November 5, 2020, CFAAC will celebrate 20 years of philanthropy in Anne Arundel County, creating a special opportunity to highlight and honor an increased number of generous and committed community members that represent the depth and breadth of philanthropy in Anne Arundel County, creating a sense of belonging for all.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Do you know an individual, family, or business who demonstrates exceptional generosity by donating their time, talent, or financial resources? Or how about an outstanding nonprofit, or a group of volunteers expanding the services or reach of a program, or a partnership of two or more organizations collaborating on a specific project or common goal? Maybe you know a legislator advocating for Anne Arundel County's nonprofit community? Consider nominating them for a 2020 Celebration of Philanthropy Award. See below for details on each category and to download the nomination form. Click here to learn more about the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Philanthropy.

Don't keep your nomination a secret...if you have questions, need assistance, or want to discuss your nomination, call Amy Francis at 410.280.1102 ext. 102.

Nominations must be received by C.O.B Friday, August 7, 2020. Email completed nomination forms, written statements, and supporting documents to amy@cfaac.org. 

CLICK ON A CATEGORY BELOW TO DOWNLOAD THE NOMINATION FORM

Awardees in the following five categories will be selected by a committee made up of past Celebration of Philanthropy Award recipients. 

• Philanthropist of the Year Award  - Presented to an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to become philanthropic leaders, particularly in Anne Arundel County.
• Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award - Presented to a business/corporation that has a proven record of exceptional generosity and demonstrates outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility through direct financial support to nonprofits located in Anne Arundel County. The local company encourages and facilitates employee giving and establishes mutually beneficial partnerships with local nonprofits. The CEO/President will be actively and effectively involved in the success of the company’s community giving programs.  
• Foundation of the Year Award - Presented to a local Foundation (Corporate, Private, or Family) with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility and whose generosity encourages others to become philanthropic leaders, particularly in Anne Arundel County.    
• Volunteer of the Year Award - Presented to an individual with a proven record of volunteerism that, through the donations of time and talent, has played a key role in helping local nonprofit organizations provide services to the community.
• Young Volunteer of the Year Award - Presented to a student, elementary school through college age, with a proven record of volunteerism that, through their donations of time and talent, has played a key role in helping local nonprofit organizations provide services to the community.

Awardees in these categories will be selected by a committee made up of Nonprofit and Community Leaders.  

• Boots on the Ground Award – Presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond to meet our community’s needs through rolling up their sleeves to serve the most vulnerable and underserved. Someone who steps up every single day to take care of our neighbors and our community.
• Carroll H. Hynson, Jr. Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Philanthropy – This award is named in honor of Carroll H. Hynson, Jr., founding CFAAC Board Member and longest-running host of the Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon. It will be presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to philanthropy by building bridges, connecting people dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and championing the acceptance, respect, and inclusion of all.
• Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award – This award is named in honor of Carol Thompson, the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) Founder, and its first Executive Director. It is presented to an individual that has made outstanding contributions to advancing philanthropy by demonstrating long-standing leadership, creativity in responding to societal problems, and making a significant, positive impact on philanthropy in Anne Arundel County.  
• Community Collaborators Award – Recognizes the partnership of two or more organizations to achieve a common goal. Nominees partnered to address a problem that could not have been solved as effectively by a single organization.  Nonprofits, businesses, and individuals whose combined efforts have had a significant impact on our community are eligible. Many types of partnerships will be accepted for the nomination, including but not limited to: two or more organizations collaborating on a single project/or goal; one or more organizations collaborating with an elected official on a specific project or goal; a business collaborating with one or more nonprofit organizations on a common goal. At least one of the nominees must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose programs serve Anne Arundel County.
• Emerging Philanthropist Award – Presented to an individual, regardless of age, who demonstrates exemplary leadership in advancing philanthropy, engagement beyond a single organization, creativity in a philanthropic endeavor/project, or significant accomplishment in a short period of time.
• Innovation Award – Presented to a group(s) that through innovation or an implemented idea has led to positive change in how the philanthropic sector operates, thinks or impacts communities. Types of innovation can include, forming a public/private partnership, implementing a unique grantmaking strategy, leveraging resources, engaging in creative funding, or investing strategies, or developing a new collaboration.
• Leadership in Philanthropy Award - Presented to an Anne Arundel County legislator who has shown exemplary leadership and support in the advocacy of the nonprofit community. Types of advocacy work honored in this category could include legislative action, systems change, civic engagement.
• Legacy Award for Planned Giving - Recognizes an individual donor/philanthropist who has made a significant contribution using a planned gift. This award is presented in collaboration with the Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council.
• Nonprofit MVP Award - Presented to a nonprofit team/staff member. This person is a behind-the-scenes administrative person, a direct service provider, program coordinator, or even an intern who went above and beyond the expectation of duties for a nonprofit this year. Shine a light on someone who may easily be overlooked but who does great work - your nonprofit organization's MVP!
• Outstanding Nonprofit Award – Presented to a 501c3 nonprofit organization for its achievements, which reflect a strong partnership between its staff and board, and its leadership in fulfilling a mission and vision dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families living in Anne Arundel County.
• Outstanding Professional Fundraiser Award - Presented to a fundraising professional who demonstrates exceptional skill and enthusiasm for their work, who pursues big ideas and successfully engages others in achieving them, and who inspires new levels of giving among donors.
• Outstanding Small Business Award - Presented to a small business (less than 100 employees) that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.
• Outstanding Volunteer Group Award - Presented to a team of volunteers (formal or informal) that has made volunteerism a core value and contributes significant time to help Anne Arundel County nonprofit organizations. They often make the difference in an organization being able to serve its community, expand its services to a wider audience, or move its programs to a higher level of service to the community.
• Outstanding Youth Group Award – Presented to youth group or youth-generated project that has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering, and/or leadership.
• Unsung Hero Award - Presented to a special volunteer who motivates others to give, commits time and energy without compensation and offers organizations and fundraising staff their talent for strategy, relationship enhancement, and the successful solicitation of donations. An individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment in our community who may not otherwise gain recognition.