Philanthropist of the Year

Where Philanthropy Grows

Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year

This recognition honors extraordinary philanthropic leadership in support of California community colleges and the students they serve.

View Past Honorees

Celebrating philanthropy that expands opportunity across California.

About the Recognition

Highlighting impact that strengthens community colleges

The Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year recognition celebrates individuals whose philanthropic leadership advances California community colleges and helps expand opportunity for students.

Recognizes

Recognizes sustained impact and meaningful leadership

Reflects

Reflects NCCCF’s commitment to strengthening philanthropy statewide

Elevates

Elevates stories that inspire continued investment in student success

The Bernard Osher Legacy

Philanthropy that expands opportunity

Bernard Osher founded The Bernard Osher Foundation in 1977 to support higher education and the arts and to improve quality of life through philanthropy.

His giving has helped expand access to education through scholarship support and lifelong learning programs across the country.

The Network honors this legacy by naming its annual philanthropy recognition after him, celebrating donors whose leadership strengthens California community colleges and helps students access opportunity through education.

Learn More About The Bernard Osher Foundation

Nomination Process

The nomination period for the Philanthropist of the Year is now closed. The 2025 Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year Award recipient is Carol and Kevin Sharer and the Sharer Foundation. Planning is currently underway.

For future planning, the Network typically follows this timeline:

NominationS OPEN

October–early December

Committee review

December

Notification to nominees

Late December

Event Celebration

Late Spring

Past honorees

Bernard Osher
Philanthropist of
the Year Recipients

Recognized for their innovative approach to philanthropy, combining financial support with mentorship and sustained engagement.

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Recognized for providing $1.5 million in philanthropic support of Pasadena City College and its students.

Watch the 2024 Virtual Award Ceremony Learn More

Recognized for philanthropic support of students across the state.

Watch the 2023 Virtual Award Ceremony

Recognized for providing $17.2 million in philanthropic support over the years to benefit California Community Colleges in the Inland Empire.

Watch the 2022 Virtual Award Ceremony

Recognized for its historic $100 million commitment to the Foundation for California Community Colleges to support the California Community Colleges and the students they serve.

Watch the 2021 Virtual Award Ceremony

Posthumously recognized for a $12 million estate gift and longstanding support of Ventura College.

Recognized for philanthropic support and programs impacting some of the California Community Colleges’ most vulnerable student populations, including foster youth.

Recognized for support of Victor Valley College and other Southern California Community Colleges, including a $2.4 million gift for the Sixteen for Success program supporting students in the Victor Valley College Nursing program.

Recognized for extraordinary support to Los Angeles City College, including creation of an endowment supporting music majors with tuition-free attendance, private lessons, and additional financial aid.

Recognized for supporting home health aide programs at 22 California Community Colleges, cumulatively providing over $3 million to support the growing need for compassionate caregivers.

Recognized for over twenty years of volunteer leadership at Riverside Community College District Foundation and a $5 million lead gift to establish the Henry W. and Alice Edna Coil School for the Arts.

Recognized for longstanding support of scholarships and business programs at El Camino College, including a $2 million gift to establish the first endowed chair.

Recognized for broad support of the California Community Colleges.

Recognized for a $14 million gift to Bakersfield College, the largest-ever individual gift to a community college at the time.

Recognized for support of colleges and initiatives throughout the state.

Recognized for support of Sacramento-area community colleges.

Recipient of the inaugural award, recognized for a $25 million gift to establish a permanent statewide scholarship endowment.

Community Recognition

Help elevate philanthropy that moves students forward

The Osher Award honors the generosity, leadership, and lasting commitment that strengthen California community colleges and support student success.

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