National Philanthropy Day

November 13, 2026

 

Award Submissions now open!

National Philanthropy Day is a non-competitive recognition event. Every person and group nominated will be honoured as a recipient, and presented with their award at the luncheon on November 13.

Award Submission

11 Steps to NPD Award Submissions

For more detailed information including submission examples, event related questions, or tickets prices, please  Download the Submission guide. 

1. Review Key Dates

  • Submissions open: May 1, 2026

  • Early bird tickets: July 1, 2026

  • Submission deadline: July 31, 2026

  • Ticket deadline: Oct 31, 2026

  • Event: Nov 13, 2026 (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

2. Choose Your Award Recipient(s)

  • Identify donors, volunteers, groups, or businesses who made an impact

  • Must be in the AFP Edmonton & Area region

  • No self-nominations

  • You can submit up to 5 recipients

3. Confirm With the Recipient

Before submitting:

  • Tell them they’ve been selected (not a surprise)

  • Get their permission/consent

  • Share event details and confirm availability

  • For groups, assign one main contact person

4. Gather Required Information

Prepare everything before filling out the form:

  • Impact Story (130 words max) → Why they deserve the award and their impact

  • Quote (60 words max) → In their own words about their giving

  • Contact Info

    • Award recipient

    • Your organization (main contact)

  • Photos (1–3) → Showing their community involvement

  • Select Award Sector Choose the area most impacted:

    • Arts & Culture

    • Community Enrichment

    • Education

    • Environment

    • Health

    • Social Services

    • Youth (award winners are 18 or younger)

5. Write a Strong Submission

Follow these best practices:

  • Write in third person

  • Keep it clear and concise

  • Focus on impact and outcomes

  • Use Canadian spelling

  • Avoid slang or “nomination language”

  • Double-check grammar and names

6. Submit the Application

  • Complete the online submission form

  • Submit before July 31, 2026

  • Missing items (like photos) can be emailed later—but before the deadline

7. After You Submit

  • You’ll receive a confirmation email

  • Remind your recipient about the event

  • Watch for possible selection as a featured story

8. Purchase Event Tickets

  • Tickets are not included with submission

  • Decide:

    • Who is attending

    • How many tickets needed

  • Check with guests for:

    • Dietary restrictions

    • Accessibility needs

9. Prepare for the Event

  • Encourage leadership (CEO, Board, etc.) to attend

  • Consider inviting someone impacted by the recipient’s contributions

  • Plan how to celebrate your recipient

10. Attend the Event (Nov 13, 2026)

What to expect:

  • 11:00 AM: Arrival, networking, award pickup, photos

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch + program begins

  • Awards presented via video storytelling

  • Event ends around 2:00 PM

Additional notes:

  • Dress: Business casual

  • Recipients receive 1 framed award (extra copies cost extra)

11. Celebrate & Steward Relationships

  • Use this opportunity to:

    • Strengthen donor relationships

    • Publicly recognize contributions

    • Inspire future giving

Key Reminder

👉 Every submission is an award winner (non-competitive event)