Leadership Awards
Foellinger Foundation established the Leadership Awards to celebrate nonprofit board and staff members who champion opportunities for Allen County residents.
Recipients Announced
The recipients of the 2026 Leadership Awards were announced at Foellinger Foundation’s Annual Meeting on January 22, 2026. Congratulations to Jill Boggs, Turnstone; Donna Elbrecht, Easterseals Northeast Indiana; and Ashley Wagner, Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana.
Click here to learn more about the award recipients and to view the list of all 48 nominees.
2027 Leadership Awards Nominations
Nominations for the 2027 Leadership Awards will open later in 2026. Please check back for updates and additional information as they become available.
Nonprofit Board Member Leadership Award
This award is given to a nonprofit board member who demonstrates impact in at least three of four key areas: governance, leadership, financial sustainability, and program impact.
The Nonprofit Board Member Award recipient’s nominating organization receives a $25,000 unrestricted operating grant.
Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award
This award recognizes executives who exemplify adaptive and sustainable leadership—consistently executing and improving plans based on learning, fostering a strong culture of staff and board leadership through transitions and challenges, and actively engaging stakeholders and the broader community. Nominees will be evaluated across four key categories: strategic leadership, organizational culture, community engagement, and leadership development.
The Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award recipient’s nominating organization receives a professional development grant for the award recipient’s professional development activities, such as leadership training, executive coaching, certifications, or educational opportunities that enhance their leadership effectiveness.
Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award
This award recognizes a staff member who exemplifies adaptive and sustainable leadership—consistently executing and improving plans based on learning, fostering a positive organizational culture, and actively engaging stakeholders and the broader community. Nominees will be evaluated across four key categories: strategic leadership, organizational culture, community engagement, and professional growth and development.
The Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award recipient’s nominating organization receives a professional development grant for the award recipient’s professional development activities, such as leadership training, coaching, certifications, or educational opportunities that enhance their leadership effectiveness.
History of Awards
Known previously as the David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award from 2019 to 2024 and the Carl D. Rolfsen Stewardship Award from 2006 to 2016, this award has historically recognized the significance of individual board members within nonprofit organizations. In 2025, Foellinger Foundation expanded the award to incorporate additional recognitions for CEO and staff members, along with supporting professional development grants, in response to feedback from grantees and partners regarding the demand and need for these opportunities.
Have Questions?
To learn more about the Leadership Awards and Annual Meeting, please contact Jenny Crump, Events & Communications Coordinator, at jenny@foellinger.org.