National Philanthropy Day was founded in 1986 by presidential proclamation of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to recognize charitable giving in all its forms. AFPKC celebrates this day locally with an annual special event honoring Kansas City individuals and companies that embody the spirit of philanthropy.
Spirit of Philanthropy – Individual/Family – honors an individual or family with a proven record of embodying the spirit of philanthropy through financial support, community service, and/or leadership.
Spirit of Philanthropy – Business – honors a corporation (or its corporate foundation) that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.
Spirit of Philanthropy – Youth – honors an individual or group of young people ages 5-23 who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community through direct financial support, volunteer service, or charitable partnerships.
Excellence in Legacy Giving – honors an exemplary planned giving relationship between a donor and charitable organization and/or fundraising professional.
Excellence in Development Operations – honors a fundraising professional or team that is a sustaining force vital to empowering organizational achievement and has demonstrated project based and/or career success in high impact, but often low visibility areas.
Excellence in Fundraising – honors a fundraising professional or team that has demonstrated achievement through a successful campaign, initiative or career.
AFPKC is thrilled to announce the following honorees:
Spirit of Philanthropy - Individual
Alvin Brooks
Spirit of Philanthropy - Family
The Brain Family
Spirit of Philanthropy - Business
Kompass Kapital
Spirit of Philanthropy - Youth
UMKC Enactus
Excellence in Fundraising
Lindsey Rood-Clifford, Starlight Theatre
Excellence in Development Operations
Children’s Mercy Kansas City Volunteer Services and In-Kind Giving Team
Mark your calendar for November 12, 2025 for next year’s National Philanthropy Day!
Watch the 2024 NPD Award Ceremony here!
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The 2024 National Philanthropy Day Honorees included (from left to right): Lindsay Hicks, Habitat for Humanity KC, nominator of the Spirit of Philanthropy – Business Award recipient Kompass Kapital, represented by Brittany Branch; Spirit of Philanthropy – Youth Award recipient UMKC Enactus (presented by Operation Breakthrough) and represented by students Imani Lemon and Jazmin Romo; Excellence in Development Operations Award recipient Children’s Mercy Volunteer Services and In-Kind Giving Team represented by Nicki Johnson and colleagues; Excellence in Fundraising Award recipient Lindsay Rood-Clifford, Starlight Theatre (nominated by Kinetic Fundraising); and Spirit of Philanthropy – Family honoree the Brain Family, represented by David and Cathi Brain and Mary and Andrew Brain (nominated by Midwest Innocence Project).