As an organization deeply rooted in a network of community partners, INHS honors those who share our mission. For over 20 years, we have presented annual awards recognizing those who have made invaluable contributions to our community.

The Lucy J. Brown Leadership Award was established in 2002 to recognize those in INHS’s seven-county service area who, like the award’s late namesake Lucy, exemplify a commitment to community and neighborhood, serve as a voice for the under-represented, and have made a difference in the lives of many. An INHS co-founder, Lucy was instrumental in its long-term growth, serving continuously on the Board of Directors from 1976 through 2017. Lucy was a strong advocate for neighborhood residents and centered residents in the Board’s decision-making process. The Brown award has recognized over two dozen exceptional community members since 2002, including Chavon Bunch, Executive Director of the Southside Community Center; Matthys Van Cort, co-founder of INHS and long-time board member; and community leader and activist Audrey Cooper.

In 2002, INHS also began presenting the Florence Hoard Community Beautification Award in recognition of notable contributions to community beautification. Florence was a revered member of the Ithaca Garden Club, noted for her efforts during the City’s centennial celebration, her support of downtown gardeners, and her founding of a popular plant exchange. Past recipients include the Ithaca Children’s Garden; Jeanne Grace, City of Ithaca Forester; Caleb Thomas, founder of Ithaca Murals; and, most recently, the Ithaca Historic Statues Committee, which brought life-size statues of Lucy Brown and Frances Perkins to downtown Ithaca.

The David Sprague Exemplary Service Award was established in 2022, awarded to David in that year and presented annually to an INHS Board or staff member who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the organization. David brought financial expertise and passion to INHS’s board for over thirty years, stepping down in 2021. David passed away in 2023, but his legacy lives on in the roster of award recipients carrying on his dedication to INHS: Finance Director Patricia Paolangeli, former Board member Michael Cannon, and IT Director Scott Reynolds.

INHS recently announced its annual call for nominations for the Brown and Hoard awards, recognizing those who made exceptional contributions in 2025. Nomination forms can be found here, along with a list of past awardees.