Meyer Foundation
Making D.C. History Award for Distinction in Local Philanthropy
The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. is proud to announce that the Meyer Foundation will receive the Making D.C. History Award for Distinction in Local Philanthropy at the Making D.C. History Awards on Friday, October 7, 2016.
Over the past four years, the Historical Society has honored sixteen Washingtonians and D.C.-based organizations whose enduring contributions to our community have helped create, define, and keep our city’s heritage. On Friday, October 7, 2016, the Historical Society welcomes five more history makers to the growing list of distinguished honorees, recognized for their contributions to the fabric of life in Washington, D.C.
History of the Meyer Foundation
Established in 1944 by Eugene Meyer, owner and publisher of The Washington Post, and his wife, the author and social activist Agnes E. Meyer, the Meyer Foundation grew quickly into a powerful and influential locally focused philanthropy. For more than 70 years, the foundation has played a leading role in strengthening communities and supporting the operations and missions of nonprofit organizations throughout the D.C. region. In trying to serve as a support system for “the best of our civic aspirations,” Meyer has given seed money to groups furthering the arts, race relations, and education; fighting poverty; and providing social services; among many others. The list of recipients is long and distinguished, including Arena Stage, Anacostia Neighborhood Museum, Washington Performing Arts Society, Historical Society of Washington, D.C., United Planning Organization, the Green Door, Latin American Youth Center, and Neighbors, Inc.
In the 1970s, amid the city’s looming economic and social challenges, Meyer took a new tack. The foundation began creating and fostering alliances, connecting otherwise isolated entities so that groups could share information, training programs, professional services, and space, instead of competing with each other for limited resources. In 2015 the foundation adopted a new strategic plan and mission statement: to pursue and invest in solutions that build an equitable Greater Washington community in which economically vulnerable people thrive. Nicky Goren will accept their award at the October 2016 event.
Source: Kathryn Schneider Smith, Fifty Years of Building Community/A History of the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation (Washington: Meyer Foundation, 1994).
About the Making D.C. History Awards
The Making D.C. History Awards is an annual event that supports the mission of the Historical Society and honors it as one of the city’s most important locally focused cultural institutions.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Presented by the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., in the historic
Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square.
Honoree Reception
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Champagne and hors d’oeuvres with complimentary valet parking
Awards Presentation
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Seated dinner and awards ceremony hosted by Wendy Rieger, NBC4 News
Flashback D.C.
9:00 – 11:30 p.m.
Open bar & entertainment
Other honorees includes:
- The Association of Oldest Inhabitants of D.C.
Making D.C. History Award for Distinction in Historic Preservation - McGuire Family
Legacy Families of Washington, D.C. - Washingtonian Magazine
Making D.C. History Award for Distinction in Local Media - Mayor Anthony Williams
Making D.C. History Award for Distinction in Civic Leadership
Thank You to Our Partners
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