees will be notified of their nomination and selection as the award recipient via special call (or video call) hosted in collaboration with the nominator.
This year’s recipient will be honored during CMF's 50th Annual Conference taking place in Grand Rapids November 14-16, 2022.
For More Information
Questions about this award may be directed to Sue Cuddington, executive assistant to the CMF president and CEO, at scuddington@michiganfoundations.org.