HUD AND COUNCIL ON FOUNDATIONS ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF 2017 SECRETARY'S AWARD
Ten foundations recognized for their outstanding work in building stronger communities through government partnerships

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Council on Foundations (COF) today announced the winners of the 2017 HUD Secretary's Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships (https://www.huduser.gov/portal/about/Pub_Phil_Intro.html).

The awards were presented at the Council on Foundations Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas, earlier this morning. They honor 10 innovative and impactful cross-sector initiatives that have increased the quality of life for low- and moderate-income Americans living in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the nation. These initiatives focus on solving a broad range of issues, from expanding affordable housing to promoting employment opportunities for students, reducing substance abuse among young people, and improving local infrastructure.

"I want to congratulate each of our winners for their extraordinary efforts to bridge the gap between philanthropy, government, and nonprofits," said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. "Today's awards celebrate the power of partnership, and honor exceptional organizations that are laying a strong foundation for more Americans to succeed and thrive."

"The 10 initiatives being honored are an inspiring reminder that when philanthropy and government work together and lead together in cross-sector partnerships, their collaborations can achieve incredible results for the communities we collectively serve," said Council President and CEO Vikki Spruill. "On behalf of the Council, I congratulate each of the outstanding foundations being awarded today."

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

HUD's Office for International and Philanthropic Innovation and the COF have co-hosted the Secretary's Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships since 2012. The winners were selected by a panel of 12 judges - six from HUD and six from the Council on Foundations - based on materials submitted following an open call for nominations issued this past February (www.cof.org/news/council-foundations-and-hud-kick-2017-secretary%E2%80%99s-awards-public-philanthropic-partnerships).

Further information on each of today's winners can be found at HUD's website (https://www.huduser.gov/portal/about/Pub_Phil_Intro.html).

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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 on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov.

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An active philanthropic network, the Council on Foundations (www.cof.org), founded in 1949, is a nonprofit leadership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. It provides the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. With members from all foundation types and sizes, the Council empowers professionals in philanthropy to meet today's toughest challenges and advances a culture of charitable giving in the U.S. and globally. You can also connect with COF on Twitter and Facebook.