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.
2026 Nomination Information Coming Soon!
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.