The Sedona Community Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2009 Spirit of Sedona Awards, which honor exceptional displays of local philanthropy.

Nominations for this annual, prestigious award come from the community and are based on the categories of outstanding volunteer, nonprofit organization, business and philanthropist.

According to a press release, this year’s award recipients are:

• Volunteers of the Year —  Harvey and Julie Grady
• Nonprofit Organization —  Sedona Community Center
• Business Benefactor — Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa
• Philanthropists of the Year —William and Elizabeth Sweeney

Volunteer(s) of the Year are chosen based on outstanding contributions of time, energy, talent or financial support of nonprofits in the community.

The Nonprofit Organization Award is given to organizations that have demonstrated excellent service to individual welfare, quality of life and community benefits, while the Business Benefactor Award recognizes businesses that have shown significant support to local community causes and organizations.

The Philanthropist(s) of the Year Award is given to an individual or couple who consistently gives time and financial assistance to worthy community causes and nonprofits.

The 2009 Spirit of Sedona Awards Ceremony, to be held Tuesday, Oct. 6, will honor this year’s award recipients. Each of the winners will receive an award designed for them by a local artist as well as a donation to the charity of their choice, courtesy of the Sedona Community Foundation.

As a new addition to the program this year, nonprofits that will receive funding from the Sedona Community Foundation’s 2009 grant cycle will also be recognized at the event.

The Sedona Community Foundation is one of 13 affiliates of the Arizona Community Foundation. Sedona Community Foundation is a permanent philanthropic endowment for the enduring benefit of the community that secures, manages and allocates donors’ gifts for charitable purposes in the Sedona area.

The foundation has a local advisory board committed to meeting the charitable needs of the community and helping donors reach their philanthropic goals.

Arizona Community Foundation assists in the management of capital gifts, both living and testamentary.

For more information, call the Sedona Community Foundation at 282-2042 or visit www.sedonafoundation.org.