National Philanthropy Day



OVERVIEW

National Philanthropy Day is celebrated annually on November 15. This day signifies the importance of working together for the common good. Philanthropic deeds come in all different shapes and sizes - charitable giving, volunteering, etc. - and on National Philanthropy Day, no act of kindness goes unnoticed.

NPD was originally conceived of and organized by Douglas Freeman in the 1980s, and the first official events held in 1986 after President Reagan signed the official NPD proclamation.  For more than 30 years, hundreds of communities across North America have come together to recognize the countless ways philanthropy has affected our world.
Officially recognized each year on November 15, National Philanthropy Day® is celebrated by numerous fundraising professionals, government leaders, foundations, businesses, individual donors and others who wish to honor all the contributions philanthropy has made. NPD provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has accomplished, as well as what there still is to do.

 

You can help us honor those who gift their time, expertise and resources to the quality of life in our communities by nominating someone for a National Philanthropy Day Award.

We look forward to announcing the honorees in October and honoring them in person at the Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, November 15 at The Olympic South Side Theater in Cedar Rapids. Check back for the event details later this summer! 

A special guest MC will host the festivities and the honorees will be awarded a beautiful plaque to signify our gratitude for the amazing contributions and impact they have made in our communities.


AWARD CATEGORIES

  • Outstanding Individual Philanthropist
  • Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
  • Outstanding Fundraising Professional
  • Outstanding Large Philanthropic Organization
  • Outstanding Small Philanthropic Organization
  • Outstanding Philanthropic Youth (21 years or younger)
General Award Criteria

All nominations will be evaluated for alignment with AFP’s vision, mission and IDEA principles, as applicable.

Mission Statement -AFP Eastern Iowa, a chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), is an association of fundraising professionals committed to advancing philanthropy by encouraging people and organizations to practice effective and ethical fundraising. The Eastern Iowa Chapter represents members throughout Eastern Iowa. The core activities of the Chapter include education, networking, training, advocacy and encouraging the pursuit of professional growth and development.

Vision Statement - AFP Eastern Iowa Chapter will be the recognized leader in the promotion of philanthropy by empowering fundraisers to serve their communities. Leadership is defined by a commitment to excellence in providing the highest quality services and benefits for our members and other constituents.

Nominations will be evaluated through the lens of AFP’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Statement of Principles. 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 the value of 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.


Award Criteria by Category

Outstanding Individual Philanthropist

This award is presented to an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity; who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility; and whose generosity encourages others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community affairs.


Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

The individual eligible for this nomination must have demonstrated exceptional skills in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for one or more major fundraising project(s) for the benefit of a charitable institution, as well as a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy.


Outstanding Fundraising Professional

This award recognizes a fundraising professional whose career exemplifies excellence in ethical fundraising through both their professional life, volunteer and community involvement, and commitment to AFP. Recipients must be a member of AFP.


Outstanding Large Philanthropic Organization

To qualify for this award, a corporation or foundation must demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community affairs. Large business is defined as over 50 employees, or a nationally based foundation. 


Outstanding Small Philanthropic Organization

To qualify for this award, a corporation or foundation must demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community affairs. Small business is defined as up to 50 employees, or a locally based foundation. 


Outstanding Philanthropic Youth

This award recognizes service by a young person, 21 years or younger, who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in the community through his/her guidance and dedication to philanthropy.

Thank you, sponsors.