Presented by AFP Vancouver Island Chapter

National Philanthropy Day® is a global celebration of generosity, community leadership, and the extraordinary impact of charitable giving. Each year, communities come together to recognize the individuals, businesses, volunteers, youth, and organizations whose contributions strengthen our communities and inspire others to make a difference.

Nominate a Community Champion Today!

Nominations are now open for the 2026 National Philanthropy Day Awards. Honourees will be recognized at our November 19, 2026 celebration, an evening dedicated to recognizing outstanding generosity, civic spirit, and community impact across Vancouver Island.


We’re looking for individuals, organizations, and youth who lift others up through generosity, leadership, and meaningful impact. If you know someone whose actions make our community stronger, please take a moment to share their story. Your nomination helps us celebrate the people who make philanthropy thrive.  


Nomination deadline: September 15, 2026

Awards

John Saunders Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by: CAGP Vancouver Island

Honours a seasoned fundraising professional whose career reflects exceptional commitment to philanthropy, community leadership, and the advancement of the fundraising profession. This award celebrates individuals whose long term contributions have strengthened organizations, inspired colleagues, and uplifted the broader community, embodying the spirit and values championed by John Saunders.

 

John Saunders (1937–2025) was a transformative leader in fundraising on Vancouver Island and across Canada. His career spanned education, university administration, and philanthropic development. He was the first Canadian to serve on the restructured board of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (now AFP), the founding President of the AFP Vancouver Island Chapter, and a founding Director of the AFP Canada Foundation. A mentor, advocate, and champion of professionalism, integrity, and community trust, John uplifted countless fundraisers and organizations through his generosity, encouragement, and unwavering kindness. This award honours individuals whose careers reflect that same lasting impact.


Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award

Celebrates an individual, family or group of individuals whose volunteer leadership has made a meaningful difference in fundraising efforts for one or more nonprofit organizations. These volunteers inspire others, strengthen campaigns, and help build a more generous community.


Outstanding Corporate Responsibility Award

Honours a business that demonstrates exceptional generosity and leadership in strengthening the community. This award celebrates businesses that invest in local causes and takes a leadership role in inspiring others in the business community, and shows a meaningful commitment to philanthropy through their actions, partnerships, and culture. 


Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy (5-18)

Celebrates an individual or group of young people whose generosity, creativity, and leadership have made a meaningful difference in their community. This award honours youth who give their time, talent, or treasure to help others, and who inspire those around them through their actions.


Outstanding Charitable Organization Award

Sponsored by: Global Philanthropic Canada

Honours a civic or non‑profit organization whose leadership, generosity, and community commitment have made a meaningful difference. This award celebrates organizations that strengthen local causes through fundraising, volunteer leadership, collaboration, and by inspiring others to get involved. 


Outstanding Philanthropist Award

Sponsored by: Garth Homer Society

Honours an individual or family whose exceptional generosity has made a meaningful and lasting difference in the community. This award celebrates those who give with purpose, strengthen charitable organizations, and inspire others to step forward as philanthropic leaders.

 

Join the Celebration!

Where: Union Club of British Columbia, 805 Gordon St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Z6

Date: Thursday November 19, 2026

Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM


The evening opens with a relaxed mix‑and‑mingle reception featuring appetizers and cocktails, setting the stage for connection and conversation. We’ll then gather for an engaging keynote (details to be released soon!), followed by our awards presentation, where we’ll celebrate this year’s recipients and hear a few brief remarks from each honouree.

Purchase your ticket today!

Early‑bird tickets are now on sale for $60 + service fees.

After September 15, tickets are $75 + service fees.


Tickets include one complimentary drink, with a cash bar available.

 

Become a Sponsor!

This is a public forum with philanthropists, community leaders and professional fundraisers in attendance, creating the perfect audience to recognize our philanthropic leaders of tomorrow and to demonstrate that you are one of

Canada’s leading philanthropic organizations.

 

Thank you to our Sponsors

For questions, comments or to sponsor the event, please contact our Chapter Administrator at afp.vancouverisland@gmail.com