Bill Somerville Grassroots Community Award

The Bill Somerville Grassroots Community Award honors the legacy of Bill Somerville, a visionary in grassroots philanthropy and champion of community-driven service. Bill has long supported Stanford students through the Haas Center's Tom Ford Fellowship in Philanthropy, and served on the Haas Center's National Advisory Board from when it was first established in 1986 until 2024.

Presented annually to two undergraduate students, this award celebrates those who, like Bill, roll up their sleeves to work for, with, and in the community. Awardees embody Stanford's Principles of Ethical and Effective Service with a community-first focus. They work alongside the people they serve, think outside the box, and make things happen with a "yes, and" mindset.