An award for bold and courageous organizations that speak truth to power
Smith Bagley, son of Arca Foundation founder Nancy Susan Reynolds, was an accomplished businessman, activist and philanthropist who devoted his life to the fight for social justice until his passing 2010. As the Arca Foundation President, he demonstrated a deep commitment to making this world a fair and just place for all, admiring most of those who risked their lives in defense of human rights and the fight against poverty. Like his mother before him, his brand of philanthropy favored risk-taking, cutting edge projects, and out-of-the-box ideas. Smith took on issues that, in his time, were all but impossible – abolishment of the death penalty, campaign finance reform, and U.S. relations with Cuba, to name just a few.
Launched in 2010, the Smith Bagley Memorial Grant celebrates one grantee each year that embodies the passion, spirit and creativity of Smith. Award recipients effectively employ the bold, innovative, and courageous strategies essential for inspiring coordination, action, and ideas that speak truth to power and driving change. In honor of our beloved Smith, please find a full list of Smith Bagley Memorial Grant recipients here.