The Spirit of Philanthropy Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Putnam County Community Foundation’s Board. It is not an annual requirement; instead, it is reserved exclusively for those moments when someone truly remarkable rises to the top.
Last week, we had the distinct privilege of presenting this award to an individual who embodies that definition in every way: Kate Knaul.
A Legacy of Connecting Community, Arts, and Leadership
If you have enjoyed the vibrant public art around Putnam County or walked through the holiday magic of the Winter Wonderland Lights Festival at RobeAnn Park, you have seen Kate’s work in action.
With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, career development, and civic leadership, Kate has built a reputation as a master connector. As a co-founder of the Putnam County Mural Project, she helped bring public art installations to life across the county. Through aggressive fundraising, grant writing, and volunteer coordination, she has helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars for local public spaces.
Today, she continues her work as the Executive Director of Main Street Greencastle, driving downtown revitalization and supporting local businesses.
Kate’s history with PCCF is just as deep. She began volunteering on our Scholarship and Educational Attainment Committee in 2015, served on the Board from 2018 to 2023 (including a tenure as Board Secretary), and recently established the Kate Knaul & Tim Cope Unrestricted Endowment with her family to support Putnam County residents in perpetuity.
A Surprise Presentation
Typically, this award is announced at the Annual Meeting, but Kate could not attend this year. Instead, a small group of PCCF staff and board members along with Kate’s family and colleagues from Main Street Greencastle caught up with her right before she set off on a well-deserved family vacation.
Though she couldn’t be with us at our formal program, she shared a deeply moving message of gratitude that perfectly captures why she is so deserving of this honor:
“I am both humbled and proud to receive this award. Humbled because there are so many people in this community doing amazing things every day. Proud because this award represents something my parents taught me and my brothers from a very young age.
To be honest, philanthropy wasn’t a word that was used much in my house growing up. Neither was the phrase ‘giving your time, talent, and treasure.’ But that’s exactly what my parents modeled. I grew up with the understanding that if someone needed help, you helped. If somebody asked, you showed up. And if you saw a need, you didn’t wait for someone else to take care of it—you found a way to pitch in.
My parents have always been role models for me, especially my dad. He taught me that helping others isn’t something you do for recognition. It’s just what you do.”
Kate also expressed immense gratitude for her husband and daughters, who have supported her through countless meetings, community projects, and fundraisers over the years.
“I hope my daughters have learned what I learned from watching my parents—that getting involved, helping others, and finding ways to make their community better, whatever that looks like for them, is important and worthwhile,” she added.
Join the Movement
True to form, Kate couldn’t leave us without a call to action. She closed her remarks with a playful reminder that the work is never done:
“Should you feel inspired to join me in any of these projects, I’m always looking for volunteers and funders for murals, winter lights, and First Friday fun!”
Please join us in congratulating Kate Knaul on this well-deserved honor. Thank you, Kate, for your extraordinary leadership, your unwavering heart, and the lasting footprint you continue to leave on our community.
