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.
Natalie Kuehler
2026 Award Recipient
Nomination Comments
"Natalie is a tireless advocate for her clients and the nonprofit community. As a client, I have firsthand experience of her thoughtful planning and assistance with navigating the complexities of legacy giving. In the Methow Valley, Natalie is the ‘go to’ attorney for estate planning and provides personalized service and no nonsense advice. Natalie has a broad client base that represents the diversity of the community she serves, providing them the outcomes they desire. Her trusted guidance, and personal approach makes her a perfect candidate for this award!"
"Natalie has been instrumental in helping advise people in the Methow Valley on how to set up Donor Advised Funds and proper Estate Planning, as well as Legacy Giving. She has a positive, reassuring tone when working with clients and I highly recommend her for this award. I serve on the Methow Valley Fund LAB and have seen her produce some great results."
"Natalie is front and center in promoting [charitable] efforts and explaining the giving opportunities. Having personally worked with her as a personal representative for a number of estates, I have seen her guide donors through the process and diligently explain the options available to them. She has spent many hours working with the various nonprofit executives and BOD's, keeping them abreast of the latest options for giving. She is a gift to our community and all who work with her."
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."
Robert L White Award for Excellence in Community Philanthropy Nomination Form
The Robert L White Award for Excellence in Community Philanthropy Nomination form will reopen on January 1.
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