All nominations are due by 5pm on August 31, 2026.

In 2000, the Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day committee created the Frank W. Penick Founder’s Award. This award was created as a tribute to Mr. Penick, a founding member of the AFP Greater Louisville Chapter, and is presented annually at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon. A committee of fundraising peers chooses the recipient of this award, presented to an individual that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the advancement of the development profession. AFP members are invited to submit their nominations for the Frank W. Penick Founder’s Award.

Past Recipients
Robert Mueller, CFRE (2001), Anne R. Wunsch, CFRE (2002), William G. Schneider Jr., CFRE (2003), Jennifer Scott, CFRE (2004), Christine Allen, CFRE (2005), Leonard J. Moisan, PhD, CFRE (2006), Lee Smith, CFRE (2007), Chuck Willenbrink, CFRE (2009), Linda Johnson, CFRE (2010), Leslie Buddeke Smart, CFRE (2011), Linda Medley, CFRE (2012), Kirsten M. Bullock, CFRE (2013), Lynnie Meyer, CFRE (2014), Mike Schultz (2015), Mark Rountree (2016), Cathy Galante (2017), Traci Simonsen, CFRE (2018), Jamie Campbell, CFRE (2019), Heather Singleton, CFRE (2021), Beth Hobson, CFRE (2022), Adam Fields, CFRE (2023), Reylene Robinson (2024), Anne Cannon (2025).

Eligibility and Expectations
- Member of AFP and member in good standing with AFP Greater Louisville Chapter.
- The nominee must be living at the time of nomination.
- Minimum of 10 years as a Development Professional.
- Exemplifies outstanding professionalism in fundraising practice.
- Has provided community support and leadership to the AFP Greater Louisville Chapter.
- Has not previously won the Frank W. Penick Founder’s Award.
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.
- The recipient is expected to be present to accept the award.
- Organizations may submit a maximum of three award nominations for National Philanthropy Day. For these purposes "organizaton" is defined by EIN number. Any nominations submitted after the limit of three will be disqualified. AFP and the National Philanthropy Day will disqualify applications based on date and time the nomination was submitted.

Nomination Tips
- Nominations are sent to other AFP Chapters for blind judging so be sure to keep that in mind when explaining your nominee's impact
- All nominations are scored using a judging matrix. Please see below:

Rate nominee according to level of accomplishment (1 - 5). 
1 - Fails to meet expectations
2 - Somewhat meets expectations
3 - Meets expectations
4 - Exceeds expectations
5 - Exceeds expectations exceptionally

All nominees will be announced but winners will not be disclosed until National Philanthropy Day. The National Philanthropy Day nominations committee reserves the right to decline to choose a winner.

In order to submit this nomination, please click the SUBMIT button below.  Once submitted, you will not be able to make changes. Thank you for your submission.