2024 National Philanthropy Day Nominations

Philanthropist of the Year: Taneja Family Foundation 

nominated by University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital Foundation

Philanthropic Corporation of the Year: WestCMR 

nominated by Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

Philanthropic Partner of the Year: AGoldPhoto Pet Photography 

nominated by Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Gayle Sierens Volunteer of the Year: Dianne Jacob 

nominated by Tampa Museum of Art

Youth in Philanthropy: Alexandria Cobb 

nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOMINATIONS Closed on 8/9/2024

National Philanthropy Day Award
Categories and Criteria

The AFP Tampa Bay Chapter has honored leadership in philanthropy in Tampa Bay through its annual awards program since 1989. These awards celebrate the outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support of a special group of community members and organizations who set new benchmarks of excellence in the acts of giving and volunteering.

Philanthropist of the Year

Presented to an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity to a variety of philanthropic causes and who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles in the community.

• Evidence of direct gift support and its impact on your organization.
• Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy.
• Description of participation and financial support to other non-profits in the community.
• Evidence of philanthropic support to innovative approaches to solving problems.

Philanthropic Corporation of the Year                                     

Presented to a corporation or corporate foundation that has demonstrated outstanding commitment through financial support and volunteerism, encourages and motivates others to take philanthropic leadership roles in the community.

• Evidence of direct gift support and a description of its impact.
• Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy.
• Description of participation and grant support to other non-profits in the community.

Gayle Sierens Volunteer of the Year in Philanthropy          

Presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in coordinating groups of volunteers for major fundraising projects. The recipient should demonstrate exceptional skills coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects and other initiatives for the benefit of charitable institutions and commitment to the advancement of philanthropy.

• Description of time, effort, and commitment to cause.
• Evidence of success in recruiting and motivating other volunteers.
• Description of impact of on non-profit organization’s projects or initiatives.

Philanthropic Partner of the Year                            

Presented to a business with 100 employees or less OR a service organization that has demonstrated outstanding commitment through financial support and volunteerism encourages and motivates others to take philanthropic leadership roles in the community.

• Evidence of direct gift support and a description of its impact.
• Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy.
• Description of participation and grant support to other non-profits in the community.
• Evidence of quality of leadership and organizational ability in fund raising campaigns.
• Description of time, effort, and financial commitment.
• Description of fundraising goals achieved by service organization.
• Description of participation in other community non-profit organizations.

Youth in Philanthropy                                                                   

Presented to an individual or youth organization (18 years old and younger) that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteerism and fundraising for 0the benefit of charitable institutions.

• Description of the impact of his/her involvement.
• Description of specific achievements accomplished through the youth’s efforts including hours and length of service.
• Description of participation in other community non-profit organizations.

Elements of a strong nomination

• Nominee clearly meets award category requirements in which they have been nominated.
• The primary focus should be on Tampa Bay 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 Tampa Bay. Cite tangible and quantifiable examples of the nominee’s impact to the community. Discuss evidence of dedication, innovation, creativity and vision; include how 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 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.