TEN FOUNDATIONS RECEIVE HUD/USDA SECRETARIES' AWARD
HUD, USDA, and Council on Foundations honor work of place-based foundations

WASHINGTON - Across the nation, community foundations, private foundations, and corporate giving programs work to improve neighborhoods and the lives of the people who live in them. Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Council on Foundations announced the 2014 winners of the Secretaries' Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships (www.huduser.org/portal/about/Pub_Phil_2014_Intro.html).

Ten foundations earned the award for their outstanding partnership with the public sector. These foundations have made significant improvements in housing and neighborhoods, education, health and recreation, transportation, community participation, arts and culture, public safety, sustainability, and economic development across all American geographies - urban, suburban and rural. The awards were presented at the Council on Foundations' Fall Conference for Community Foundations in Cleveland. Watch a video message from HUD Secretary Julián Castro (www.youtube.com/watch?v=HttYLntVqWY&feature=youtu.be).

"These foundations understand that strong communities connect families with the promise of living the American dream," said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. "Powerful outcomes occur when the philanthropic and public sectors come together to solve problems, enhance neighborhoods and expand opportunity for others. I commend these honorees for their deep commitment to serving the common good."

"USDA is proud to partner with foundations on worthy development projects that are improving the quality of life for rural residents and providing them with new economic opportunities. The work that foundations undertake often complements the work that our employees are carrying out at the local level," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "Congratulations to the foundations that have been recognized for their exceptional efforts in 2014."

"I'm proud to offer my congratulations to the winning foundations," said Vikki Spruill, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations. "Their work serves as a model for others in the field. Philanthropy works across sectors to engage communities in meaningful development and productive action. I am grateful to Secretary Castro and Secretary Vilsack for their leadership in recognizing the impact of foundations across the country, I look forward to continuing our engagement with them in order to push for still greater collaboration."

Awards were given to place-based funders for completed or ongoing initiatives that are executed in partnership with a local, regional, or federal government agency. The winners are:

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDGov, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's Email List.