The National League of Cities presented its 2019 Service to Cities award to the Kresge Foundation and HomeServe for outstanding work helping cities, towns, and villages respond to needs for underserved populations. The awards recognize the philanthropy and corporate social responsibility of these two organizations in building stronger and more resilient communities.
“Local government remains the first point of contact for residents seeking help with their most basic needs,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities. “NLC is committed to working with partners who also recognize the important work that cities are doing and are ready to help local leaders respond to these needs and improve the quality of life for residents.”
The Kresge Foundation has been a stalwart supporter of NLC and its work with cities on postsecondary success, state preemption, and racial equity. The Foundation’s generous support has been essential to NLC’s effort to educate, train, and build local leaders’ capacity.
“The mission of the Kresge Foundation is to build and strengthen pathways to opportunity in America’s cities; and in doing so, we seek to dismantle structural and systemic barriers to equality and justice. The role that NLC plays in helping Kresge achieve that mission is impossible to overstate,” said Rip Rapson, president and CEO of the Kresge Foundation. “It is an honor and privilege to accept this award.”
Through its HomeServe Cares Foundation, HomeServe has helped several municipalities struggling to find funds improve quality of life in their communities. From installing mats in Tampa that make beaches more ADA accessible to providing thousands of dollars in pro bono repairs to homeowners, HomeServe works with communities to provide extra resources where they need it most.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the National League of Cities for our corporate commitment to spreading hope and supporting communities. The NLC has long been a valuable partner with our company, which makes this award especially meaningful,” said John Kitzie, CEO of HomeServe USA. “In just seven months since the Foundation launched, we’ve awarded tens of thousands in grant dollars to municipalities and non-profits, provided thousands of dollars in pro bono services to homeowners and had employees participate in a variety of volunteer opportunities such as Habitat for Humanity.”
The Service to Cities award recognizes an NLC partner who demonstrates a commitment to building stronger, more innovative and resilient cities and towns.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.