National Philanthropy Day Award Descriptions


Outstanding Champion of Diversity Award recognizes an individual or family who has demonstrated leadership and promoted best practices in diversity in a broad range of their activities, including philanthropy. Through their philanthropic activities, these Diversity Champions bridge communities and promote cultural awareness, strengthening community philanthropy and fostering the wealth of ideas and collaboration that our myriad of experiences bring to the Charlotte/Metrolina Region. These Diversity Champions are "connectors" who embrace the rich tapestry of our community. The breadth of their philanthropic activities enhances their impact on the community, creating opportunities and cultivating economic and cultural growth and empowerment.

Outstanding Emerging Philanthropist Award recognizes an individual 40 and under for exceptional generosity and civic responsibility demonstrated through financial contributions and volunteerism to charitable organizations within the Charlotte/Metrolina Region. The recipient's personal generosity and community leadership have motivated others to give and to become involved in philanthropy.
 
Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award recognizes a philanthropic corporation or organization (e.g. civic groups, volunteer organizations, etc.) whose grant programs, gifts, and charitable activities enrich a community within the Charlotte/Metrolina Region. This organization should be a role model of philanthropic activity serving many segments of the community.
 
Outstanding Philanthropic Small Business Award recognizes a small business (less than 100 employees) whose gifts or charitable activities enrich a community within the Charlotte/Metrolina Region. This business should be a role model of philanthropic activity serving many segments of the community.
 
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award recognizes a person who provides exceptional leadership in coordinating fundraising projects or activities for a charitable organization or cause, with a preference for community work that has direct impact on the Charlotte/Metrolina region. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and the ability to motivate volunteers. By giving generously of his/her time and talents, this person makes a measurable impact on community philanthropy.
 
Outstanding Student Philanthropy Award recognizes a student or student group (age 23 or under) whose voluntary fundraising efforts have demonstrated the spirit of philanthropy and set an example for others to follow. The student or student organization has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community service and philanthropy in the Charlotte/Metrolina Region.
 
Outstanding Legacy Award (chosen by the Leave A Legacy Committee) recognizes exemplary philanthropic contributions made in legacy form via bequest, trust, or other planned gift. To be eligible to receive this award, the legacy donor must have made an irrevocable gift where the proceeds have or will be received by charitable organizations. If the award recipient is deceased, members of the recipient's family will be invited to accept the award.
 
Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive Award recognizes a fundraising executive whose actions and leadership exemplify ethical and effective professional practice and whose performance has enhanced the financial resources and recognition of the organization(s) for which he/she works. Nominees must demonstrate strong commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism, and continuing education and have actively worked as a professional fundraiser for at least five years prior to this nomination.

Outstanding Philanthropist Award recognizes an individual or family for exceptional generosity and civic responsibility demonstrated by significant financial contributions to charitable organizations within the Charlotte/Metrolina Region. The recipient's personal generosity and community leadership should motivate others to give and to become involved in philanthropy.