Nomination Form

Nomination Details

  • Nominations are open from January 26 to February 16, 2026.

  • Nominator does not have to submit a nomination for all categories. No grading/scoring matrix exists currently. The nomination committee reviews the various submissions and makes a determination with a selection committee made up of past honorees and AFP-Coastal Bend Board members.

Philanthropy Celebration Honoree Categories

  1. Outstanding Philanthropist (s)

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 on a community, national, and/or international level. Your nomination should include the following information with specific examples:

  • Evidence of direct gift support.

  • Description of impact of gift support.

  • Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy. Description of participation in and gift support of other not-for-profit organizations, in the community,  nationally, and/or internationally.

  • Evidence of philanthropic support of innovative approaches to solving problems.

 2. Outstanding Fundraising Professional

This award is designed for an outstanding individual fundraising professional who practices his/her profession in an exemplary manner. Recipients must have at least 15 years of professional fundraising experience, and your nomination should include the following:

  • Description of achievements (length and tenure of fundraising background, experience, and results.)

  • Evidence of quality leadership that is effective, creative and stimulating, and evidence that the individual acts as a team player.

  • Membership in the AFP and evidence that the individual practices and promotes the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice for fundraising executives.

  • Description of individual's commitment to continuing professional development, including professional certification (CFRE/ACFRE), conference participation, publications, and professional education.

  • Evidence of commitment to this profession and to philanthropy through voluntary service and financial support of not-for-profit organizations.

3. Outstanding Philanthropic Business/Corporation/Foundation

To qualify for this award, a business/corporation or its corporate foundation must demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement. List your nominee's achievements, including:

  • Evidence of direct gift support indicated by support of projects locally, nationally, and/or internationally.

  • Description of impact of gift support on above projects.

  • Description of specific achievements accomplished through the organization's efforts.

  • Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement.

  • Evidence of philanthropic support of innovative approaches to solving problems.

 4. Outstanding Philanthropic Organization

To qualify for this award, the non-profit organization must be a 501c3 or 501c6 and demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and national, international, and/or community involvement. List your nominee's achievements, including:

  • Evidence of philanthropic support of innovative approaches to solving problems.

  • Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement.

  • Evidence of direct financial support indicated by support of projects locally, nationally, and/or internationally.

  • Description of impact of financial support on above projects.

  • Description of specific achievements accomplished through the efforts of the foundation or 0rganization

5. Rising Philanthropist Award

This award recognizes an exemplary youth and/or group, aged 21 or younger, who has demonstrated a commitment to the community and exceptional leadership in the coordination and motivation of volunteers for a major fundraising project in one or more charitable organizations. Nominees for the award must have worked in a voluntary capacity. Your nomination should include the following:

  • Description of what the nominee did including goals, process, time commitment, budget (if relevant), other people involved; e.g., adult leaders or advisors, and volunteer involvement e Evidence of success in recruiting and motivating others.

  • Description of the project's fundraising success (profit after costs), and its impact on the community.

  • Please include the number of people who benefited from the project, its long-term ( l -2 years) impact, and if the project will be ongoing.

  • Description of how the project(s) could serve as a prototype that could be replicated in other communities.

  • Description of participation in other not-for-profit organizations.

 6. Legacy Award

 This award aims to honor the memory of individuals whose lives exemplified the spirit of philanthropy and whose legacies continue to benefit and inspire their community. Nominees for this posthumous recognition may have demonstrated their dedication through financial generosity, volunteer efforts, or as a fundraising professional for one or more charitable organizations. Your nomination should include the following:

  • Overview of the nominee's charitable activities, including the nature of their contributions (e.g., financial support, volunteerism, or professional fundraising), the scope of their impact, and the organizations or causes they supported.

  • Explain how the nominee’s efforts made a meaningful difference, detailing specific programs, initiatives, or events they championed

  • Describe how the nominee’s work continues to inspire others or sustain positive change within the community.

  • Outline how the nominee demonstrated leadership in their charitable efforts, whether by motivating others, fostering collaborations, or establishing innovative approaches to philanthropy.

Past Honorees