Join us on Thursday, November 19, 2026 to celebrate those who make a
difference in our community.
Event and Sponsor Details Coming Soon!
National Philanthropy Day is a special day set aside by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) to recognize the contributions of those active in the philanthropic community and whose generosity and commitment are making a meaningful difference in our community.
It’s a powerful opportunity to celebrate and spotlight inspiring leaders who contribute to the impact of non-profit organizations across Southeastern Wisconsin.
Ways to participate in the National Philanthropy Day
Award categories include:
- Philanthropist of the Year
- Wisconsin Organization Philanthropy Award
- Volunteer of the Year
- Philanthropic Youth of Today
- IDEA Champion of the Year
- Fundraising Professional of the Year
The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of AFP is honored to recognize the recipients of the 2025 National Philanthropy Day Awards:
Brian A. McCarty
Philanthropist of the Year
Nominated by Hunger Task Force
Philanthropist of the Year is presented to an individual, foundation, or corporation with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, had demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles in our community.
Froedtert Health & Medical College of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Organization Philanthropy Award
Nominated by Kathy’s House
Recognizes a corporation, foundation, or organization with an outstanding record of philanthropic leadership in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Brenda Skelton
Volunteer of the Year
Nominated by Siebert Lutheran Foundation
Volunteer of the Year is presented to an individual, couple, or group who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in coordinating and motivating others for major fundraising activities or programmatic support and is recognized for sharing their time and talents with area nonprofit organizations.
Nazaria Hooks
Philanthropic Youth of Today
Nominated by Children’s Wisconsin
Philanthropic Youth of Today is presented to an individual or group of young people, this award honors the demonstrated commitment to the nonprofit community through direct financial support, volunteerism and/or leadership in philanthropy.
Ron Smith
IDEA Champion of the Year
Nominated by Wisconsin Watch
IDEA Champion of the Year is presented to an individual or a non-profit organization who has made a significant impact on the learning, unlearning, and transformation of our Greater Milwaukee community in the area of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access.
Kelley McCaskill
Fundraising Professional of the Year
Nominated by Momentum Nonprofit Strategies
Professional Fundraiser of the Year is presented to an individual fundraising professional who practices professionalism in an exemplary manner. The recipient must have at least five years of professional fundraising experience, evidence of quality of leadership and being a team player, a commitment to continuing professional development, and commitment to fundraising and philanthropy.
Sponsors make National Philanthropy Day® possible and take its mission to heart. They exemplify philanthropy and send a message about the importance of work that challenges the world to become a better place.
NPD is a wonderful opportunity to gain exposure and support the incredible difference philanthropy makes in our community. Your sponsorship gives your organization prominent exposure to an audience of nonprofit, business, and philanthropic leaders and helps the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals salute and recognize the great impact of donors, volunteers, and fund development professionals.
Additionally, by sponsoring today, you will demonstrate a commitment to investing in your community through philanthropy and volunteerism. Proceeds from this event help our chapter develop ethical, professional fundraisers and inspire a culture of philanthropy throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Contact Kari Walton, AFPSEWI Chapter Administrator, for questions about sponsoring National Philanthropy Day 2025.
AFP-Southeastern Wisconsin is pleased to offer meaningful sponsorship opportunities. 2026 Levels Coming Soon!
Visionary Sponsor
- Opportunity to speak during the event (up to 2 minutes)
- Recognition as a Visionary Sponsor in the event’s digital program
- Logo featured prominently on AFP’s website and social media platforms
- Individualized social media shoutout
- 1 reserved VIP table (8 guests, includes event tickets)
- Opportunity to leave branded materials at each table
Steward Sponsor
- Recognition as a Steward Sponsor in the event’s digital program
- Logo included on AFP’s website and social media platforms
- 1 reserved VIP table (8 guests, includes event tickets)
Champion Sponsor
- Recognition as a Champion Sponsor in the digital program
- Name listed on AFP’s website
- Reserved table for 8 guests
Friend of Fundraising
- Recognition as a Friend of Fundraising in the digital program
- Name listed on AFP’s website
- Reserved half table for 4 guests
In honor of National Philanthropy Day every year, Partners in Philanthropy (PIP) is a unique opportunity for AFP members to celebrate two donors and volunteers that have made a difference to their organization and to the greater community.
We are pleased to recognize the 2025 Partners in Philanthropy!
- Laura & Mike Arnow
- Edie Brengel
- Sandy Czosnek
- Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.
- Nicole & Jim Hermann
- Landmark Credit Union
- Gillian Lester-George de Montesinos
- Gerry & Elaine Mainman
- Mullins Family Foundation
- Thomas Nebel
- Irene Nerenhausen
- Beth Odian
- ORBIS Corporation
- Reyes Coca Cola Bottling
- Nancy Wilke
- Yellow Whistles for Greg
On National Philanthropy Day (NPD), we celebrate the extraordinary change that fundraising and philanthropy have helped to create in our world! Join us to honor Southeastern Wisconsin’s most exemplary philanthropists, donors, volunteers, and fundraising professionals.
For the AFPSEWI chapter, National Philanthropy Day is the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the impact of philanthropy in the world around us. It’s a day to honor those people active in the philanthropic community who have made our lives, our communities, and our world a better place.
Billions of dollars are given every year to just causes. Millions of programs and services are administered to those in need. Individuals are connected to cause and to each other. Civic participation and important societal bonds are created and strengthened through philanthropy as we work to improve the quality of life for all people.
In Southeastern Wisconsin the impact of philanthropy is beyond impressive. As fund development professionals, we have the unique opportunity to work with people and organizations that are responsible for impacting the missions we champion.
