National Philanthropy Day Nominations
Nominations for an AFP Greater Madison National Philanthropy Day award are a great way to honor individuals and organizations within the community for their philanthropic endeavors. There is considerable work being done every single day in the Greater Madison area, let’s honor the impact!
To nominate an individual or an organization, please read through the materials and submit your nomination today. Involvement in AFP Greater Madison is not a requirement of nominees or nominators. As an organization, we value ethical fundraising and do look to ensure that honorees are meeting that expectation. You can read more about our Code of Ethics here.
Please note that chosen honorees will be publicly honored at a celebration held on Thursday, November 13th.
2025 Nominations are due online by midnight on August 15, 2025.
Who can be a nominee?
Any individual, organization, or business that has made an impact in our community! Philanthropy can take on different meanings and forms of engagement. We consider the desire to promote the welfare of others to go far beyond the topic of money. The impact of philanthropy can be shown through a nominee’s ability to guide others to action resulting in an improved outcome for all. We encourage you to review each nomination category to see where your nominee’s philanthropy would best be recognized.
While financial contributions are an important piece of philanthropy, we believe philanthropy is larger than this. We believe that philanthropy is, "an idea, event, or action that is done to better humanity." Philanthropists give of themselves to create a stronger, more equitable community and inspire and guide others around them to also take actions that result in an improved outcome for all.
Nominees and/or nominators do not need to be affiliated with AFP Greater Madison.
Melissa Kwee poses a question to challenge our view and understanding of what philanthropy is and how we all have the power to give Melissa has worked in the public, private and community sectors as an anthropologist, researcher, educational programme designer, social innovator and most recently, as a catalyst of change. As head of National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, she mobilises resources and people to aid in community development. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Nomination Form
To prepare your nomination, you will need to plan to complete the online nomination form. You can view the nomination form here.
In general, it is helpful to know the following information about your nominee.
Why are you nominating this person or organization?
In approximately 500-600 words, explain why you are nominating this person or organization to be a National Philanthropy Day honoree. Describe their impact on the Greater Madison community (including areas beyond Dane County), highlighting key achievements, leadership, and contributions to philanthropy. Be specific and include tangible examples of their dedication, innovation, and ability to inspire others. Please also share how the nominee has supported Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) in their philanthropic efforts.
Assume the judging panel does not know your nominee—be detailed and compelling.
Elements of a Strong Nomination
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Nominee clearly meets award category requirements in which they have been nominated.
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The primary focus should be on Greater Madison efforts. National and/or international philanthropic involvements will be appropriately considered, but will not substitute for local involvement.
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Describe how this person/organization has made a difference in the Greater Madison are. 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.
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Add details and include hard data of direct support, including the financial contributions, volunteer activities, number of people impacted, outcomes, etc.
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Generate excitement and enthusiasm for your nominee. Share an inspirational story or anecdotal information; be descriptive.
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Focus on both ongoing activities and overall efforts.
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Research what your nominee is doing with other groups; encourage other groups to also submit a nomination for your nominee.
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Submit your nomination as though the judging panel does not know your nominee – they may not! Be as specific and detailed as possible.
Award Categories
- Outstanding Philanthropist
- Outstanding Institution
- Outstanding Volunteer or Board Member
- Outstanding Fundraiser (Professional or Volunteer)
- Youth in Philanthropy (Individual or group, age 25 and under)
- Lifetime Impact Award
All nominations are submitted to a committee of reviewers. Reviewers evaluate the nomination and recommend the nominee that has shown exemplary work in the area of philanthropy. Reviewers score the nominations independently and if needed, gather together to discuss the annual honoree.
Reviewers are AFP Greater Madison board members.
Yes, we highly recommend you submit your nomination again. We know that nominees continue to do great work and nominations need to be updated. You will need to submit a new nomination form for your nominee. If you would like to receive a pdf copy of the nomination from last year, please email us.
Yes, we encourage multiple nominations for a nominee. The reviewers will receive all nominations as they evaluate the nominee. You may also combine your nomination with another nominator and work together on the application.
