Robinson07(CSi)   State Senator Larry Robinson of Valley City received the North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations’ Walt Odegaard Leadership Award during the Nonprofit Leadership Conference May 27 in Fargo.

The Walt Odegaard Leadership Award is given to an individual with more than 15 years of leadership experience who has made a difference by strengthening North Dakota and its nonprofit sector through her long-term commitment to leadership, volunteerism and philanthropy.

Robinson has been executive director of the Valley City State University Foundation since its inception in 1996. During his time as executive director, the foundation has increased student scholarships to more than $1 million each academic year. With the establishment of the Challenge Grant Program in 2013, the foundation has matched $1 million in appropriated funds with $2 million in private funds to add $3 million to the foundation’s assets.

Robinson has also served in the North Dakota Senate since 1989, where he has supported legislation providing grants to foundations affiliated with North Dakota institutes of learning. He has also sponsored numerous bills which would support the nonprofit sector through grants and income tax credits.

“Senator Robinson has been a leader in nonprofit issues in the state,” says NDANO Executive Director Jessica Gilbertson. “NDANO is pleased to recognize his accomplishments and commitment to helping others, building community and improving quality of life in North Dakota.”

NDANO is the statewide membership association advancing nonprofit organizations through advocacy and public policy, education and training, resources and research, cost-saving programs, and leadership and networking. Learn more at www.ndano.org.