THE ROBERT L WHITE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY PHILANTHROPY

The Community Foundation of NCW partners with local attorneys to help their charitable clients give back to their local communities and leave legacies beyond their lifetimes.

Talking with clients about leaving charitable legacies isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly meaningful and impactful to leave behind a gift to the community that you love.

That’s why we established The Robert L White Excellence in Community Philanthropy – to honor Bob and professional advisors like him who go the extra mile to promote community philanthropy and inspire the next generation of advisors to share this value.

The inaugural award was given at the 2023 Annual Donor Appreciation Event and will continue to be awarded at this event each year.

We encourage anyone to nominate a Professional Advisor (attorney, CPA, or Financial Advisor) who demonstrates the value of inspiring their clients to leave meaningful legacies.

Nominate a Professional Advisor

Eligibility and Criteria

• An attorney, financial advisor, CPA, or other professional advisor working in Chelan, Douglas or Okanogan counties.
• Actively promotes philanthropy to clients with a focus on local causes.
• Supports the nonprofit sector through volunteerism or board service applying skills/knowledge in professional field to nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism.

Note: Selection is NOT contingent on the number of referrals and/or closeness to CFNCW

Nomination Process

• Nominations accepted January 1 – March 1.
• Nominations will be carried forward to subsequent year if not selected but well qualified.

Selection Process

• A Community Foundation of NCW selection committee will review nominations, introduce additional nominations, and select the awardee.
• The committee shall include at least one non-voting staff member and one Trustee of CFNCW and could also include previous awardees, and members of the professional advisor community. 

Judy Conner

2024 Award Recipient

Nomination Comments

“Judy has always been willing to support worthy causes, whether by fund-raising, donating, or serving on boards. Her service on behalf of our hospital and college (Nurses for Tomorrow campaign) and many years on the Cashmere Valley Bank Board are a few examples.””Judy and Irv spearheaded an initiative 36 years ago to have Cordell Neher & Co set aside one day for 100% of the staff to volunteer for a local non-profit agency, which continues to this day. In my opinion, there is no one that demonstrates a higher level of professionalism and love for her community through philanthropy than Judy Conner.”

Craig Homchick

2025 Award Recipient

Nomination Comments

“Craig has devoted his career supporting businesses, families and nonprofits in NCW. He exemplifies excellence in community philanthropy. Craig’s unique set of skills as both a CPA and CFP have helped successful community members and family businesses as they plan for the future, looking for ways to give back to the community that helped them become so successful. And ultimately guiding them to leave charitable legacies.””We are pleased to endorse Craig Homchick for the Robert L. White Philanthropy Award. Mike and I have known Craig for 15 years and have worked with him as a professional advisor. He is a kind, fun-loving man, putting his family first. He is also a businessman of the highest quality and a deep thinker on all aspects of life. Our family has been fortunate to have benefit of Craig’s expertise in estate planning and charitable giving.”

Xitlali Cruz

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

I am currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Stanford. Since the beginning of my freshman year I have been involved with clubs such as Stanford’s Space Initiative (SSI) and the Society of Latinx Engineers (SOLE). In SSI I built a rocket and launched it.

Aero Methow Rescue Service

GRANT RECIPIENT

Due to being rural, remote, and geographically isolated, we must be prepared to do more than respond to emergencies. We have become a healthcare partner who fills gaps in service. The grant allowed our board the time and ability to work with a Strategic Planner to modify our plan to address those gaps.

Chelan Douglas Volunteer Attorney Services

GRANT RECIPIENT

The grant provided funds to hire a Housing Justice and Outreach Coordinator to visit rural and underserved areas. Rosie’s bilingual and bicultural skills and experience have increased equity of service. Rosie is building partnerships with local organizations through events such as the Columbia Valley Community Health’s Back to School Drive, as well as posting yard signs.

Tenoch Mandujano

Scholarship Recipient

My father was a migrant agricultural worker who eventually started his own cherry and apple orchard. He told me if I wanted to live a better life, I had to get an education. I plan on starting a career with the Chelan PUD with a passion for renewable energy and in turn give back to my parents and community for supporting my dreams.

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ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

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CHARITABLE FUNDS

FOUNDATION FACTS

ANNUAL REPORT