Nominations are now open!
Your voice is essential in telling our community's story and we invite you to nominate those exemplary leaders of our philanthropic community so they can be recognized at this year’s event.
The event will honor a recipient from each of the following categories:
Philanthropist of the Year in Santa Barbara County - An eligible individual, corporation, foundation or other organization in Santa Barbara County must have demonstrated exceptional civic responsibility by providing financial support and/or leadership to one or more major fundraising project. He or she should have contributed to multiple community efforts and to the advancement of philanthropy.
Philanthropist of the Year in Ventura County - An eligible individual, corporation, foundation or other organization in Ventura County must have demonstrated exceptional civic responsibility by providing financial support and/or leadership to one or more major fundraising project. He or she should have contributed to multiple community efforts and to the advancement of philanthropy.
Volunteer of the Year in Santa Barbara County - An eligible individual in Santa Barbara County must have demonstrated exceptional leadership through direct voluntary service and/or by coordination of groups of volunteers for one or more major fundraising project. Through contributions of personal time, effort and leadership, he or she must have clearly influenced the success of the fundraising and organizational advancement.
Volunteer of the Year in Ventura County - An eligible individual in Ventura County must have demonstrated exceptional leadership through direct voluntary service and/or by coordination of groups of volunteers for one or more major fundraising project. Through contributions of personal time, effort and leadership, he or she must have clearly influenced the success of the fundraising and organizational advancement.
Youth in Philanthropy, aged 16-23 - An eligible individual or group has demonstrated exceptional leadership through direct voluntary service and/or by coordination of youth for one or more major fundraising project. Through contributions of personal time, effort and leadership, the group or individual must have clearly influenced the success of the fundraising effort. Age range: 16 to 23.
Professional Fundraiser of the Year - This award honors an outstanding individual fundraising professional who works for a nonprofit, charitable organization. Nominees must have a MINIMUM of 5 years of experience as a professional fundraiser. Membership to AFP is not required, but preferred.
Champion for Social Justice - An organization or individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership supporting recent social justice movements, including through direct voluntary service and/or one or more major fundraising projects. Through contributions of personal time, effort, and leadership, the group or individual must have clearly influenced the success of the movement.
Please email 1 letter of recommendation to go along with your nomination to NPD Chair, Gerry Pantoja.
One letter of recommendation is required, but multiple letters are welcome. If you are submitting multiple letters, please combine them into a single PDF file.
Deadline to Submit: July 31, 2026