Nominations must be submitted online. To access the application and submit a nomination, you will need to create a user account HERE. If you have any questions about the nomination process or have any difficulties with submitting your nomination, please contact Jennifer Lagrotteria, Director of Philanthropic Resources by emailing jen@cfaac.org or call 410-280-1102 ext. 102.

• Nominees will receive notification from CFAAC upon receipt of the nomination form. The letter will include information on the selection process.

• A selection committee of CFAAC board, staff, and past recipients, which include philanthropists, volunteers, local nonprofit, business, and community leaders will review all nominations and select the awardee.

• All nominators will receive confirmation that the nomination has been submitted within 24 hours of receipt.

• The Community Foundation will contact all Nominees and their Nominators in late August with the Awardees announced publicly shortly thereafter.

• If your nominee is selected, we will request your assistance in obtaining photographs and biographical information for publicity purposes.

• Awardees will receive two complimentary tickets to the November 12th Luncheon.

• Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

• Talk with your nominee, their family, and friends. Collect as much information as possible before writing the application. 

• Provide specific examples that address the award description and elaborate on why the nominee’s accomplishments are worthy of the award. 

• Describe how others regard the nominee. Consider mentioning major awards and/or the nominee’s community efforts.

• Include the results and/or impact of the gift/support.

• Be thorough in including all organizations that benefit from the nominee’s efforts. This will enable the selection committee to fully understand the nominee’s involvement in the community and breadth of impact.

• Share the big picture – collaborate with other individuals and organizations to tell your nominee’s story.

• Determine who can write the best letters of support – one is required but you may submit up to three (ex. Letter from a nonprofit that is served by the nominee).Team up with other organizations to nominate someone and fill out the application—gather letters of support with them to make it stronger.

For the PDF version of the above information, please click HERE.