National Philanthropy Day Nominations

To prepare your nomination, you will need the following information about your nominee. Forms should be submitted online. 

• Summary of overall philanthropic support by the nominee and their general approach to philanthropy.  

• For each major cause, initiative or nonprofit supported by the nominee, include a description of (1) philanthropic support (money, time and other resources), (2) innovation and creativity in addressing the issue or cause and (3) impact of that support on those causes and nonprofits.  

• Description of the nominee’s work in encouraging and motivating others (e.g., employees, clients, customers, the public) to get involved with and/or take leadership roles in philanthropy. 

• Description of additional philanthropic support and achievements accomplished through the nominee's efforts. 

Submit a nomination.

• Nominee clearly meets award category requirements in which they have been nominated.

• The primary focus should be on Dane County efforts. National and/or international philanthropic involvements will be appropriately considered, but will not substitute for local involvement.

• Describe how this person/organization has made a difference in Dane County. Cite tangible and quantifiable examples of the nominee’s impact to the community. Discuss evidence of dedication, innovation, creativity and vision; include how the nominee inspires and motivates others to act charitably.

• Add details and include hard data of direct support, including the financial contributions, volunteer activities, number of people impacted, outcomes, etc. Generate excitement and enthusiasm for your nominee. Share an inspirational story or anecdotal information; be descriptive.

• Focus on both ongoing activities and overall efforts.

• Research what your nominee is doing with other groups; encourage other groups to also submit a nomination for your nominee.

• Submit your nomination as though the judging panel does not know your nominee – they may not! Be as specific and detailed as possible.

Submit a nomination.

• Outstanding Individual Philanthropist: Presented to an individual with a proven record of exceptional generosity; who has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility; and whose generosity encourages others to take leadership roles in philanthropic activities.

• Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skills in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for one or more major fundraising projects for the benefit of a charitable institution while advancing philanthropy.

• Outstanding Business or Corporation (100+ employees): Presented to a larger business/corporation (100+ employees) that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.

• Outstanding Small Business or Corporation (Fewer than 100 employees): Presented to a small business/corporation (less than 100 employees) that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.

• Outstanding Philanthropic Organization and/or Foundation: Presented to an organization or foundation that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and national, international and/or community involvement.

• Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Presented to an outstanding individual fundraising professional who practices his/her profession in an exemplary manner, has a commitment to advancing the profession and to continuing personal professional development.  Nominees must have three or more years of professional experience.  Examples are people who serve as Directors of Development, Fund Development, Major Gifts Officer, Executive Director and other fundraising professionals.

• Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy (Individual or group, age 25 and under): Presented to a young person or group of young people, under the age of 25 who gives extraordinarily of their time, talent, financial or other resources and serves as a role model and inspiration to others.

• Outstanding Grassroots Fundraiser: Presented to a person who has a real stake in the social, political, and economic transformation of our community and has mobilized a number of community members to impact a particular issue, by increasing awareness of that issue and financial support to tackle it.

• Outstanding Achievement in JEDI: Presented to a person who has made a significant impact on the learning, unlearning, and transformation of our Greater Madison community in the area of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

• Lifetime Achievement: Presented to an individual or couple with a minimum of 20 years of philanthropic involvement with a proven record of exceptional generosity; who has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility; and whose generosity encourages others to take leadership roles in philanthropic activities.