Springdale nonprofit receives HUD award for collaboration

Springdale-based Excellerate Foundation, a regional nonprofit working to fill gaps in social services, has been awarded the distinguished 2023 Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in conjunction with the Council on Foundations (COF), according to an announcement made Wednesday (June 14).

The national accolade commends organizations that have facilitated impactful collaborations between philanthropy and government, as well as recognizing the significant role played by philanthropy in tackling critical social issues through innovative and cooperative approaches.

Excellerate Foundation is one of nine national award winners. More information is available at this link.

The recognition was bestowed upon Excellerate for its establishment of Upskill NWA, a workforce development model that focuses on specific sectors. Upskill NWA enables low-income wage earners to gain access to education and secure high-demand, high-wage positions in the healthcare field. By actively engaging and involving employment partners, education partners, social service support partners, and multiple city and county governments, Upskill NWA empowers participants to enhance the economic stability of their households and enhance their long-term career prospects. Simultaneously, the initiative provides the region’s healthcare systems with the well-trained and skilled workforce they desperately require.

During the plenary luncheon of Leading Locally, the COF’s community philanthropy conference, Jeff Webster, the president and CEO at Excellerate Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of the organization in Denver, Colo. Kathleen Enright, CEO of the Council on Foundations, and senior HUD officials presented the award.

“We are profoundly honored to receive this esteemed award and extend our gratitude to both HUD and the Council on Foundations for their support,” Webster said. “This accomplishment reflects the passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our team, as well as the exceptional partnerships we have fostered. We remain steadfast in our mission to drive systemic change through collaborations between the public and philanthropic sectors and to pursue innovative solutions that address the most pressing challenges faced by our community.”