Created in 1999 as the Philanthropist of the Year award and renamed in 2018 to the Northrop Family Excellence Award for Community Philanthropy, this award recognizes a local individual or family for exceptional generosity to the Washington County community.
About the Northrop Family
The Northrop Family has a longstanding commitment to community service and philanthropy, with a multi-generational impact on local charities and organizations. Through the Observer Publishing Company and personal contributions, they have supported numerous charitable initiatives, including providing extensive coverage for local non-profits and donating advertising space. John L.S. Northrop and Thomas P. Northrop have both served as the Chairman of the Washington County Community Foundation's Board of Trustees. Acknowledged as playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the Foundation, the family achieved "Founder's Circle" status in the Foundation's Family of Founders recognition society. The tradition of community philanthropy is deeply rooted in their family history, tracing back to family patriarch, John L. Stewart. Four generations later, the Northrop Family continues to embody a commitment to giving back to the Washington County community.
"To be a successful community newspaper, you need to be part of the community.”— Thomas P. Northrop, former President & Publisher of the Observer-Reporter
Eligibility:
All residents of Washington County.
Criteria:
- Demonstrated exceptional generosity, relative to one’s ability to give, through personal financial gifts to local charitable causes.
- Demonstrated encouragement and motivation of others to financially support local charitable causes.
- Documented efforts to improve the quality of life in Washington County through volunteer leadership of local charitable and other community activities.
- Documented efforts to advance philanthropy in general.
Nomination Process:
Community members may recommend an individual or family for consideration at any time.
