This award honors an organization that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through motivation of others to take philanthropic leadership. The award may be given to Western North Carolina faith communities, giving circles, foundations and other organizations giving funding to nonprofits and community causes. Organizations that are previous recipients of the “outstanding foundation” award are not eligible. Please see www.afpwnc.org/programs/npd/national-philanthropic-day-past-award-recipients/ for a list of previous recipients.

Nominations are open to any organization located in Western North Carolina. Nominations may be made by any individual or organization; membership in the local AFP chapter is not required. However, self-nominations are not accepted. Nominators cannot be employees or board members of the organization or their family members. Nominations and letters of support must originate from an individual or organization external to the organization.

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.

Direct Financial Philanthropic Support as illustrated by:

-Evidence of direct financial support indicated by support of projects or initiatives in the community, nationally, and/or internationally
-Consistency and longevity of philanthropic support
-Evidence of extensive collaboration with and financial support for multiple nonprofits,    schools, or other entities conducting charitable work in the community

Volunteer engagement and philanthropic leadership as illustrated by:

-Evidence of consistent engagement in the community
-Longevity of engagement in the community
-Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to employees of the organization to take leadership roles toward community involvement

Impact of gift and volunteer support on projects or initiatives as illustrated by:

-Description of impacts made
-Description of specific achievements accomplished through the organization’s efforts and funding
-Evidence of philanthropic support of innovative approaches to solving problems and sharing of best practices

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 Name)_Outstanding Foundation1
(Nominee Name)_Outstanding Foundation2
(Nominee Name)_Outstanding Foundation3