Nomination Guide

2026 National Philanthropy Day Celebration

Friday, November 13, 2026

Rosen Shingle Creek

7:45 AM NETWORKING | 8:30 AM PROGRAM BEGINS

The Association of Fundraising Professionals will host its annual National Philanthropy Day to publicly recognize the impact of fundraising professionals, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic individuals and businesses within Central Florida. Each year, we celebrate the charitable work that makes a difference and creates a lasting impact in our community.


This packet will help guide you through the nomination process.

Nominations are due on or before June 1, 2026.

Distinguished Awards

Please use the information below to shape your narrative. Distinguished award narratives are limited to 3 pages maximum. Please do not submit resumes. All submissions must be in narrative form, and all criteria must be met to be considered. One award winner will be selected in each Distinguished Award category.

 

Please note: Only one nomination per individual is allowed in the Distinguished Award categories. For example, an individual cannot be nominated for both the Lifetime Achievement Award and Outstanding Philanthropist in the same year.

Submit Distinguished Award Nomination
  • H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award

    This award is presented to an individual or couple who demonstrates a history of  exceptional leadership in philanthropy. The recipient is personally active in philanthropy in the Central Florida community and is instrumental in motivating others to be involved.


    Describe and verify the following:

    • Impact of long-standing direct gift support to the Central Florida community including examples of how they’ve solved organizational and community challenges.

    • Historical summary of philanthropic service and achievements.

    • How they motivate others to assume leadership roles and/or set an example for others to give of their time, talent and treasure.

    • Demonstration of dynamic leadership inspiring others to engage in their own legacy of giving.


    In memory of H. Clifford Lee, the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation will give $10,000 to the charity of the recipient’s choice.

  • Kenneth F. Murrah, Esq. Award for Outstanding Philanthropist

    This award recognizes an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity and demonstrated outstanding civic responsibility during the past three (3) years. They encourage others to assume philanthropic leadership roles in the community*.


    Describe and verify the following:

    • Impact the candidate has achieved by contributing financial resources, time, and effort engaged with organizations (i.e. service on boards, committees, strategic planning,

    innovation, personal giving) to drive social change.

    • Demonstration of dynamic leadership inspiring others to engage in their own Legacy of Giving.

    • How they motivate others to assume leadership roles and/or set an example for others to give of their time, talent and treasure.


    In memory of Kenneth F. Murrah, the Central Florida Foundation will give $1,000 to the charity of the recipient’s choice.


    *NOTE: If you believe your candidate has made significant contributions to local philanthropy well beyond the previous 3-year period, please nominate them for the H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award category.

  • David R. Roberts Youth in Philanthropy Award

    This award is presented to an individual or group 18 years old or younger who demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving the quality of life in Central Florida.


    Please describe the nominee’s achievements during the last 3 years, including the following:

    • Impact of support generated for one or more Central Florida nonprofits.

    • Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the organization(s), through time, effort, and funds raised.

    • Examples of the nominated youth’s or group’s ability to inspire and motivate other young people to be philanthropic and engaged in their community.


    In memory of David R. Roberts, the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation will give $2,000 to the charity of the recipient’s choice.

  • Terri S. Chastain Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional

    This award is presented to an outstanding individual fundraising professional who has worked in the nonprofit sector and practices his/her profession in an exemplary manner.


    Describe and verify the following:

    • Quality of leadership and organizational ability in nonprofit fundraising campaigns.

    • Impact of goals achieved through fundraising efforts.

    • Summary of service and contributions to other local, state, national and/or international nonprofit organizations, including AFP where applicable.

  • Award for Outstanding Board Service

    This award is presented to an exceptional nonprofit board leader in Central Florida whose service reflects extraordinary commitment, ethical governance, and meaningful community impact. Nominees should demonstrate a sustained record of leadership, philanthropy, and stewardship that strengthens the mission and long term vitality of the organizations they serve.

     

    Describe and verify the following:

    • Philanthropic leadership including personal generosity, ability to inspire others to give/volunteer and their commitment to creating charitable impact 

    • Measurable impact, including their history of advancing strategic initiatives, operational capacity and/or enhanced community reputation

    • Active involvement in fundraising efforts and donor engagement efforts that increase the organization’s visibility, reach, and credibility

    • Ability to foster a culture of philanthropy and champion the organization’s mission in ways that build and sustain broad community support

Special Honors Awards

For the following special honors categories, please submit a narrative summary of up to 500 words detailing the nominee’s accomplishments as it pertains to the category. We ask that projects or accomplishments have occurred within the last three (3) years. Up to three (3) honorees will be selected for recognition in each Special Honors category. 

Submit Special Honors Nomination

Honors for Individuals

  • Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy

    This honor is presented to individuals working or volunteering in the nonprofit sector in a fundraising/development role for less than five years, who are making an exceptional impact within their organization and/or the sector at large.


    Narrative should include:

    • Detailed description of how nominee is affecting change in the Central Florida community.

    • Brief history of nominee.

    • Other notable details about the nominee (i.e., boards served on or other honors received).

  • Excellence in Volunteerism

    This honor is presented to individuals who demonstrate an exceptional passion for volunteerism benefiting charitable organizations, along with a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy throughout the community, for more than three years.


    Narrative should include how nominees:

    • Encourage and motivate others to give of their time to benefit the community.

    • Dedicate volunteer time as a board member, volunteer fundraiser, and/or a skills-based

    Volunteer.

    • Demonstrate excellence and impact working with nonprofit organization(s).


    Note: This honor is specifically for individuals. If you’re interested in nominating a civic group or organization, please consider nominating them for the “Innovation and Excellence in Fundraising” honor category.

