 Pollin supported the Washington, D.C. community philanthropically, including a 1988 partnership with businessman Melvin Cohen to award college scholarships to 59 fifth-graders in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.Beginning in 2002, an award called "The Pollin Award" has been awarded annually in his honor.People are chosen for the Pollin Award based on their dedication to the Washington, D.C. community and the impact they have on it.