Since 1981, AFP NJ’s Excellence in Philanthropy Awards have recognized the achievements of some of the most notable citizens and organizations in our state who have dedicated their efforts toward making New Jersey a better place.

2026 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

View honoree criteria and nomination form by clicking button

2025 Excellence in Philanthropy Award winners with AFP-NJ Board members.
Pictured from left: Jon Paparsenos, AFP-NJ President Elect; Vicki Perez, VP & Co-Chair Excellence in Philanthropy Awards; Sarah Roberts, Executive Director, Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation; Mary Beth Cooney, Executive Director, Creature Comforts Pet Therapy; Natalie Krauser, CFRE AFP-NJ President; George C. Ruotolo, Jr., CFRE, Founder, Ruotolo Associates; and, Amol Sinha, Executive Director, ACLU NJ.

2026 Awards & Criteria

Here is a list of potential awards and their criteria. Please note the decision to make an award in a particular category is at the discretion of the Selection Committee. Their determination is final

Outstanding Community Organization Award

This award is presented to a volunteer community group that is dedicated to serving society by assisting nonprofits in various capacities or by initiating their program(s) to benefit a local, regional, or statewide constituency.

Outstanding Corporation Award

The corporation must demonstrate outstanding commitment to the New Jersey non-profit sector through financial support, community involvement, and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and to support local initiatives. Corporate foundations are eligible for the award. Previous winners may be renominated if it has been at least seven (7) years since they were last recognized.

Outstanding Foundation Award

To qualify, a private foundation must not be affiliated with a corporation and must demonstrate an outstanding commitment to philanthropy and community involvement. Previous winners may be nominated again if it has been at least seven (7) years since they were last recognized.

Outstanding Philanthropist Award

This award is given in two (2) categories based on the fundraising budget size of the nominating organization. The categories are as follows:

1) Philanthropist working with organizations that have fundraising budgets over $1 million.

2) Philanthropist working with organizations that have fundraising budgets of $1 million or less.

Fundraising budgets include support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources, but DO NOT include fee-for-service and contract services. Capital and endowment revenues/donations count as part of the fundraising budget. The nominee should display quality of leadership and organizational ability in fundraising for non-profit organizations. The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy as displayed through their participation with non-profit organizations.

Outstanding Emerging Fundraiser Award

This award recognizes an outstanding individual or organization that is gaining notability in the field of fundraising. The recipient of this award should demonstrate ingenuity, resourcefulness, creativity, and mastery of philanthropy with up to five years of industry experience.

Excellence in Consulting Award

This award honors an individual consulting professional who demonstrates outstanding skills in working with non-profit organizations. The nominee must demonstrate exceptional skills in consulting with clients; successfully collaborate with volunteers and/or staff; serve multiple non-profit charitable organizations, and have worked a minimum of 5 years as a fundraising consultant either as a sole practitioner or working for a firm.

Outstanding Nonprofit Advocate Award

This award is presented to a New Jersey legislator, community group, or individual who has shown exemplary leadership and support in the advocacy of the nonprofit community. Types of advocacy work honored in this category could include legislative action, systems change, civic engagement, or grassroots advocacy, to name a few.

The Robert J. Smythe Award for Outstanding Professional Fundraiser

This award recognizes an individual who brings honor, dedication, and distinction to the profession. The recipient should exemplify the professional standards set by AFP. Nominees need to have demonstrated at least 10 years of experience in fundraising and be currently active in the field.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------