Celebration of Philanthropy Nominations Grant

The Celebration of Philanthropy Nominations recognize individuals, families, and businesses in Anne Arundel County who exemplify generosity through their time, talent, or financial contributions. Awards include the Philanthropist of the Year, Corporate Philanthropist of the Year, and several others aimed at honoring those who significantly impact their communities. These nominations aim to spotlight and encourage philanthropic leadership, community involvement, and diversity in giving, making a direct difference in the lives of others.

Do you know an individual, family, or business making a difference in Anne Arundel County who demonstrates exceptional generosity by donating their time, talent, or financial resources? Consider nominating them for a Celebration of Philanthropy Award.
Philanthropist of the Year Award -Presented to an individual, a family, or family foundation with a proven record of exceptional generosity who has demonstrated outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility through direct substantial financial support, exemplary leadership in advancing philanthropy, and whose generosity encourages others to become philanthropic leaders, particularly in Anne Arundel County.
Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award - Presented to a local business or corporation that has a proven record of exceptional generosity and demonstrates outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility through direct financial support to Anne Arundel County nonprofits. The local business or corporation encourages and motivates its employees to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement with local nonprofits.
Volunteer of the Year Award - Presented to an individual or a team of volunteers, (formal or informal) with a long history of volunteering and leadership, who has made a significant impact on community organizations. This person or team, through the donations of time and talent, improves the lives of others and meets community needs through their exceptional efforts, including mobilizing resources for public benefit, leading by example, serving when they are called, advocating, and volunteering for those in our community who need help. Having played a key leadership role in helping local nonprofit organizations provide services to the community, their efforts make a direct, tangible difference in our community.
Young Volunteer of the Year Award - Presented to an individual student or a youth group, elementary through college age, who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering, and/or leadership. Examples of activities may include but aren’t limited to, performing public services, tutoring, mentoring, raising funds, or collecting goods.
Boots on the Ground Award – Presented to an individual who might be seen as an unsung hero and has gone above and beyond in the service of one or more nonprofit organizations; giving their time and talent to make a significant impact. This person is hands-on, providing programs or directly involved in programs, physically helping and serving others, and is often flying under the radar. This person can be a new or long-time volunteer.
Carroll H. Hynson, Jr. Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Philanthropy – Named in honor of a former CFAAC board member, Carroll H. Hynson, Jr., this award is presented to an individual, group, or organization who has made outstanding contributions to philanthropy by forging genuine partnerships with diverse communities; making a conscious effort to operationalize and reflect diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy; including initiatives involving the financial or volunteer support of one or more nonprofits in Anne Arundel County.
This individual or group made outstanding contributions to philanthropy by forging genuine partnerships with diverse communities; making a conscious effort to operationalize and reflect diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy; or implementing other initiatives involving the financial or volunteer support of one or more nonprofits in Anne Arundel County.
Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award – This award is named in honor of the late Carol Thompson, the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County’s Founder and first Executive Director. It is presented to an individual who has made lasting, significant, and impactful contributions to Anne Arundel County by advancing philanthropy through long-standing leadership; responding creatively to societal problems; and bringing leaders, philanthropists, volunteers, organizations, and businesses together.
Legacy Award for Planned Giving - This award recognizes a family or an individual philanthropist who has made a significant contribution to one or more local nonprofits using a planned gift. A planned gift is any major gift, made during their lifetime or at death as part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate planning. These might include gifts of equity, life insurance, real estate, personal property, or cash.