NPD Awards and Selection information
Award Categories
At its root, the word “philanthropy” means love of humankind. Every day, people and organizations step up to do good in our communities. Often, this work goes unrecognized, even though it makes a vital difference. It is essential that we honor those who exemplify commitment, dedication, and talent toward helping society.
Therefore, the St. Louis Regional Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements by individuals, families, organizations, foundations, corporations, and other groups. Each year, AFP awards are given in recognition of achievements that have had a major impact on a community, national and/or international level.
Selection Process
Nominations for all award categories are open to the public—anyone may submit a nomination, regardless of AFP membership status.
Award recipients will be selected by a committee composed of past National Philanthropy Day honorees and respected community leaders. The committee reviews all nominations using AFP’s established selection criteria. To ensure fairness and integrity, any committee member with a conflict of interest related to a nominee will recuse themselves from discussions and voting concerning that nomination.
Nominations that were not selected in the previous year may be carried forward and reconsidered once, in the following year’s review cycle.
All decisions made by the selection committee regarding award categories and recipients are final.
Presentation of Awards
All honorees will receive their awards at the annual AFP St. Louis Regional Chapter's National Philanthropy Day Ceremony.
General Award Criteria
All nominations will be evaluated for alignment with AFP’s vision, mission, guiding principles, and IDEA principles, as applicable.
Vision
Centered on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, AFP St. Louis will transform fundraising culture and practices by building power with and within the community to better reflect the diversity of our region.
Mission
AFP St. Louis advances our sector and selves through professional education, networking, and advocacy for fundraising professionals in eastern Missouri and Metro East regions.
Guiding Principles
Ethics and Trust As champions of ethical fundraising, professionals work to increase public trust in charitable giving. We are accountable to donors and their organizations to perform to the highest standards. We practice courage and integrity in stewardship of private and public sources.
Professional Preparation Fundraising professionals are prepared to serve as leaders and mentors within and on behalf of our organizations. We embrace continuing education and credentialing as pathways to advance in all stages of our professional careers. We use knowledge and skill to strengthen our organizations and communities. We understand, promote, and share best practices to use and grow the fundraising body of knowledge.
Advancing Philanthropy Fundraising professionals are leaders in developing a culture of philanthropy within our organizations and communities. We train staff, boards, and volunteers in ethical and effective fundraising practices. We work across organizations and nations to advance positive social good.
Inclusivity Fundraising professionals reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We work to address the needs of a diverse society. We welcome and support a diversity of individuals and offer pathways for them to succeed.
Creativity and Innovation Fundraising professionals stimulate giving through innovative practices and solutions. We imagine and research new ways to connect with donors and achieve results. We share effective ideas and techniques to promote success across the philanthropic sector.
IDEA Statement of Principles
AFP is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse organization that reflects, is responsive to, and embraces the diversity of the communities we serve throughout the world; respecting the value of all people. We are committed to promoting an inclusive, equitable, and accessible organization where every member, volunteer, staff, and board member can realize their potential and have their contributions valued.
AFP Recognizes that IDEA is central to its mission. The following are our Statement of IDEA Principles:
● Recognizing others as different but equal
● Respect and empathy for all
● Trust and integrity that facilitates the integration of different and multiple voices in organizational discourse
● Demonstrated appreciation for different voices, active listening, open to disparate viewpoints and opinions, and facilitating dialogues among the diverse groups
● Practicing and encouraging transparent communication in all interactions
● Developing participative decision making, problem solving, and team capabilities
● Exploring potential underlying, unquestioned assumptions that interfere with inclusiveness
Category Specific Criteria
Changemakers
Added in 2020, this award honors individuals, families, corporations, foundations, nonprofit organizations, or other groups that are leaning into change and embracing innovative approaches to philanthropy. Nominations should include specific examples and description of the nominee’s ability to bring creativity and innovation to fundraising and philanthropy, develop a culture of philanthropy within organizations and across the community, inspire others through a sense of dedication and higher purpose, demonstrate a commitment to dismantling systemic racism and achieving equity, justice, and belonging for all.
Outstanding Philanthropist
This award is presented to an individual, family, corporation, foundation, or other organization with a proven record of exceptional generosity. Through direct financial support, the nominee has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages other to take philanthropic leadership roles on a community, national, and/or international level. Nominations should include information with specific examples.
Note: The AFP Outstanding Corporate Philanthropic Program award was combined into the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award in 2018. These categories have been further combined into the Outstanding Philanthropist award in 2021.
Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer
Individuals, families, corporations, foundations, or other organizations are eligible for this award. Nominees must have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy and exceptional leadership skills. Nominees have either personally or through group action undertaken fundraising projects for the benefit of one or more nonprofit organizations in a volunteer capacity. Nominations should include specific examples and description of nominee’s ability to organize or lead fundraising campaigns, goals achieved by the effort describe, and success in recruiting and motivating others.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
This award recognizes an exemplary youth or group of youth, age 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 or volunteer project in one or more charitable organization. Nominees must have worked in a voluntary capacity. Nominations should include specific examples and description of the project or project undertaken, evidence of success in recruiting and motivating others, and description of the project’s success and impact.
Outstanding Fundraising Executive
This award is designated for an individual, professional fundraiser who practices their profession in an exemplary manner. Nominations should include specific examples and description of the nominee’s career achievements, quality leadership, volunteerism with AFP St. Louis, adherence to the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, continuing professional development, and voluntary service and/or financial support of other nonprofit organizations.
Outstanding Emerging Professional
A successful candidate for this award will have fewer than 5 years professional experience, and although newer to the profession, demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and leadership in the nonprofit community. Nominations should include specific examples and description of the nominee’s early career achievements, involvement with AFP, and volunteer activities within the community.
Note: the name of this award was changed from Outstanding Young Professional in 2021
Spirit of Philanthropy
This award is reserved for individuals, families, corporations, foundations, nonprofit organizations, or other groups that exemplify the spirit of philanthropy at the highest level. Honorees may be selected based on their contributions to the philanthropic community in the broadest sense, ability to inspire others to take leadership roles in philanthropy, have provided significant financial support for many nonprofit organizations over the course of a long career in philanthropy, and evidence of philanthropic support of innovative approaches to solving problems.
Note: Nominations are not accepted in this category. The NPD Awards Committee may select recipients of this award at its discretion, either from nominees across all award categories or others who have not been nominated but otherwise meet the described criteria. This award may not be given every year.
