This award is presented by IPA to someone who exemplifies Susie’s personal high standards, devotion to philanthropy, and leadership and mentoring skills. Recipients embody the spirit of philanthropy displayed by Susie Hazelett. Those characteristics include:
- A giving spirit displayed by mentoring and nurturing professional development in others
- A giver of time, talent, and other resources
- A strong professional with the highest of standards
- Integrity
- Creativity
Nominate an Inspirational Leader
Nominations will open in 2026 and will be awarded at the 2026 IPA Philanthropy Leads Conference.

About Susie Hazelett
The Hazelett Award is named for Susie Hazelett, who served the grantmaking community as an executive director in the community, public, and private sectors. Susie was a teacher, a volunteer, a professional in philanthropy, and a giver. She mentored others and showed a unique sense of spirit that lives on. Shortly after becoming aware of her cancer, Susie Hazelett passed away on August 12, 2004, surrounded by her family, including husband Bruce and children Lara and Matt. Susie was taken so quickly, but her legacy will live on in many ways. Her love of children and education was evident in every breath. Her devotion to philanthropy and the world outside herself was demonstrated in her efforts to bring people together. Her sparkling personality and capable leadership at the Rush County Community Foundation, the Lawrence Township School Foundation, and, in her last days, the Tobias Foundation allowed her to guide these grantmakers through a broad scope of initiatives that she believed in.
Susie was always willing to come to the aid of her fellow grantmakers, and through our work together, many in our field were fortunate to experience her warm friendship and support. We always knew that we could call on her and that she would come through with grace…and firepower. Susie had a wealth of knowledge and a willingness to share what she had learned with others. She was a great mentor, friend, and colleague. It is the hope of those who knew Susie that this award will encourage and inspire others to live up to their potential, both professionally and personally, and to live life to its fullest.