2023 NPD Nominations are Now Open

National Philanthropy Day
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023

Nomination Sectors and Sector Descriptions

Nominations are based on the sectors that have been impacted, rather than the sector that the person, group or organization being nominated works within. For example, a hospital foundation can be recognized in the Education Sector for a program it put together to inform people about a new community initiative, while also being nominated in the Outreach Sector for a clinic it has opened to serve people in Northern Alberta. 

AFP Edmonton and Area Chapter is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment that reflects the philanthropic spirit of our community. As you determine your nominees, please take a moment to reflect on the diverse range of individuals and organizations that have contributed towards your mission. 

Your nomination(s) recognizes people, companies, and groups who have impacted one of seven sectors:

• Arts and Culture - for those who have impacted the arts and culture community through acts of charity, and in giving their time, talent and resources.

• Community Enrichment - for those who have engaged in acts of charity, and in giving their time, talent and resources to ensure that the services that enrich our community continue to grow and flourish.

• Education - for those who have engaged in acts of charity, and in giving their time, talent and resources to improve the overall level of education and knowledge in our community.

• Environment - for those who have engaged in acts of charity, and in giving their time, talent and resources to better our environment.

• Health - for those who have engaged in acts of charity, and in giving their time, talent and resources to better their community and the health of others.

• Social Services - for those who have engaged in acts of charity, and in giving of their time, talent and resources to ensure that the immediate needs of vulnerable populations within our community are being met.

• Youth - for youth or youth groups under the age of 23, who have engaged in acts of charity, in giving of their time, talent and resources, to better our community and who, by example, encourage others in the community to create or join in philanthropic activities.

Tips for Writing Your Story

Determine the impact of your nominee’s giving. Think about the lives it has changed and the lasting influence they have made. 

• Keep your story short and concise.  Your story will be edited down to fit the program, to a maximum of 130 words.  

• Key questions to consider:

  • How does your nominee support your program/organization?

  • What kind of impact do they make for your organization?

  • How does your nominees support impact our greater Edmonton/Northern Alberta communities?

Best Practices 

• Stories should be written in the 3rd person – ex: “The Children’s Health Society would like to recognize” vs. “I/we would like to recognize”

• Check that organizations’ names are spelled correctly. It is ok to use acronyms/ abbreviations as long as the name is spelled out in full the first time it is written ex: General Children’s Hospital of Toronto → GCHT

• Remove any “nomination lingo” – since everyone is receiving an award, stories should indicate that they are “deserving of the award “as opposed to “being considered for an award”.

• Remove any slang

• Edit your nomination - check for grammar and spelling mistakes 

• Use Canadian spelling – ex: labour vs. labor

• Capitalize names of events, runs and programs – ex: Southern Credit Union’s Walk for the Cure; Diabetes Walk

An Example:

Nominees: Isabelle and Elizabeth McCourt

Nominated By: Canadian Cancer Society

Story: Over the past six years, Isabelle and Elizabeth McCourt, ages 9 and 7, raised over $22,000 through Relay For Life in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Profoundly affected by cancer with the loss of their father eight years ago, they followed their mother’s lead and put their grief to work for the positive. Through their efforts to help find a cure for the disease, they have brought meaning to their loss, and have inspired others to do the same.

The money they raise funds the most promising cancer research, as well as community-based support programs for people living with cancer, education and information on cancer prevention and screening, and advocacy for healthy public policies. By embracing the cause, Isabelle and Elizabeth are creating a legacy for their father’s memory - helping to create a world where no Canadian fears cancer.

It is mandatory that you receive approval from your nominee before submitting your nomination, as not everyone is comfortable having their story shared. It is best to ask for permission rather than beg for forgiveness.