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.
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.
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
Thank you for your commitment to our community!
For more information, please contact us.
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.



