The Association of Fundraising Professionals Tampa Bay Chapter has honored leadership in philanthropy in Tampa Bay through its annual awards program since 1989. These awards celebrate the outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support of a special group of community members and organizations who set new benchmarks of excellence in the acts of giving and volunteering.
Ever since President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed November 15th as National Philanthropy Day® over 30 years ago, communities across the globe gather to celebrate ethical and effective philanthropy and recognize those engaged in charitable giving and volunteerism.
We encourage you to educate your team and board of directors of the importance of this day and involve them in your nomination process.
Once all nominations have been received, our panel of non-member judges – a group of like-minded community volunteers from diverse backgrounds made up of business and civic leaders and past nominees – will review all submissions and select an honoree in each category based upon the criteria detailed HERE.
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2026 National Philanthropy Day Honorees
Philanthropist of the Year: Scott and Kathy Fink
Nominated by Metropolitan Ministries, Meals on Wheels of Tampa, BayCare and St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation
Philanthropic Corporation of the Year: SouthEast Personnel Leasing
Nominated by Tampa Theatre
Gayle Sierens Volunteer of the Year in Philanthropy: Tonya Corder
Nominated by Parc Center for Disabilities
Philanthropic Partner of the Year: Florida Institute of CFOs - fiCFO
Nominated by Step Up for Students
Youth in Philanthropy: Giuliana Abrahamson
Nominated by Homeless Empowerment Program
