Cincinnatus Spencer Awards Nomination Form

Named in honor of Cincinnati's legendary civil rights leaders, Donald and Marian Spencer, the Donald and Marian Spencer Spirit of America Awards recognize organizations whose work has created meaningful, lasting change throughout the Greater Cincinnati region. Their legacy of courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity continues to inspire individuals and organizations dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive community.

Donald and Marian Spencer were trailblazers whose lifelong advocacy opened doors for generations of Cincinnatians. Marian Spencer was instrumental in the successful effort to desegregate Coney Island's swimming pool, became the first African American President of the Woman's City Club of Greater Cincinnati, and later served as the first African American woman elected to Cincinnati City Council. Donald Spencer broke barriers as the first African American member of the Cincinnati Park Board, the first African American broker admitted to the Cincinnati Board of Realtors, and the first African American trustee of Ohio University.

Each year, the Cincinnatus Association is privileged to learn about the extraordinary work taking place across our region through the Spencer Award nominations. These stories highlight organizations whose vision, leadership, and service have expanded opportunity, strengthened neighborhoods, and improved the lives of countless individuals. By recognizing these remarkable efforts, the Spencer Awards celebrate those who embody the spirit of civic leadership and help move our community forward.

Award Criteria

The accomplishments of Spencer Award recipients reflect the mission of the Cincinnatus Association: to improve the quality of life for citizens throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.

Recipients demonstrate a sustained commitment to creating opportunities for all members of our community through leadership, service, innovation, and collaboration. Honorees have:

Made a purposeful commitment to serving diverse populations with fairness, equity, and inclusion.
Demonstrated conspicuous and enduring contributions that have advanced opportunity, strengthened communities, and positively impacted equity, justice, or human rights.
Produced measurable, lasting results that improve the quality of life for citizens across the Greater Cincinnati region.

Organizations of all sizes and sectors—including nonprofit organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and public entities—are encouraged to be nominated.

Nomination Deadline: December 1, 2026

Nomination for Award

Full Name of Nominator (you)

First NameLast Name

Email Address of Nominator (yours)

example@example.com

Cell Number of Nominator (yours)

Area CodePhone Number

Full Name of Nominee (Organization)

Contact Name for Nominee

First NameLast Name

Email Address of Nominee Contact

example@example.com

Telephone Number of Nominee Contact

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Website of Nominee (Organization)

Address of Nominee

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Description of the Organization (Mission, Scope, Partnerships and Delivery of Services):

Supportive qualities and quantitative documentation of why the organization meets the Criteria for the Award (see above for criteria statement). You may include the information here or upload it below.

Can be articles, websites or an explanation

Feel free to upload supportive qualities and quantitative documentation:

Testimonials from clients or partners (optional). You may enter information here or upload any testimonials below.

Feel free to upload any testimonials from clients or partners:

Please tell us anything else about this nominee that might assist us in better understanding why this nominee should be a Spencer Award recipient: