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David W. Robinson Catalyst Award
The David W. Robinson Catalyst Award recognizes a local nonprofit demonstrating leadership, creativity, collaboration, and meaningful progress in addressing a community need.
The David W. Robinson Catalyst Award recognizes a local nonprofit demonstrating leadership, creativity, collaboration, and meaningful progress in addressing a community need.
Strong communities are shaped by people and organizations willing to think differently, work together, and take action. The David W. Robinson Catalyst Award recognizes organizations in our 11-county service area that have exemplified leadership, creativity, vision, and commitment in addressing critical community issues.
The award honors organizations that recognize a community need and respond in meaningful ways, bringing together people, partnerships, and resources to create lasting impact. Established by Central Carolina Community Foundation and the Robinson Family in 1994, the award honors the memory of David W. Robinson and his legacy of working to make communities stronger.
Mr. Robinson was a founding member of Central Carolina Community Foundation and was active in numerous other charitable organizations, including the United Way of the Midlands, YMCA, Carolina Children's Home, and Columbia Museum of Art. He was an activist in his legal career, a charter member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, and a civic leader who served on many blue ribbon committees for the development of metropolitan Columbia.
Meet the Latest RecipientEach year, the Foundation nominates nonprofit organizations that have identified and responded effectively to a community need by mobilizing resources in addition to their own.
The Catalyst Award will be given to an organization that makes a significant difference in our community and demonstrates:
Persistent effort in finding a solution to a complex problem
Creativity in exploring alternative approaches toward a solution
Community collaboration
Specific outcomes toward meeting a community need
2025 South Carolina Civil Rights Museum
2024 The Big Red Barn Retreat
2023 Turn90
2022 Free Medical Clinic of Newberry County
2021 Killingsworth, Inc.
2020 Fairfield Forward
2019 MIRCI – Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc.
2018 Transitions Homeless Center
2017 SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center
2016 Lexington Interfaith Community Services (LICS)
2015 Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
2014 St. Lawrence Place
2013 PASOs
2012 Family Connection of SC
2011 The Healing Species
2010 Sistercare
2009 Eau Claire Shalom Ministries
2007 Parenting Partners
2006 The Free Medical Clinic, Inc.
2005 Fast Forward Technology
2004 Communicare (Welvista)
2003 The Women’s Shelter
2002 Brookland Foundation
2001 Children’s Chance
2000 Healthy Learners
1999 HOPE for Kids & Junior League of Columbia
1998 The Cooperative Ministry
1997 World Affairs Council of Columbia & Family Connection of South Carolina
1996 Souper Bowl of Caring
1995 The Greater Columbia Literacy Council
1994 The Columbia Housing Authority