National Philanthropy Day

John Saunders Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by: CAGP Vancouver Island

Honours a seasoned fundraising professional whose career reflects exceptional commitment to philanthropy, community leadership, and the advancement of the fundraising profession. This award celebrates individuals whose long term contributions have strengthened organizations, inspired colleagues, and uplifted the broader community, embodying the spirit and values championed by John Saunders.

John Saunders (1937–2025) was a transformative leader in fundraising on Vancouver Island and across Canada. His career spanned education, university administration, and philanthropic development. He was the first Canadian to serve on the restructured board of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (now AFP), the founding President of the AFP Vancouver Island Chapter, and a founding Director of the AFP Canada Foundation. A mentor, advocate, and champion of professionalism, integrity, and community trust, John uplifted countless fundraisers and organizations through his generosity, encouragement, and unwavering kindness. This award honours individuals whose careers reflect that same lasting impact.

Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award

Celebrates an individual, family or group of individuals whose volunteer leadership has made a meaningful difference in fundraising efforts for one or more nonprofit organizations. These volunteers inspire others, strengthen campaigns, and help build a more generous community.

Outstanding Corporate Responsibility Award

Honours a business that demonstrates exceptional generosity and leadership in strengthening the community. This award celebrates businesses that invest in local causes and takes a leadership role in inspiring others in the business community, and shows a meaningful commitment to philanthropy through their actions, partnerships, and culture. 

Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy (5-18)

Celebrates an individual or group of young people whose generosity, creativity, and leadership have made a meaningful difference in their community. This award honours youth who give their time, talent, or treasure to help others, and who inspire those around them through their actions.

Outstanding Charitable Organization Award

Honours a civic or non‑profit organization whose leadership, generosity, and community commitment have made a meaningful difference. This award celebrates organizations that strengthen local causes through fundraising, volunteer leadership, collaboration, and by inspiring others to get involved. 

Outstanding Philanthropist Award

Honours an individual or family whose exceptional generosity has made a meaningful and lasting difference in the community. This award celebrates those who give with purpose, strengthen charitable organizations, and inspire others to step forward as philanthropic leaders.

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Event Sponsors

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Sponsorship Opportunities

This is a public forum with philanthropists, community leaders and professional fundraisers in attendance, creating the perfect audience to recognize our philanthropic leaders of tomorrow and to demonstrate that you are one of Canada’s leading philanthropic organizations.

View our sponsor invitation here

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Event Details

Where: Union Club of British Columbia

Date: Thursday November 19, 2026

Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM

The evening opens with a relaxed mix‑and‑mingle reception featuring appetizers and cocktails, setting the stage for connection and conversation. We’ll then gather for an engaging keynote from Tom Deans, followed by our awards presentation, where we’ll celebrate this year’s recipients and hear a few brief remarks from each honoree.