Awardees

 
2024 AFP National Philanthropy Day Awards Recipients

To learn more about this year's honorees, click their name to view bio and photo. 

 
The MAX M. FISHER AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST is presented to an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional philanthropic generosity, whose demonstrated philanthropic commitment encourages others to take leadership roles in philanthropy.

HONREE: Donald & Mary Kosch 
President and Owners | Dearborn Brand, Donald & Mary Kosch Foundation
Nominated by Vista Maria 


The OUTSTANDING FOUNDATION AWARD is presented to private foundations that demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement.

HONOREE: Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation
Nominated by Wayne State University


The OUTSTANDING CORPORATION AWARD is presented to a corporation or its corporate foundation for demonstrating outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement.

HONOREE: University of Michigan Credit Union
Nominated by University of Michigan


The OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER AWARD is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in volunteer fundraising, and in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for major fundraising projects for more than one non-profit organization.

HONOREE: Gary Dembs 
President and Founder | NPPN - Non Profit Personnel Network
Nominated by Mondo Unlimited


The DR. JOHN S. LORE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING EXECUTIVE is for an outstanding individual fundraising executive who practices his/her profession in an exemplary manner. The recipient must have at least ten years of professional fundraising experience, evidence of quality of leadership and acting as a team player, be a current member of AFP, commitment to continuing professional development, and commitment to fundraising and philanthropy through volunteer service and financial support of non-profit organizations.

HONOREE: Tammy Zonker 
Fundraising Strategist, AFP Trainer, and Keynote Speaker | Fundraising Transformed 
Nominated by Angela Hospice


The SPARKY ANDERSON AWARD FOR YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY was instituted as a way to recognize and reward philanthropic young people and to educate youths about the importance of helping and giving. The purpose of the youth award is three-fold: first, to thank students for volunteering their time and energy to a particular project; second, as an inspiration to encourage other children to become involved in fundraising activities by following the example of the winners; and third, to give public recognition to youths and their philanthropic projects.

HONOREE: Jelani Stowers 
Vice President, Narrative & Research | Steen Foundation
Nominated by Steen Foundation


The SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY AWARD is given to an organization, corporation, or to one or more individuals to acknowledge those that have made outstanding contributions to the philanthropic culture of our community, especially in times of need. The recipient has contributed to the community by giving time, resources, and financial support in innovative ways that creates lasting impact and sets an example for our community.

HONOREE: Linh Song
Philanthropist | ACLU of Michigan
Nominated by ACLU of Michigan


Local awards presented annually at the Greater Detroit Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day celebration:

The NEAL SHINE AWARD FOR MEDIA COMMITMENT TO PHILANTHROPY is presented to individuals with media activity focusing on building communities, demonstrating a consistent ethical foundation, showing a commitment to and success in making metropolitan Detroit a better place to live, and developing leadership and personal involvement in others.

HONREE: Carolyn Clifford 
Journalist and Anchor | WXYZ Channel 7
Nominated by Ascension Providence Foundation


The GEORGE W. ROMNEY AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN VOLUNTEERISM is given annually to one or more persons who have contributed many years of service to the community and who have simultaneously exhibited quality fundraising and personal giving, offering inspiration to others, and contributing their time and energies to charities of their choice.

HONREE: Hugh Mahler 
Harvest Hero, Advisory Council, Past Board Member | Forgotten Harvest 
Nominated by Forgotten Harvest

For a list of past honorees, click here.