TWELFTH Annual

Donald and Marian Spencer
“Spirit of America” Awards

The Cincinnatus Association is proud to announce the 2027 Donald & Marian Spencer “Spirit of America” Awards, celebrating organizations whose leadership, service and commitment are helping create a stronger, more inclusive Greater Cincinnati.

SAVE THE DATE
Tuesday, May 18, 2027
Hyatt Regency Downtown Cincinnati

Each year, the Spencer Awards bring together hundreds of community leaders, advocates, supporters and changemakers to recognize organizations that embody the remarkable legacy of Donald and Marian Spencer. The 2027 celebration will mark the 12th Annual Spencer Awards and continue a tradition of honoring those working to expand opportunity, advance inclusion and equity, strengthen communities and improve the quality of life throughout our region.

Last year, we honored Cincinnati Metro, Community Learning Center Institute, MORTAR Cincinnati, and Miami University’s Urban Cohort.

Nominate an Organization for a 2027 Spencer Award

Who is making a difference in Greater Cincinnati? Help us recognize them.

The Cincinnatus Association is seeking nominations for the 2027 Donald & Marian Spencer “Spirit of America” Awards. We invite members of the community to nominate organizations, businesses and institutions demonstrating an exceptional commitment to creating positive and lasting change.

Consider the organizations you see working to break down barriers, expand opportunity, strengthen neighborhoods, bring people together and ensure that all members of our community have the opportunity to thrive.

A Spencer Award nomination is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on important work that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.

Carrying Forward the Spencer Legacy

Donald and Marian Spencer devoted their lives to advancing civil rights, education, inclusion and opportunity in Greater Cincinnati. Through courage, persistence and an unwavering belief in the power of civic engagement, they challenged barriers and opened doors for generations to come.

The awards bearing their names recognize organizations carrying that spirit forward today. Spencer Award recipients demonstrate through their actions that meaningful change is possible when individuals and organizations work intentionally to build a more equitable, connected and welcoming community.

Building on an Extraordinary 2026 Celebration

More than 350 community leaders, advocates, supporters and changemakers gathered at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati for the 2026 Spencer Awards. The evening celebrated the enduring legacy of Donald and Marian Spencer through powerful stories of organizations making a meaningful impact throughout our region.

Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney served as emcee, bringing warmth, energy and heartfelt perspective to an evening centered on service, leadership and community.

The Cincinnatus Association is deeply grateful to the sponsors, attendees, volunteers, committee members and community partners who make the Spencer Awards possible each year. Their support allows us not only to recognize outstanding organizations but also to share their stories and inspire others to become more deeply engaged in our community.

Join Us in 2027

Whether you nominate an outstanding organization, become a sponsor or join us for the celebration, we invite you to be part of the 2027 Donald & Marian Spencer “Spirit of America” Awards on May 18, 2027.

Save the date. Submit a nomination. Celebrate civic impact.

Additional information about the 2027 honorees will be announced in the coming months.

For more information about the annual awards program contact us at admin@cincinnatusassoc.org or (513) 294-8588.