National Philanthropy Day Highlights 2025

Throughout the month of November, AFP will be highlighting honorees from National Philanthropy Day chapter events around the world, showcasing outstanding donors, volunteers, corporations, foundations and others who are being recognized for their commitment to change and philanthropy. 

AFP Canada

Check out this highlights page showing all of the celebrations that took place across Canada for National Philanthropy Day!

Philanthropists of the Year: Ann Robinson and Trust Automation (San Luis Obispo County Chapter)

Art Taylor, president & CEO of AFP Global, joined the San Luis Obispo County Chapter to celebrate National Philanthropy Day and recognize Ann Robinson as 
Philanthropist of the Year and Trust Automation as Business Philanthropist of the Year. 

Outstanding Emerging Professional: Lauren Finan (St. Louis Chapter)

For as long as she can remember, Lauren Finan has been drawn to opportunities that bring people together and make life better for others. From working on service projects as a teenager, to mentoring young campers and supporting families in crisis, Lauren’s journey into the nonprofit world began with a simple belief: small acts of care can spark big change.

Today, Lauren is Development Coordinator at The Oasis Institute, a national nonprofit based in St. Louis. She manages direct mail campaigns, recently oversaw a full database transition, writes grants, leads donor communications, and supports her team in building meaningful relationships with donors and partners.

Her path to development was shaped by diverse experiences—serving with AmeriCorps and Girl Scouts of North Texas, teaching students with disabilities at Notre Dame School of Dallas, and interning at The Family Place, a domestic violence agency. These roles instilled her belief in advocacy, equity, and the power of connection.

An active member of AFP St. Louis, Lauren serves as Emerging Professionals Chair and is a two-time AFP Fellowship recipient. She’s committed to challenging outdated systems and fostering a more community-centered approach to fundraising.

Executive Leader Award: Curtis Reed (Chicago Chapter)

In January 2025, Curtis Reed was named the head of Government and Healthcare, Higher Education and Not-for-Profit (HHN) Banking for the Commercial Bank, overseeing the Government and HHN Banking teams.

A 20-year veteran of the firm, Curtis has held significant roles across Commercial Banking (CB), including serving as Arizona and Nevada Region Manager and, most recently, as Chicago Region Manager for Middle Market Banking since 2017.

The Government and HHN portfolios support vital institutions such as hospitals, governments, not-for-profits, and schools that are essential to the health, stability, and vibrancy of our communities. Curtis also plays a central role in the Commercial Bank’s community impact banking efforts, including leading the CB’s work on the firm’s heartland expansion strategy, further building out the CB’s volunteerism initiatives, and partnering with stakeholders to drive outcomes through our work with vital institutions and financial intermediaries.

Curtis currently serves on the boards of the Civic Consulting Alliance, the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, Local Initiatives Support Corp (LISC), the Morton Arboretum, and the Chicago Community Trust’s Bank Trustees Committee. He’s also a member of the Chicago Civic Committee, the Commercial Club of Chicago, the Chicago Economic Club, and the Young Presidents’ Organization.

A native of Naperville, IL, Curtis earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance at the University of Iowa in June 1995.

Outstanding Youth: Rose Chhabria (Orange County Chapter)

Rose Chhabria is a 17-year-old incoming senior at Northwood High School in Irvine, and a dedicated Girl Scout, student leader and changemaker. She developed a digital entrepreneurship program that empowers underserved youth in local shelters. At school, she serves as ASB Executive Board Secretary and a peer mental health advocate through Hope Squad. She also leads community service initiatives through the H4H and Aalambana Foundations, helping deliver thousands of meals and essential supplies.

Innovation in Fundraising: Impact 100 (Greater Cincinnati Chapter)

Founded in Cincinnati, Impact 100 launched a worldwide movement of women’s collective giving. The Greater Cincinnati chapter unites more than 400 women who pool their resources to fund large, transformational grants for nonprofits in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Eastern Indiana. Members learn about innovative solutions to community needs and participate in the grantmaking process. Since 2002, Impact 100 has awarded over $7.2 million to 67 regional organizations. “We are driven by our vision to be a catalyst for creating an equitable, thriving community for all,” said Janet Collins, president. 

