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AFP Outstanding Emerging Leader Award

Below is the online nomination form for the AFP Outstanding Emerging Leader Award.

The deadline to submit nominations is December 18, 2026.

Every year, AFP highlights the work of up to two emerging leaders who have been in the fundraising profession 10 years or less, and have already successfully demonstrated exemplary, creative, and innovative work in their careers, as well as a strong commitment to the profession, including engagement with AFP, and community and volunteer work.

Eligibility & Judging Factors
The nominee must meet the following criteria to be considered for the award:
  • The nominee must be a current AFP member in any category.
  • The nominee must have been in the fundraising profession for 10 years or less (based on the date nominations are due: December 18, 2026).
Nominees will be considered for the award based on the responses to the criteria in the nomination form below.

Please click here to view the scoring rubric for this award.
1.For each organization where the nominee has been employed, describe the INDIVIDUAL work of the nominee, including descriptions of (1) position and responsibilities; (2) specific projects, programs and/or campaigns the nominee worked on; and (3) evidence of exemplary work, career achievements, creativity, innovation, and leadership roles. (40 points)(Required.)
2.For each organization where the nominee has been employed, describe the impact of the nominee's work on the ORGANIZATION, including role in helping raise funds, amount of funds raised, growth in funds raised and other important fundraising metrics. (20 points)(Required.)
3.Describe details showing evidence of and commitment to the profession, professional development and AFP engagement (committee work, volunteer leadership positions, presenting at events, mentorship, obtaining certifications or advanced degrees, other awards/recognitions, etc.). (30 points)(Required.)
4.Describe volunteer activities within the community (not including AFP) and why the nominee is involved with those organizations. (10 points)(Required.)
5.Nominee First Name(Required.)
6.Nominee Last Name(Required.)
7.Nominee Title(Required.)
8.Nominee Organization(Required.)
9.Nominee Street Address(Required.)
10.Nominee City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code(Required.)
11.Nominee Phone(Required.)
12.Nominee Email(Required.)
13.Nominee Chapter(Required.)
14.Nominator First Name(Required.)
15.Nominator Last Name(Required.)
16.Nominator Title(Required.)
17.Nominator Organization(Required.)
18.Nominator Street Address(Required.)
19.Nominator City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code(Required.)
20.Nominator Phone(Required.)
21.Nominator Email(Required.)
22.Nominator Chapter(Required.)
23.How long has the nominee been in the fundraising profession? (years/months)(Required.)
24.How would you describe the gender identity of the nominee?
25.Which of the following ethnic designations best describes the nominee? More than one choice is acceptable.
26.What is the sexual orientation of the nominee?
27.Does the nominee have a disability?
By submitting this form, I DO CERTIFY that the above-named individual is hereby nominated for this AFP award. I am also certifying that the nominee has been in the profession for 10 years or less, as of December 18, 2026. I further authorize AFP to publicize this information in whatever way AFP may consider appropriate.

In addition, by submitting this form, I further certify that this award is being submitted on behalf of an AFP chapter, or if submitted by an individual, that the nominee has the support and endorsement of an AFP chapter.

Please note: If you experience any issues completing this online form, you can send the required information via email to awards@afpglobal.org. Thank you.