This award honors a fundraising professional in Western North Carolina who is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and demonstrates exceptional success in fundraising, ethics, and support for colleagues. Current board members of AFP WNC and committee members of AFP WNC’s National Philanthropy Day are ineligible to receive the award.

Nominations are open to any current member of AFP WNC. Nominations may be made by any individual or organization; nominator's membership in the local AFP chapter is not required. However, self-nominations are not accepted. Nominations and letters of support cannot come from family members of the nominee.

Award nominations are reviewed by the AFP- WNC National Philanthropy Day Committee and recipient recommendations are made to the AFP WNC Board of Directors. The Board of Directors makes the final decisions regarding all award recipients. If an appropriate candidate/recipient is not determined, the award will not be presented for that year.

The nominee selected will receive the award at the annual AFP WNC National Philanthropy Day Celebration on November 15, 2023, at the Renaissance Hotel in Asheville. Attendance is mandatory and awards cannot be given in absentia. We are planning for an in-person event only this year.You must obtain permission from the prospective nominee before you submit the nomination and confirm their ability to attend the event if selected as the award recipient.

Include a summary statement that best describes your nominee and their philanthropy. If your nominee is selected, your summary statement may be used in whole or in part for social media, the event program, and other community outreach efforts. Please limit your summary statement to 50 words or less.

Nominations should tell the full story of your nominee’s philanthropy and impact in the community (as outlined in the criteria below), as the selection committee’s consideration is based solely upon the response written in this nomination and letters of support. Explain your nominee's contribution in each area separately in the fields below. Please cite specific examples and results of your nominee's efforts.

Nominations are evaluated based on the following criteria. Please limit total response to 500 words.

Successful fundraising as illustrated by:

-Description of current career highlights and achievements with regard to fundraising
-Improved fundraising infrastructure e.g.: increased funds raised, increased donor base, expanded partnership base, reduced fundraising costs
-Development of new, effective and creative fundraising programs or strategies
-Significant positive impact of the funds in the community

Professional integrity and ethics by providing evidence of:

-Practice and promotion of the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice (https://afpglobal.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2018-10/CodeofEthics.pdf)

Commitment to the profession as shown by:

-Being a member in good standing, or representative of a member firm in good standing of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
-Presenting the profession to other professionals and the community
-Improving the level of professionalism in his/her organization, association and community
-Active participation in professional development, including certification (CFRE/ACFRE), conference participation, publication and professional education, and contributions to a professional association such as holding office.
-Voluntary service and financial support of non-profit organizations

Leadership as demonstrated by:

-Exemplifying recognized leadership traits with peer respect and dignity
-Working for the benefit and advancement of his/her staff associates and volunteers
-Demonstration of mentorship of staff, volunteers or peers

Supporting documents should enhance, rather than replace the narrative. No more than three supporting documents (letters of recommendation, news articles, etc.) will be considered. Please email as a PDF to nominations@afpwnc.org and use the file names below.

(Nominee Last Name)_Outstanding Professional Fundraiser1
(Nominee Last Name)_Outstanding Professional Fundraiser2
(Nominee Last Name)_Outstanding Professional Fundraiser3