The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will celebrate the individuals and organizations who strengthen the region through generosity, leadership, and service during National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 10 at Michael's On East in Sarasota.
This year's celebration features keynote speaker Kristina Joy Carlson, an author, philanthropy leader, cancer survivor, and founder of Outrageous Kindness. Her presentation, "The Courage to Celebrate: How Gratitude, Generosity, and Joy Change the World," will explore how gratitude and generosity strengthen relationships and inspire meaningful action that makes a lasting difference in communities. (The keynote presentation is sponsored by Bob and Carol Carter.)
AFP Southwest
Florida also extends its appreciation to 2026 event co-chairs Melissa McCoy of Carter Global and Scott Hinckley of Blue Dawg.
New for 2026, NPD will feature the inaugural Spirit of Philanthropy Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations whose generosity, innovation, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact throughout Southwest Florida.
The seven regional award categories include Outstanding Philanthropist; Rising Star Fundraiser; Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy; Outstanding Fundraising Professional; Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer; Innovation in Philanthropy; and Leadership Award for Corporate Philanthropy.
In addition to the awards, AFP Southwest Florida will continue its decade-long tradition of recognizing organizations. Organizations sponsoring NPD may each honor up to two individuals or partners who have made a meaningful difference through philanthropy.
"The expanded National Philanthropy Day celebration reflects the incredible generosity that defines our community," said Hinkley, president of AFP Southwest Florida. "By recognizing both regional award recipients and organization honorees, we celebrate the many ways philanthropy transforms lives and inspires others to serve."
Nominations are open for both the Spirit of Philanthropy Awards and Organization Honorees. Nomination guidelines, award criteria, sponsorship opportunities, event information, and submission deadlines are available at AFPSWFL Events (community.afpnet.org/afpflsouthwestchapter/home). For additional questions, contact Kim Noyes, chapter administrator, at Kim.AFPSWFL@gmail.com.
Honorees may include philanthropists, volunteers, community partners, business supporters, fundraising professionals, or other champions whose commitment has helped their organizations thrive.
About National Philanthropy Day
National Philanthropy Day is celebrated annually to recognize the charitable work and generosity of individuals, foundations, businesses, volunteers, and nonprofit professionals whose contributions improve communities and inspire others to give.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Southwest Florida advances ethical and effective philanthropy by empowering individuals and organizations through education, professional development, networking, and advocacy. The chapter supports fundraising professionals throughout the region while promoting the highest standards of ethical fundraising and cultivating the next generation of nonprofit leaders. For more information, visit community.afpglobal.org/afpflsouthwestchapter/home.
Submitted by Melissa L. McCoy
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Nominations open for Southwest Florida philanthropy awards
