This award honors leaders of nonprofits providing direct service who show great loyalty, integrity, leadership among peers, and service to the greater community. They must also show demonstrate a history of fostering a culture of fundraising within one or more nonprofits.

Nominations are open to any individual 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. Nominations and letters of support cannot be 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 criteria below. Please limit total response to 500 words.

Loyalty, integrity, leadership among peers, and service to the greater community

-Longevity of leadership
-Cultivation of leadership among employees, Board members, volunteers, etc.
-Support of community initiatives, other non-profits, or coalitions to serve the greater community

Advancement of non-profit’s ability to meet health or human service needs

-Collaboration with others to address pressing issues
-Innovation in programs
-Demonstrated qualitative or quantitative progress in meeting goals

Leadership and organizational ability in fundraising

-Development of a culture of fundraising within the organization
-Sustained organizational fundraising success

Letters of support from people who can attest to the nominee's impact should enhance, rather than replace the narrative. These are optional, but do factor into awards decisions. Please email as a PDF to nominations@afpwnc.org and use the file names below.

(Nominee Last Name)_TKR1
(Nominee Last Name)_TKR2
(Nominee Last Name)_TKR3