2025 National Philanthropy Day Nominations

IMPORTANT DATES

May 5^th – Early Bird Deadline
(Organizations submitting by May 5th can win a complimentary registration to the TXP AFP Fundraising Conference, a $75 value.
*Submitting early does NOT impact scoring or provide additional points.)

May 19^th – Nomination Site Closes

NOMINATION SITE CLOSED FOR 2025

CLICK HERE to view nomination questions for each category.

Outstanding Community Service Organization

Outstanding Fundraising Event

Outstanding Fundraising Professional

Outstanding Foundation

Outstanding Small Business

Outstanding Large Business

Outstanding Media/PR

Outstanding Philanthropist

Outstanding Youth and Collegiate in Philanthropy

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

   VIEW PAST HONOREES

Submitting a Successful Nomination

The annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon is a highlight of the year when we honor the donors and volunteers who support our organizations. This information will help you identify individuals within your organization who deserve recognition for the time, talent, and treasure they provide in service to others. This year’s luncheon will be held on November 20, 2025, in the Grand Plaza of the Amarillo Civic Center, beginning at 11:30 a.m 

A strong award nomination includes several critical elements. We encourage you to use the following tips and the application criteria to create the best possible nomination. 

Send questions about the application or process to Tim Bynum: timothy.bynum@gmail.com

1. The application deadline of May 19th is firm — no exceptions.

2. Give comprehensively summarized answers (up to a maximum of 300 words). Less is more, but less than 300 words can hurt a nomination.

3. Use your responses to tell a story, not only to list or record facts. Compelling, well-organized, and well-articulated content is critical for understanding why your nominee should receive the award.

4. Specifically answer the question posed. Responses not tied directly to questions will receive low point scores and weaken your nominee's opportunity.

5. Responses that verify your nominee's involvement with multiple organizations are much stronger than those that demonstrate your nominee's involvement with only your organization. Partner with those organizations to complete the nomination and include those organizations as nominators along with your organization.

6. Letters of support that specify a nominee's impact can sometimes tip the balance in a close situation. Generic, non-specific letters of support do more harm than good.

7. Have someone you trust proofread the application for content and typos before you submit it. We all know what it's like to read poorly constructed proposals and letters.

Thank you for spending the time, thought, and energy needed to submit a nomination.

We invite nominations for:

• Outstanding Large Business

• Outstanding Small Business 

• Outstanding Community Service Organization 

• Outstanding Foundation

• Outstanding Philanthropist 

• Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

• Outstanding Fundraising Event 

• Outstanding Fundraising Professional

• Outstanding Media 

• Youth and Collegiate in Philanthropy

Of note: If, in the judgment of the Committee, no nominees meet the criteria, an award may not be given. 

Honoree Categories and Descriptions

VIEW NOMINATION QUESTIONS BY CATEGORY

Outstanding 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 philanthropic leadership roles.

Outstanding Community Service Organization
The award is presented to a volunteer social club or community service group (with no paid staff) that demonstrates an outstanding commitment and impact through financial support and the encouragement of others to participate in philanthropy and community projects. *This category does not include nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity organizations that provide direct services.

Outstanding Fundraising Event
This award is presented to a nonprofit organization that has held a unique or creative fundraiser that has created substantial community awareness of its mission and generated significant revenue. Nominations for this category can be for any event, including—but not limited to—concerts, galas, luncheons, sporting events, etc.  

Outstanding Fundraising Professional
This award is presented to an outstanding individual fundraising professional who practices his/her profession exemplary ally. The nomination must have at least 10 years of professional fundraising experience.

Outstanding Foundation
This award is presented to a foundation that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support, encouragement, and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and national, international, and/or community involvement.

Outstanding Small Business
This award is presented to a business or corporation with 49 or fewer employees for outstanding commitment to area nonprofits through financial or in-kind support. The company excels at motivating its employees and others to volunteer to support philanthropy beyond the monetary value of gifts.

Outstanding Large Business
This award is presented to a business/corporation with 50 or more employees for outstanding commitment to area nonprofits through financial or in-kind support. This company excels at motivating its employees and others to volunteer to support philanthropy beyond the monetary value of gifts.

Outstanding PR/Media
This award is presented to a local media organization, individual, public relations firm, and/or organization involved in a media-related enterprise that advances philanthropy.

Outstanding Youth and Philanthropy
This award is presented to an individual or group of young people, including college students, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, the development of charitable programs, volunteering, and leadership in philanthropy.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in coordinating groups of volunteers for major fundraising projects for more than one nonprofit organization.  The recipient should demonstrate exceptional skills in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects to benefit charitable institutions and a commitment to advancing philanthropy.