DISCOVER GOODWILL AWARDED DAKOTA FOUNDATION’S INAUGURAL IAN HELMS AWARD
Colorado Springs-based Foundation supports local, nonprofit social enterprise
Colorado Springs, Colo., October 2 — The Colorado Springs-based Dakota Foundation recently announced the selection of Discover Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado as the recipient of its inaugural Ian K. Helms Award for Social Entrepreneurship. The award provides up to $100,000 in capital to philanthropic organizations to launch social ventures. The Dakota Foundation awarded Discover Goodwill $75,000 in the form of a program related investment to be used for capital, as well as a $25,000 grant.
Discover Goodwill will use the award to expand its newest social enterprise—Things Forgotten but Not Gone, a move management and downsizing service that helps seniors and their families navigate the often-difficult transition to a smaller residence or assisted-living community. “Discover Goodwill is deeply honored to receive the first Ian K. Helms Award,” said President and CEO Karla Grazier. “We will put this generous award to good use helping our seniors maximize their independence while maintaining their dignity.”
Bart Holaday, chairman and chief executive officer of the Dakota Foundation, added: “The Dakota Foundation seeks to facilitate economic independence among individuals and foster disciplined growth in social ventures. Discover Goodwill’s Things Forgotten program perfectly represents the intersection of these two ideals, and we’re very excited to participate in its continued growth and outreach.”
The Ian K. Helms Award is named in memory ofCaptain Ian K. Helms, a 2008 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Captain Helms was a Distinguished Graduate of the Academy and was Wing Commander (the highest-ranking cadet). He received a graduate degree from Oxford University while studying on an Alberta and Sidney Holaday Scholarship at Exeter College. Captain Helms flew a B-1 bomber in combat, supporting U.S. military efforts in the Middle East; he tragically succumbed to cancer in 2016. In honor of Helms’ legacy of leadership, patriotism and devotion to service, the Dakota Foundation created the award in his name.
To learn more about Discover Goodwill’s Things Forgotten program and services, visit DiscoverMyGoodwill.org.
About Discover Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado
Discover Goodwill helps people achieve greater personal and economic independence through more than 20 diverse and innovative employment and life-engagement services. Positively impacting more than 81,000 individuals with disadvantages each year, Discover Goodwill dedicates nearly 90 percent of its annual budget to community-based programs across 38 Colorado counties. The organization has received GuideStar’s highest (platinum) rating for nonprofits reflecting its commitment to accountability and transparency. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Snapchat.