Mike’s Monday Message: Celebrate Impact: AFP Awards Nominations

As a fundraiser, you know the impact of your work, the lasting change that you create in your community, and the commitment that you have to your mission, but with the stress of meeting goals and consistently trying to do more with less, it is easy to lose sight of just how important your accomplishments are. 

That’s why it’s up to us, as a community, to remind one another to celebrate our achievements and the positive outcomes that result from that dedication. 

So, I’d like to invite all of you to think about the fundraisers in your network and submit a nomination to recognize someone who is going above and beyond, making a difference through their outstanding fundraising efforts.

AFP is now accepting nominations for the 2025 AFP awards, which will be recognized during AFP ICON in April in Seattle.  

AFP offers several awards including: 

Outstanding Fundraising Professional
This award is given to an individual who has a proven track record of fundraising excellence. Everywhere they have worked there is evidence of their impact and examples of how their innovation, dedication, and stewardship, have contributed to the success of their organization’s mission. They must have been a member of AFP for a minimum of 15 years and during that time have demonstrated a commitment to the profession, professional development, and AFP engagement.  

Outstanding Young Professionals
This award is given to up to two individuals under the age of 31 who demonstrate both exemplary achievements in their current work, as well as continued leadership potential and drive to advance in the fundraising field. They should be making a significant impact towards their organization’s fundraising goals and display a commitment to AFP and the profession by participating in continuing education, pursuing certifications, attending events, etc. 

William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, sponsored by Carter (with Individual and Group categories)
This award is given to a student under the age of 18, who is demonstrating outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, or volunteering and leadership in philanthropy.

Submit Your Nomination 
Now is the time to think about the remarkable people in your chapter or your fundraising network who inspire you. Perhaps there is a nomination from your National Philanthropy Day chapter awards that you could elevate to a global stage. 
Who has been that trusted mentor guiding you through your professional challenges? That person may be an ideal nominee for the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award.

Consider the emerging leaders in your chapter, those bright talents who are embracing the profession with fresh ideas and energy. They could be the perfect candidate for the Outstanding Young Professional Award.

And don’t forget about the incredible youth in your community — young visionaries who are already stepping up, volunteering, or starting their own initiatives to make a difference. They would make a great candidate for the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award.

Every nomination helps showcase the diversity, talent, and passion that drive our field. The more voices we lift up, the better our awards can reflect the incredible range of contributions within the AFP community. Let’s make sure everyone can see themselves in the stories we tell on the general session stage — whether it’s a seasoned professional, a rising star, or the next generation of philanthropists.

So, I invite all of you to work with your chapter to submit a nomination for 2025. 

The deadline to submit nominations for all awards is December 18, 2024, and honorees will be recognized during our plenary sessions at AFP ICON 2025, April 27-29 in Seattle, WA. 

And as always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. You can reach me via email at mike.geiger@afpglobal.org or on X at @AFPMikeGeiger. 

Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA