(Denver, Colo. - May 7, 2009) On Thursday, May 7, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation named Gretchen Van De Carr, Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, CO as one of five 2009 Livingston Fellows. This program, created by the Foundation in 2005, intends to strengthen the state's nonprofit sector by investing in the advanced learning and development of promising nonprofit leaders.

As a Livingston Fellow, Van De Carr will be awarded up to $25,000 to undertake activities that will enhance her leadership abilities and enable her to explore new ways to increase her impact in their organization and the broader community.
Since 2005, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation has funded 25 nonprofit executive fellowships.

In presenting the award, J. Landis Martin, Chairman of the Foundation, noted, "The Foundation recognizes the significant impact nonprofit organizations make on our community and our state. Our investment in high-potential leaders through the Livingston Fellowship Program is building a network of people finding fresh solutions and proving themselves as innovators and change agents."

Ms. Van De Carr intends to utilize the fellowship to advance her leadership skills with an executive coach and learning from futurists who have engaged stakeholders to change their communities. Through site visits and interviews with other leaders, she plans to expand her understanding of best practices and gain skills related to building youth-serving coalitions.

Candidates for Livingston Fellowships are nominated by a panel of Colorado community leaders, interviewed by an independent consultant, and reviewed and approved by the Foundation's Board of Trustees. The selection is based on exceptional leadership qualities, potential for significant contribution to the nonprofit sector, and the ability to be a role model for other Colorado nonprofit leaders.

Other 2009 Livingston Fellows include Gregory Carpenter, Opera Colorado; Jay Grimm, Denver Indian Center; Christine Marquez-Hudson, Mi Casa Resource Center for Women; and Charles Shimanski, American Red Cross Mile High Chapter.

The fellowship awards carry the name of Johnston R. Livingston (1923-2008), who served as a Trustee of the Foundation from 1979 to 2008. Livingston chaired the Foundation's Board of Trustees from 2000 until 2005. In addition to his achievements as a business leader and entrepreneur, Livingston was a volunteer and board leader for numerous nonprofit organizations.