Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation

Foundation Programs

LINDBACK DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD (colleges/universities) began in 1961

The Foundation makes grants in support of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award to certain colleges and universities primarily in the Greater Delaware Valley area. The stipend for each award is $4,000.

In 2013 (for the academic year 2014), the trustees advised all of the participating colleges and universities of the following changes to the program:

  • universities with 200 or more full-time faculty members will be given the award every year;
  • universities with between 100-199 full-time faculty members will be given the award every other year;
  • universities with between 50-99 full-time faculty members will be given the award every third year;

The following are the conditions and terms on which the awards are made. The award shall be given to a faculty member of the participating institution for demonstrated excellence in teaching students, subject to the following guidelines:

  • no recipient will receive the award more than once while on the faculty of a participating institution;
  • each institution will give the award at such time during the academic year as it deems appropriate;
  • a permanent, part-time (at least half-time) faculty member is eligible provided he/she has served on the institution's faculty for each of the preceding three years;
  • the stipend will not be supplemented with funds from any other source; and
  • each institution will name and publicize the award as "The Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award" and will not use that name for any other prize or honor awarded by the institution.

One question that comes up from time to time is whether a participating institution may make one or more additional awards by using its own funds. Regrettably, the Foundation cannot permit a college or university to fund the award on any basis except with funds provided by the Foundation. In other words, a condition of each institution's participation in the award program is that it shall not make the award at any time unless it is supported solely by the usual Foundation grant of $4,000. Please note that the award cannot be split among two or more recipients.

LINDBACK DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD at the high school level began in 2008 and changed to include K-12 in 2017

The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation sponsors an annual award that recognizes outstanding teachers. The Foundation established the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers to honor 60 teachers from Philadelphia public schools who demonstrate excellence in promoting learning at the highest levels. The award recipients will be chosen based on their activities that improve the intellectual and character development of students.

The recipients will receive $3,500 and recognition at a spring reception.

This award recognizes individuals:

  • who create a positive, supportive learning environment to advance student proficiency in academic subjects, making learning relevant and fun;
  • who serve as a role model to students;
  • who establish trusting relationships with students, parents, guardians, and community members by being open and accessible for communication;
  • who motivate students to learn, explore and maximize their spirit of inquiry and critical thinking;
  • who possess knowledge and demonstrate various instructional strategies;
  • who connect collaborating and inspiring co-workers to energize students in positive ways; and
  • who have not won the award within a ten-year period

A central committee of School District administrators and a Philadelphia Federation of Teachers representative will review and make the final selection for each winner.

LINDBACK DISTINGUISHED PRINCIPAL AWARD (K-12) began in 2011

The Lindback Distinguished Principal Award, funded by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation of Philadelphia, recognizes and rewards school principals who have made significant leadership and humanitarian contributions to his/her school community.

This award recognizes individuals:

  • who have dedicated their time and efforts to public service to benefit the school and community;
  • who demonstrate compassion for other humans by their acts of kindness;
  • who demonstrate high expectations and develop people within their schools and communities; and
  • who ensure that conditions and incentives fully support teaching and learning to ensure all students are well prepared to succeed in the the 21st century.

The recipients receive $20,000 for their school and recognition at a spring reception.