Community Advocate Award

Program Overview:
Ent Credit Union's Community Advocate Award honors Coloradans who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact in their communities. Launched in 2022, the award celebrates individuals whose selfless service and dedication help build stronger, more resilient communities across Colorado.

Geographic Scope:

• Colorado statewide
• Any individual residing in or working in Colorado

Focus Areas:
Recognizes meaningful contributions to:

• Charitable causes and nonprofit work
• Community projects and initiatives
• Community events and programming
• Efforts that uplift others and strengthen community resilience
• Examples include: suicide prevention, homelessness support, foster care, sustainable community development, social justice work

Eligibility:

• Individual Coloradans (not organizations)
• Those making extraordinary contributions to community service
• Demonstrated commitment to making lasting positive change
• Can be nominated by community members or self-nominated

Award Details:

• Amount: Up to $50,000
• Distribution: Can be granted to one winner or shared among multiple honorees
• Recognition: Winners receive public recognition and celebration

Program History:
Since its inception in 2022 (launched following the Club Q shooting in November 2022), 10+ Coloradans have been recognized. The award was created in honor of Club Q heroes Thomas James and Richard Fierro, who received the inaugural award.

Recent Honorees (2024):

• Army veteran who founded a suicide prevention nonprofit while mentoring students with special needs
• Former sportscaster who overcame serious illness to mentor men experiencing homelessness and champion organ donation
• Foster parent who cared for 19 children and helped reunite families
• Community leader who transformed her neighborhood through sustainable gardening and grassroots collaboration

Timeline (2025 Cycle):

• Winners announced: January 31, 2026

Contact:
For more information, visit Ent.com or contact Annie Snead, Executive Director of Philanthropy & Community Relations at Ent Credit Union

Background:
Ent Credit Union is committed to honoring changemakers who exemplify the spirit of service and the transformative power of everyday heroes. This award is part of Ent's broader commitment to community philanthropy, with more than $3 million in donations planned for Colorado nonprofits annually.

How to Nominate

Nomination Period: November 10 - December 15, 2025 (annual)

Steps to Nominate:

1. Visit the nomination page: Ent.com/CommunityAdvocateAward
2. Complete the online nomination form
3. Provide nominee details:
   • Full name and contact information
   • Background and biography
   • Description of contributions and community impact
   • Specific examples of service and dedication
   • Explanation of why this person deserves recognition
4. Submit nomination before deadline: December 15, 2025

Nomination Materials:

• Online nomination form
• Detailed description of nominee's community contributions
• Specific examples demonstrating impact
• Information about the charitable causes or community projects supported
• Evidence of selfless service and commitment

Evaluation Process:

• Nominations reviewed by Ent Credit Union leadership and selection committee
• Winners selected based on extraordinary commitment to community service
• Multiple honorees may be selected to share the award

Timeline:

• Nominations submitted: By December 15, 2025
• Winners announced: By January 31, 2026
• Recognition celebration held in February