National Philanthropy Day



Save the DAte

Thursday, November 12, 2026 

 

National Philanthropy Day is a celebration of benevolent donations of time, talent and treasure. Nearly 500 guests from throughout the WNY community gather to acknowledge individuals and organizations whose long-term achievements have made a significant impact on the WNY community.
 
The 2026 Western New York National Philanthropy Day Luncheon and Awards Presentation, presented by West Herr Auto Group, will be held at Buffalo Riverworks.
 
Annual Awards Program
Each year, the WNY Chapter and chapters around the country recognize those who have contributed to our community through outstanding examples of philanthropy. Nominations are solicited from the community to honor individuals, corporations, businesses, and foundations who have impacted Western New York.
  
Distinguished Honoree Program
Recognize those who have gone above and beyond for your organization with a heartfelt thank you by naming them a Distinguished Honoree. Your honoree may be an individual, couple, or an organization, and may be represented by an individual or group. 
    
Event Sponsorship and Program Book Ads

AFP-WNY wants to partner with like-minded businesses, organizations and other supporters to honor philanthropic acts of unbelievable character at our annual celebration of National Philanthropy Day. Show your support for those that change our community with a giving heart by becoming an event sponsor or purchasing space in the event program book. More information about sponsorships and program book advertisements, tickets, tables is coming soon!

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2026 Nomination Categories:

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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 in our community. An ideal candidate will have had an impact on more than one organization/nonprofit.

 

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser:

To qualify for this award, the eligible individual(s) should demonstrate exceptional skills coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects for charitable institutions and a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy. Ideally the recipient(s) should have demonstrated these skills in coordinating volunteers for major fundraising projects for more than one nonprofit organization.

 

Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation:

To qualify for this award, a philanthropic foundation must demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouraging and motivating others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and/or community involvement.

 

Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation:

To qualify for this award, corporations and their corporate foundations (101 or more employees) must demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and by encouraging and motivating others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and/or community involvement.

 

Outstanding Philanthropic Small Business:

To qualify for this award, a small business (1-100 employees) must demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouraging and motivating others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and/or community involvement.

 

Outstanding Philanthropic Media:

To qualify for this award a media corporation or agency must demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial or in-kind support and through encouraging and motivating others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.

 

Outstanding Young Philanthropist:

To qualify for this award, the eligible individual(s) should be 18 years or younger when nominated. Keeping the age of the nominee in mind, he or she should demonstrate exceptional skill in coordinating a fundraising project, and/or motivating a group of volunteers (of any age) to assist. He or she will show passion for the cause and a sincere effort to achieve fundraising success for an organization.

 

Earl Hannel Outstanding Fundraising Professional: 

To qualify for this award, candidate must be an outstanding individual fundraising professional who works directly for a nonprofit, charitable organization. Consultants or other individuals not working directly for a charity are INELIGIBLE for this award. Nominees must have a MINIMUM OF 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE as a professional fundraiser working directly for a nonprofit organization (years as a consultant will not be considered).