Outstanding Philanthropic Business 

This category is awarded to a business entity for its outstanding commitment to its community through financial and/or in-kind and volunteer philanthropic support. Also considered will be the business’ motivation and encouragement of individuals and firms to make similar commitments to philanthropy and community involvement.

Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

• Evidence of direct gift support and specific achievements made possible by that support.
• Evidence of broad support for community organizations and description of impact.
• Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement and evidence of support for employees as volunteers in the community.
   

Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation

This award is designed for a foundation that has proven outstanding commitment to philanthropy through financial support and encouragement, motivation of others to take a leadership role in philanthropy and community involvement. 

Nominations will be considered based on responses to the following criteria:

• Evidence of philanthropic support for innovative approaches to solving problems locally, nationally, and/or internationally
• Description of impact of support and achievements accomplished through the foundation's efforts. 
• Evidence of encouragment and motivation given to others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement. 

Outstanding Fundraising Professional 

This award is designed for an outstanding individual fundraising professional who practices his/her profession in an exemplary manner. This individual must have at least 3 years of professional fundraising experience, demonstrate community leadership, membership in AFP, evidence of continuing professional development and demonstrate personal volunteer and financial support of nonprofit organizations.

Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

• Evidence of career achievements, length of tenure of fundraising background, experience and results, as well as adherence to AFP Code of Ethics.
• Evidence of effective, creative and stimulating leadership.
  Description of individual’s commitment to professional development, including AFP certification, AFP Board service, conference participation and professional education.
• Evidence of commitment to fundraising and to philanthropy through volunteer service and financial support of nonprofit organizations. 

Outstanding Philanthropic Family

This award honors a family with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, demonstrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility that sets an example for others to take on philanthropic roles in the community.

Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

• Evidence of direct gift support and specific achievements made possible by that support.
• Evidence of support for a variety of community organizations and projects and description of impact. 
• Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy.

Outstanding Philanthropist

This category honors an individual with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, demonstrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility that sets an example for others to take on philanthropic roles in the community.

Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

• Evidence of direct gift support and specific achievements made possible by that support. 
• Evidence of broad support for community organizations and description of impact.
• Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement and evidence of support for employees as volunteers in the community.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser 

This award is for an individual with a proven track record of ongoing, significant commitment to fundraising for one or more organizations. This individual also has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in coordinating volunteers on a number of fundraising projects for the benefit of charitable institutions as well as a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy.

Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

• Evidence of broad support of community organizations and projects and a description of the impact that this individual’s fundraising efforts have produced.
• Evidence of successful fundraising efforts.
• Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy.

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy

The youth in our communities have an important responsibility to step forth and carry the banner of philanthropy in the future. AFP has an obligation to promote and encourage the involvement of young people in Philanthropy and the profession of ethical fundraising. This award goes to an individual youth (21 years of age or younger) or a group for outstanding commitment to learning about and practicing philanthropy and exemplifying the spirit of philanthropic commitment to our communities.

Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

• Evidence of financial support and outstanding responsibility in the development of philanthropic leadership roles.
• Evidence of support for community projects and organizations and description of impact.
• Evidence of motivation and encouragement of others to participate in philanthropic projects and practice personal philanthropy. 

Outstanding Philanthropic Organization 

 This category recognizes a community service organization that demonstrates an outstanding commitment through its community involvement, extraordinary service during the year and/or financial or in-kind support of philanthropic efforts.

Nominations will be considered based on the responses to the following criteria:

• Evidence of direct financial and/or in-kind support of community projects.
• Description of impact of organization’s support on the local community.
• Evidence of membership volunteerism in support of nonprofit community.
• Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take a leadership role in philanthropy and community involvement.