YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter is accepting nominations for 2026 National Philanthropy Day awards.

The awards recognize and celebrate the good work being done through the philanthropy of individuals and organizations in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys.

Honorees will be recognized at this year’s luncheon celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman. 

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

  • Outstanding Philanthropist Award (individual or family).
  • Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award (for-profit corporation with more than 100 employees).
  • Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist Award (for-profit corporation with 100 employees or fewer).
  • Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award (individual).
  • Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group Award (volunteer group).
  • Outstanding Young Philanthropist Award (individual or group, age 18 and under).
  • Outstanding Foundation Award (local foundation).
  • Legacy Award (presented posthumously to an individual or family).

To be eligible, nominees must live in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties in Ohio or Mercer or Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania.

Nomination forms with descriptions and criteria for each award category are available HERE. To be considered, nominations must be received by 5 p.m. July 17. Nominations can be mailed to AFP, P.O. Box 672, Youngstown, OH 44501-0672; emailed to afpmash@gmail.com; or submitted via the online form. 

The National Philanthropy Day Committee will select the honorees from the submitted nominations. The 2026 committee is composed of:

  • Kathleen Austrino, service chair, Altrusa International of Youngstown, Ohio, Inc.
  • Olivia Cooke-Murphy, marketing and development manager, Flying High Inc.
  • Kimberly Deichert, chapter administrator, Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter.
  • Paige Fortner, development engagement director, Sight for All United.
  • Liz McGarry, director of development, Hospice of the Valley.
  • Luke Politsky, director of development, YBI.
  • JoAnn Stock, CFRE, president, Leadership Mahoning Valley.
  • Elinor S. Zedaker, fund development consultant.

For more information, contact Fortner at 330 501 9062 or paigefortner1@gmail.com, or Cooke-Murphy at 724 650 4984 or ocmurphy@flyinghighinc.org.