The Edward Lowe Foundation Founders Award recognizes individuals and organizations who advance our mission of “championing the entrepreneurial spirit” with a focus on second-stage companies. Award recipients demonstrate exceptional leadership in collaborating with the foundation to advocate for second-stage entrepreneurs and work directly with them to accelerate their growth.

The first Founders Award went to Louisiana Economic Development in April 2022, recognizing them as a national leader of second-stage support. In August 2023, a second award was presented to David Galbenski, who piloted our Entrepreneur Emeritus initiative and E2 Fund (a vehicle for individuals who wish to contribute to the foundation’s endowment).

Design of the Founders Award trophy pays homage to Ed Lowe, who took an ordinary product, Kitty Litter, and worked relentlessly to build a multimillion-dollar company. Ed often referred to his business as his “Golden Cat,” and he used the Golden Cat image as a symbol of excellence and achievement.

A copy of the trophy, along with photographs of award recipients and a portrait of Ed and Darlene Lowe, are featured on our Founders Wall. This display is located on the lower floor of the Tower of Tomorrow, our major meeting facility at Big Rock Valley.