Jake Davis was GCF’s first Governing Board chairman and the Foundation’s volunteer director from 1978 until 1987. He gave generously of his time, energy, wisdom and personal resources to help the community and to develop GCF’s assets. His contributions to schools, universities, church, health care institutions, United Way, and to civic endeavors at the local, state and national levels reflect his belief that the individual can have a positive impact on his or her community by making and fulfilling a personal commitment to address community issues. GCF mourned Jake's passing in early 2003. Read more about Jake's contribution to GCF in Forty Years of Inspiring Philanthropy: A History of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, 1963-2003 
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The Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award is presented annually by the Foundation to honor volunteers who stand out because of their leadership, vision, creativity and generosity of spirit. Nonprofit organizations nominate volunteers who have provided exemplary service to their organizations. In making the award, GCF looks beyond “laundry lists” of service to organizations to recognize volunteers who help organizations think, dream and grow.
Historically, recipients of the Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award were given the opportunity to choose one or more local nonprofit organization(s) to receive a total of $10,000 in grants from GCF in their honor. Organizations designated by the recipient to receive award grants were required to be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Greater Cincinnati region in the field of arts and culture, community progress, education, environmental needs, health, or human services.
In 2003, GCF gave four awards in conjunction with its 40th anniversary celebrations. Volunteers were recognized who had a connection with the Foundation among their volunteer careers.
In 2004 and 2005, GCF took a moment to recognize and encourage the growing number of young, energetic civic volunteers who are making important and creative contributions to the quality of life in our community, with little or no recognition. GCF feels that honoring individuals early in their volunteer “careers” can provide important recognition and positive reinforcement for their contributions. In those years, the award was given to people ages 21- 40 who are making significant volunteer contributions – one in each of GCF’s six areas of grantmaking: arts and culture, community progress, education, the environment, health, and human services.
2011
2010
Frank and Rosemary Bloom
2009
William and Susan Friedlander
2008
Herbert R. Brown
2007
Joseph and Susan Pichler
2005
Arts & Culture: Gavin Leonard
Community Progress: Lamont Taylor
Education: Stacey Walsh
Environment: Gabrielle Summe
Health: Beth Sence
Human Services: Carrie Baker Keneipp
2004
Arts & Culture: Bill Donabedian and Sean Rhiney
Community Progress: Heather Sturgill
Education: Marena Brown
Environment: Lara and Mark Guttadauro
Health: Molly Bischoff
Human Services: George Long
2003
Daniel & Minor LeBlond
Kathryn M. Pettengill
Dr. Jean W. Rothenberg*
Ruth S. Upson*
2002
Miriam West
2001
Harry Santen
2000
Dick Bere
1999
The Rev. L.H. Mayfield*
1998
Melissa Lanier*
1997
Judge Robert* and Helen Black
1996
Tony Linz*
1995
G. Gibson “Gibby” Carey IV
1994
Virginia Weatherbie
1993
Marian A. Spencer
1992
Susan I. Radabaugh
1991
J. Rawson Collins*
1990
Joan Jones Portman*
1989
Elizabeth D. Goldsmith*
1988
William T. Robinson III
1987
Robert P. Jahnigen*
* Deceased