Award from The Courage Project given to 20 organizations and individuals across the nation for demonstrating the power of courage in their communities
Public award nomination form is open to the public to honor individuals or organizations acting with courage and compassion to help their communities
Danbury, CT – Elizabeth (Liz) Quinonez, a resident of Danbury, was granted an award today from The Courage Project for bravely stepping up to help their community in times of need. She was honored alongside 19 other individuals and organizations across the nation who reflect the best of the American spirit by helping their neighbors and building bridges across communities.
Liz demonstrated remarkable courage by transforming her personal challenge of finding safe, affordable child care into a community-wide solution centered on children’s well-being. Through the creation of United Way’s Cora’s Kids Family Child Care Network, she empowered women, many of whom are from immigrant communities, to build professional careers as licensed child care providers while ensuring that more children have access to the safe, high-quality care they deserve.
“I’m honored to receive The Courage Project Award,” said Liz Quinonez of Danbury, CT. “Through United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut’s Cora’s Kids program, we’ve built a network of dedicated family child care providers who make it possible for parents to work knowing their children are safe and thriving. Children are at the center of everything we do. Affordable, high-quality child care is essential to a strong community, and I’m so privileged to work alongside more than 150 dedicated providers who make that possible every day.”
For their personalized act of courage, Liz may recommend having their “pay it forward” award donated to American nonprofit organizations that align with their values.
Launched in May 2025 with an initial $5 million commitment, The Courage Project’s awards are announced throughout the year in alignment with moments of civic reflection—including commemorative dates, cultural observances, and milestones that reflect the values at the heart of the project. The awards range from $10,000 to $50,000 and are distributed to organizations and individuals who are exhibiting acts of courage and compassion in their communities by standing up for what they believe in, helping their neighbors, and building bridges across communities.
The Courage Project is a collaborative, nonpartisan initiative supported by partners including CFLeads, the Freedom Together Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, the Marguerite Casey Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, Pisces Foundation, the Public Welfare Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, and the Surdna Foundation.
The Courage Project accepts public nominations on a rolling basis. To learn more about The Courage Project, learn more about the awardees, or nominate a courageous individual or organization, visit www.thecourageproject.org.