Spirit of Philanthropy Award

About This Award

The Spirit of Philanthropy Award was created in 2023 to recognize someone who uses the Derby Community Foundation as the vehicle for their philanthropic efforts. One of the primary functions of the Community Foundation is to be a conduit for connecting generous people with the needs of the community.

Current Honoree

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Dave and Jane Polk

Dave and Jane Polk have an enduring commitment to education and the Derby community. With more than 100 years of family roots in Derby and five generations of Derby High School graduates, supporting students is a proud family tradition. Through the Polk Family Scholarship, they provide deserving graduates with four years of college support, creating opportunities and strengthening the community. Their generosity and dedication to nurturing the next generation make them truly deserving of this award.

To learn more about Dave and Jane Polk and why they are deserving of this award, click here to view a short video.

Past Honorees

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Rotary Club of Derby

2025 Spirit of Philanthropy Award Recipient

The Rotary Club of Derby is made up of neighbors, friends and leaders who take action and create change in our community. Over a decade ago, the Derby Rotary Club established the Derby Rotary Endowment Fund at the Foundation and since that time, the fund has grown in perpetuity. What began as an initial gift to grant one scholarship has grown in to granting five scholarships annually, uplifting the lives of more than 50 high school youth.

Vicki

Vicki Decarsky

2024 Spirit of Philanthropy Award Recipient

For the inaugural year of this award, the Community Foundation Board of Directors couldn’t think of a better recipient than Vicki Decarsky.

Vicki and her late husband, Tomp, established the Decarsky Scholarship with the Community Foundation in 2010. Through this renewable scholarship, she has assisted nearly 40 Derby High School graduates pursue their academic dreams. Vicki is also an advocate of continuing education in all forms and has provided support for Derby youth pursuing technical certifications at area community and technical schools.

Through her donor advised fund, Vicki has been instrumental in bringing 3, soon to be 4, therapy dogs to Derby schools. She’s also supported a variety of local initiatives including the Derby Giving Circle’s project to provide books to all second-grade students; the Derby Historical Museum’s renovation projects; the Derby Police Department’s program to support victims of domestic violence; bus transportation for area 1st graders to attend children’s theatre performances; and countless other efforts.