AFP Greater Madison proudly presents National Philanthropy Day 2025.
This year's honorees will have demonstrated exceptional dedication, compassion, and leadership, inspiring us all to make a difference in the lives of others. Their tireless efforts and generous spirits have not only transformed countless lives but have also set a shining example of how actions can ripple out to create lasting change. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and express our deepest appreciation for their invaluable contributions.
Nominations are now open!
2025 Nominations are due online by midnight on August 15, 2025.
Nomination 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
What Is National Philanthropy Day?
National Philanthropy Day is a special day set aside on the fifteenth of November. The purpose of this day is to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy—and those people active in the philanthropic community—to the enrichment of our world.
NPD was originally conceived of and organized by Douglas Freeman in the 1980s, and the first official events held in 1986 after President Reagan signed the official NPD proclamation. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has made possible. NPD celebrates the endless daily contributions individuals and organizations across the world make to countless causes and missions.
How does AFP Greater Madison celebrate National Philanthropy Day?
Each year, we gather (in-person or virtually) to celebrate philanthropy in our local community. It is a chance to celebrate today the impact that philanthropy has on us all as a community. Nominations are received and a panel of judges (individuals from the community) select the annual honorees.
The 38th Annual National Philanthropy Day, hosted by AFP Greater Madison, will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, and will honor people and organizations whose philanthropic efforts make our community a wonderful place to live.
AFP Greater Madison National Philanthropy Day
Thursday, November 13
11:00 Registration (Tickets must be purchased in advance) and Networking
12:00 Program Begins
Location: The Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Pl, Madison, WI 53703
Guests are invited to join the celebration in person on November 13th.
Tickets: $85 per person
If you have any issues making payment through our registration system, please contact Jen at 608-421-3597.
Honor Someone Today!
Nominations are OPEN for 2025
Click here to learn more about the nomination process and submit a nomination. If you have any questions about nominations, email Jen or call 608-421-3597.
Haunty with Ted DeDee, Overture Center for
the Arts CEO.
Since 1987, AFP Greater Madison has recognized great philanthropy of people and organizations in the greater Madison area. View our complete list of past winners from 1987-2024.
Thank you for your interest in AFP Greater Madison and celebrating philanthropy within our community.
What a philanthropic community we are living in! The National Philanthropy Day celebration has grown significantly over the years.
We invite you to become a part of this celebration and show your support of local philanthropy through one of our sponsorship opportunities. To become a sponsor, simply let us know you are in and we will begin including you in upcoming marketing opportunities! Check out all the opportunities here.
Please reach out for more information on partnering with AFP Greater Madison and showing your commitment to ethical fundraising and philanthropy in our community.
"November 3, 2017 will always be an incredible memory for me. To be recognized by my peers at our National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon was truly an honor."
2017 Outstanding Fundraising Professional