Honors for Organizations

  • Corporate & Foundation Impact

    This honor is presented to a corporation, corporate foundation, or public foundation that is active in philanthropy in the Central Florida community and is instrumental in encouraging others to be involved.


    Narrative should include:

    • Impact of direct gift support (corporate or foundation contributions) to the Central Florida community.

    • Achievements accomplished through the company’s internal philanthropic efforts (employee contributions and volunteer service).

    • Encouragement and motivation given to others, especially company employees, to assume leadership roles, setting the example for philanthropy and increasing community involvement.

    • Summary of philanthropic support that has resulted in solving organizational and community challenges.

  • Creating Change

    This honor is presented to nonprofit organizations that successfully strengthen and empower a specific demographic or population in Central Florida (e.g., seniors, children, pets, homeless, immigrant, minority, etc.)


    Narrative should include how nominees:

    • Advocate for their target service population.

    • Provide resources to or connect constituents to resources.

    • Demonstrate successful outcomes that further their nonprofit mission.

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

    This honor is presented to a corporation or nonprofit organization that empowers its constituents, employees, and/or community by respecting and appreciating what makes them different, with regard to age, gender, ethnicity, religion, ability, sexual identity and orientation, education, and national origin.


    Narrative should include:

    • Detailed description of how nominee is affecting change in the Central Florida community.

    • Brief history of nominee.

    • Other notable details about the nominee (i.e., strategic partnerships, other honors received).

  • Innovation & Excellence in Fundraising

    This honor is presented to a for-profit, nonprofit, or civic groups/organization that has excelled in their craft raising critically needed funds for the missions and organizations they work for and/or consult.


    Narrative should include how nominee:

    • Successfully launched a fundraising initiative or campaign that generated significant funding for an organization.

    • Leveraged innovative approaches and strategies.

    • Provided a significant leadership role.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is National Philanthropy Day?

    Established in 1986 by President Ronald Regan, National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is celebrated in communities across the country to publicly recognize the impact of charitable giving and the people who make it possible. In 2026, National Philanthropy Day proudly marks its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of generosity and community impact. Each year the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Florida Chapter honors donors, volunteers, fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, professionals, organizations and community partners whose gifts of time, expertise and resources contribute significantly to improving the quality of life while strengthening our community through their generosity.

  • When is National Philanthropy Day?

    The event will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at the Rosen Shingle Creek.

  • Who is eligible for a National Philanthropy Day award?

    All Central Florida nonprofits, corporations, foundations, and civic and service organizations are encouraged to nominate their donors, community partners, board members, staff members, and other volunteers for an award for which they qualify and is appropriate to their role.


    Please note:

    · All Previous Award Recipients and Honorees are not eligible for nomination in the same winning category within five years.

    · Nominees from previous years who were NOT recognized with an award are encouraged to apply again!

    · Nominees must be located in Lake, Orange, Osceola or Seminole Counties – in alignment with AFP Central Florida Chapter’s current service area.

  • Who can submit a nomination for a National Philanthropy Day award?

    Any individual, public or private organization, civic or service group, or an AFP member may submit a nomination for any award. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to partner on Distinguished Award nominations, and in such cases, a single nomination form is acceptable. Include a cover letter summarizing the collaboration with the submitted nomination.

  • What types of awards are given?

    The following awards and honors are given to individuals or organizations whose achievements have significantly impacted the Central Florida community: 

    Distinguished Award Categories: One (1) award recipient per category 

    Special Honor Categories: Three (3) honorees per category 

    The physical awards are commissioned from a different local artist each year.

  • When are nominations due?

    Nominations must be submitted online no later than 5 p.m. on Monday June 1, 2026.

  • How do I submit a nomination?

    Nominations must be submitted through AFP Central Florida Chapter’s website: 

    https://www.afpcentralflorida.org/nomination-guide


    Please note the following important submission requirements:


    · If the category is awarding/honoring an individual(s), nonprofit, corporation and/or organization, your nominee must meet that very specific requirement for eligibility in that category.

    · Adherence to the word count/page limit for narratives and eligible supporting documents will be reviewed for fairness of submissions for a level playing field. Distinguished award nominations may include up to five pages of supporting documentation; honoree nominations may submit one page of supporting documentation (no resumes).

    · Nominations that meet the specific qualifications have a higher chance of winning in that respective category.

  • Who selects the award winners?

    A nomination review committee of AFP First Coast Chapter members (Jacksonville, FL) will score each nomination in all categories submitted to them by AFP Central Florida. This allows for a fair and unbiased review and scoring. Please keep in mind that the review committee may not know Central Florida nominees. Their decisions are based entirely on the materials you submit, so please refer to each award category’s criteria to guide the narrative for your nomination. Please note: If in the judgment of the Central Florida National Philanthropy Day Committee, no nominee meets the criteria for a particular category, no award will be given for that category.

  • When will award winners be notified?

    Award recipients and honorees, and their nominator(s), will be notified before August 30, 2026. Regret notices will also be sent.

  • What if I have a question?

    Please submit questions to mail@afpcentralflorida.org. Please allow 48-72 business hours for a response as the National Philanthropy Day committee is comprised of volunteers.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA)

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse organization that reflects, is responsive to, and embraces the diversity of the communities we serve throughout the world; respecting and valuing all people. AFP is committed to promoting an inclusive, equitable and accessible organization where every member, volunteer, staff, and board member can realize their potential and have their contributions valued. As you consider nominations, consider IDEA principles.


To read AFP's complete IDEA principles, click here.