Mike's Monday Message: A Month for Thanks and Recognition

As we leave October and Ethics Awareness Month behind and head into November, the fundraising community switches focus. We continue to respect, abide by and celebrate ethics throughout the year—not just in October—but in November we emphasize two other key aspects of charitable fundraising: appreciation and recognition. 

Thanking donors and volunteers is second nature to fundraisers, and we do that throughout the year. But in November—and of course, very specifically on National Philanthropy Day® (NPD)—we make a special effort to thank everyone involved in the philanthropic process. NPD is our opportunity to take a step back and remind our communities of the incredible change that fundraising—the IMPACT profession!—has created in the world through contributions of time, talent and treasure. 

An important part of many AFP chapter NPD events, and fundraising in general, is recognition through awards and honors. While there are no winners or losers in philanthropy—and I appreciate the discussions that chapters are holding about how to fairly recognize local individuals and organizations—I think recognition is critical. Being able to highlight our honorees as role models and acknowledge their work, dedication and generosity is an important way we encourage others to engage with philanthropy. 

Throughout November, AFP Global will be spotlighting local chapter NPD honorees in our Daily newsletter, on our website and through our social media. If your chapter hasn’t submitted an honoree yet, please send information about the people or organization, the honor they received and a photo to paffairs@afpglobal.org. 

In addition, AFP Global has its own awards program, and both chapters and members can submit nominations (members should get the approval of their chapter). This year, we’re accepting nominations for Outstanding Fundraising Professional (one honoree); Outstanding Young Professional (up to five honorees, must be under 31 at the time of nomination); and the William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, sponsored by CARTER (two honorees, Individual and Group). 

I encourage you to submit a nomination for one of these three categories. More information and online nomination forms can be found at our official AFP awards webpage. The deadline for submitting nominations for all categories is the end of the month, Nov. 30, and honorees will be recognized during our AFP ICON 2022 in Las Vegas, May 2 – 4.

November is the time we thank and recognize our communities for their extraordinary generosity, leadership and commitment. Please take a moment this month to not only thank your donors and volunteers, but also your colleagues and friends in the fundraising community. We can all use that kind of encouragement. And I urge you to recognize your colleagues in the ultimate way—being recognized by the fundraising community through an AFP Global honor.