Philanthropy is “the love of humankind,” and National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) — celebrated in Louisville on November 18—is the day that thousands of people around the world come together to put that word into action and recognize the change that word has brought to our communities.

National Philanthropy Day® is both a grassroots movement to increase public interest and awareness in philanthropy and an official day. Every year, since 1986 when President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed National Philanthropy Day®, communities across the globe have celebrated by hosting events to recognize activities of donors, volunteers, foundations, leaders, corporations, and others engaged in philanthropy.

Nominations for this year’s awards are open! Individuals and organizations making philanthropic contributions to the Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana community will be considered in seven award categories.  All nominations are due Thursday, June 30, 2016.  Visit afpgreaterlouisville.org and click on the ‘Philanthropy Day’ section for a listing of awards and nomination details.

  • Baylor Landrum, Jr., Leave a Legacy Award: recognizes an individual who has made a planned gift or has helped to promote planned giving in our community.
  • Frank W. Penick Founder’s Award: presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the advancement of the development profession, and provides a grant to support the recipient’s continuing professional education. Nominees must have at least 10 years of experience.
  • Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in raising money and organizing groups of volunteers for major fundraising projects for more than one organization.
  • Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: recognizes an individual or a group of young people ages 5-17 who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering, or leadership in philanthropy.
  • Philanthropist of the Year – Individual: recognizes an individual with a proven record of exceptional generosity who demonstrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take on philanthropic leadership roles on local, national, and international levels.
  • Philanthropist of the Year – Organization: recognizes a business or grant-making organization with a proven record of exceptional generosity through direct financial support and whose generosity encourages others to take on philanthropic leadership roles on local, national, and international levels.
  • Young Philanthropist of the Year: recognizes an individual or a group of young people ages 18-35 who demonstrate outstanding commitment to a community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and leadership in philanthropy.

National Philanthropy Day will be celebrated on November 18, 2016 at the Seelbach Hotel beginning at 11:30am. For sponsorship and ticket information, visit the sponsorship page or email Connie Saner.

National Philanthropy Day is planned each year by local chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The Association for Fundraising Professionals Greater Louisville is an official chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that represents nearly 30,000 members in more than 205 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing, and advocacy. The association fosters the development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession.