Linetta Gilbert of Ford Foundation receives the prestigious Robert W. Scrivner Award of Philanthropy

Recognizing, encouraging, and celebrating the philanthropic impulse that exists within communities has been the hallmark of Linetta Gilbert 18-year grantmaking career. Gilbert, the Ford Foundation's senior program officer for Community Resource Development is being honored for her visionary leadership in advancing the field of community philanthropy and for her efforts in supporting innovative solutions to entrenched community problems.

During her tenure at Ford, Gilbert's sphere of influence has been far-reaching and her effectiveness extraordinary . She has made strategic investments to combat poverty and inequities by founding and helping to transform key institutions.

Darryl Lester, Linetta Gilbert, and Athan Lindsay

One example of her commitment to galvanizing community giving is the Border Philanthropy Partnership. In 2002, this group of 10 national, regional, and local community foundations bended together to improve the quality of life for those living along the U.S.-Mexico border. Under Gilbert's leadership the number of local donors has more than doubled and the flow of philanthropic dollars has significantly increased.

Another example of Gilbert's visionary leadership is the pivotal role she played in the creation of the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation(LDRF). Formed in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the LDRF has awarded more the $26 million in grants and has become one of the region's most effective champions for equity and inclusion, dedicated to ensuring that all voices are heard to build a better Louisiana.

From L-R: Darryl Lester, Dionne Lester, Ambassador James A Joseph,
Athan Lindsay, Cori Lindsay, Linsey Mills, and Michelle Mills

Gilbert has also worked tirelessly to cultivate and nurture community philanthropy that extends beyond the traditional forms of organized giving. She has invested in innovative networks of philanthropists, including the faith community, young people , and people of color, to help develop the capacity of community-based organizations to raise new forms of civic and philanthropic capital.

Under her stewardship, the Ford Foundation helped launch a collective community philanthropic movement in the American South - a movement that is now spreading across the United States. The initiative, The Community Investment Network (CIN), is cultivating a new cadre of philanthropic leaders from communities of color who recognize their civic responsibilities and their power to influence mainstream philanthropy. With the goal of leveraging its social capital and charitable giving to create the communities it wishes to see. CIN is currently composed of nine giving circles of more than 130 new and seasoned philanthropists,

Gilbert has asked that the financial gift that comes with this award be donated to CIN to help the network continue to grow as it harnesses time plus talent and invests in neighborhoods and nonprofit organizations.

Note: Excerpt has been taken from the program booklet at the Philanthropic Academy Awards Ceremony sponsored by the Council on Foundations held on May 5, 2008.

The Community Investment Network is grateful for this wonderful gesture of faith and commitment Linetta has shown to our mission and purpose. We appreciate her on going support and leadership.