Since 1992, members and the Board of the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) have publicly recognized local philanthropic leaders and celebrated their impact in our community through National Philanthropy Day® (NPD).
This day of recognition of personal and corporate impact is the highlight of our chapter’s witness to the broader community. It celebrates the unique partnership of donor and fundraiser. The National Philanthropy Day® celebration has become the highly anticipated ‘event to attend’ in Columbus during November, the traditional month of giving thanks, and is one of the largest in the nation.
This year, as in years past, we look forward to having the distinct honor of paying tribute to those who change our community—and our world—through their philanthropy.
A special note about the Leave a Legacy award: This award is selected by the Charitable Gift Planners of Central Ohio and is presented at the National Philanthropy Day® celebration. The annual nominations process is conducted by CGPCO who can be contacted for details.
To reserve tickets click here today!
Help us celebrate giving by nominating someone for National Philanthropy Day 2023! ®
The Central Ohio AFP team is already hard at work planning National Philanthropy Day this year, and we need your help to make the event a success! At this event, we honor local philanthropic and community leaders who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to our community. By nominating your donors, volunteers, and community partners, you can show your appreciation and steward them in a unique and meaningful way.
Help us tell the story of philanthropy in Central Ohio by nominating the amazing people and organizations in your circle. Planning to nominate for this year’s National Philanthropy Day? Make sure to email [email protected] by April 14th to let us know who you’re thinking of nominating before submitting!
The 2023 Award categories are:
- Outstanding Foundation
- Outstanding Large Corporation
- Outstanding Small Corporation
- The Columbus Foundation Outstanding Philanthropist
- Outstanding Professional Fundraiser
- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group
- Big Lots Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
- Leave a Legacy selected/coordinated by the Charitable Gift Planners of Central Ohio
if you have questions about eligibility, criteria, or the process. We are here to assist you! You can email the nominations committee here.
All nominations are due on May 5, 2023.
NPD Sponsorship Opportunities
AFP Central Ohio is proud of the philanthropy happening in our community and invite you to join us in celebrating our community’s generosity through the National Philanthropy Day! This year we are back in person, offering partner benefits intended to spotlight your business and offer high visibility. Your support will help highlight the wonderful kindness, generosity, and inspiring actions of others. Proceeds support the vision of AFP Central Ohio, to strengthen the nonprofit community by advancing donor-centered philanthropy.
The 2022 National Philanthropy Day Honorees

Back Row – Colby Falconer (2022 NPD Chair), Shelley Backs (2022 AFP Central Ohio Chapter President), Valerie Swiatek (Bonner Family, Foundation), Emily Campbell (Professional Fundraiser), Mark Jaworski and Bethany Skaff (HOMAGE/Small Corporation), Dan DeLawder (Volunteer Fundraiser), Matt Barnes (NBC4, Emcee)
Front Row – Cassandra Swiatek (Bonner Family, Foundation), Kristin Slemmer (Athens Leadership Council-PPGOH, Volunteer Fundraising Group), Dr. Gay Pinnell (Philanthropist), Santino Carnevale (Youth in Philanthropy), Stephanie Merkle (Columbia Gas, Large Corporation), and Rohini Mulchandani, PhD (Leave a Legacy)