Outstanding Philanthropist: Nausheena Hussain (Minnesota Chapter)

Nausheena Hussain is on a mission to reimagine a world where Muslim women draw from their heritage, history, and intersectional identities in order to make the world a better place. She is the author of Prosperity with Purpose: A Muslim Woman's Guide to Generosity and Abundance, a groundbreaking financial guide that addresses the unique experiences and challenges faced by Muslim women in building wealth and their generosity. Nausheena’s philanthropic journey includes service on grant committees including at Headwaters Foundation for Justice Community Innovation and Social Change Fund, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, and the Bush Foundation committee. She currently serves on the board of the St. Paul and Minnesota Foundation. She has served on the board of Center on Muslim Philanthropy helping Muslim nonprofit leaders upskill, collaborate and improve their fundraising impact. She received her Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and holds a M.A. in Philanthropic Studies. Nausheena is now pursuing her doctorate in philanthropic leadership at IU and her research focuses on Muslim women-led nonprofits and their resilience leadership.  As a former start-up founder of several nonprofits, Nausheena has a proven track record of taking an idea and creating a movement. Married, with two children and a beautiful cat, she lives in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and loves to garden, read and travel.

Youth in Philanthropy: Sam Coury (Greater Cleveland Chapter)

At AFP Greater Cleveland, we are inspired by the compassion and creativity of young leaders like Sam Coury, recipient of the 2025 Youth in Philanthropy Award. At just 14 years old, Sam has already shown what it means to give selflessly and to care deeply for his community. His volunteer work with The Centers and other organizations reflects maturity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility. Whether he is helping organize community projects, assisting with youth programs, or lending a hand wherever it is needed, Sam leads with quiet confidence and purpose. His example has inspired both his peers and the adults who work alongside him, proving that meaningful leadership can start at any age. Sam’s story reminds us that philanthropy is not just about resources, but about the willingness to see a need and take action. In celebrating his achievements, we also celebrate the promise of a new generation ready to make Cleveland stronger, kinder, and more connected.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Rev. Lewis W. Macklin (Mahoning-Shenango Chapter)

Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II often referred to as a “Hope Dealer” is a community leader dedicated to various causes that encompass health & wellness, education and community empowerment. As the lead pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church since 1997, plays a significant role in his community's spiritual growth and development.

His work extends to multiple organizations across the community, showcasing his commitment to creating positive changes and supporting various causes. Some key aspects of his community involvement are reflected in his service as a board member for Mahoning County Children Services, where he advocates for the welfare of children awaiting adoption. He served as the national vice president of the One Church One Child project championed by the late Father George Clements.

Overall, Rev. Macklin's community work reflects his passion for helping others and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those around him. He introduced the Mahoning Valley African American Male Wellness Walk which has now become a sustaining organization promoting fatherhood initiatives, workforce development and healthy lifestyle practices.

Outstanding Foundation: Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation (New Jersey Chapter)

For more than 20 years, the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation has been a beacon of hope for thousands of uninsured and underinsured women. The organization’s mission is clear and powerful: to ensure vulnerable women have access to high-quality breast health services—regardless of their ability to pay. Through clinical care, education, advocacy, and financial support, CDBCF addresses every stage of the breast cancer journey with compassion and precision.

One of the Foundation’s most impactful initiatives is its Community Grants Program, which dramatically expanded in 2024. That year, CDBCF awarded $100,000 to eight exceptional organizations, each dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, treating, or supporting recovery from breast cancer. Together, these community partners served more than 7,000 patients and families statewide. From financial aid and transportation to emotional recovery and holistic healing, these programs touch lives in meaningful, lasting ways.