Trinidad Chamber, Community Foundation revive Chenoweth civic award for Las Animas County

The Trinidad & Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce and the Trinidad Community Foundation announced on Feb. 4, 2026 that they are reviving the Chenoweth Award, reintroducing a long-running civic service honor to Las Animas County. The revival returns a familiar form of recognition for residents, volunteers and civic leaders who contribute to the county’s civic life.

The Chenoweth Award historically served as a public acknowledgment of sustained community service. Bringing the award back places a public spotlight on volunteerism, nonprofit leadership and civic engagement at a moment when local institutions are seeking ways to strengthen ties between government, business and community groups. The Chamber and the Foundation are stepping into a joint stewardship role that merges business advocacy with philanthropic support.

Reviving the award could influence several aspects of local civic life. Recognition often raises visibility for smaller nonprofits and volunteer programs, making it easier for such organizations to recruit volunteers, obtain funding and build partnerships with the city of Trinidad, Las Animas County officials and regional funders. For local elected officials and civic leaders, the award provides a way to signal community priorities and to honor work that may otherwise go unnoticed outside of the county seat.

The announcement did not include specific details on nomination procedures, selection criteria or timing for the first presentation under the renewed program. Residents and organizations that have historically participated in the Chenoweth Award process will likely watch for the Chamber and the Foundation to publish nomination deadlines and eligibility rules. The absence of immediate procedural details leaves room for public input on how the award should be structured to reflect current local needs.

Restoring the Chenoweth Award also carries symbolic weight for downtown Trinidad and the broader county. Public recognition can create a virtuous cycle: honorees gain platforms that amplify their causes, which can translate into increased volunteer turnout and community investment. For Las Animas County nonprofits, schools, volunteer emergency services and civic associations, that amplification can translate to practical gains in volunteer recruitment and local fundraising.

The Trinidad & Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce and the Trinidad Community Foundation are now positioned to shape how civic service is defined and celebrated in the county. Readers who value local civic life should monitor announcements from those organizations for nomination information and event dates. The award’s return is a reminder that civic recognition is an active tool for encouraging participation and strengthening the civic fabric of Las Animas County.