The Nonprofit Professionals of the Year Awards are an annual celebration from NonProfit PRO honoring some of the nonprofit sector’s best and brightest.
You can nominate a peer, colleague, volunteer, client or agency partner. Just look around you. There’s no doubt you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their efforts — and we’re looking forward to reading all about them!
The categories for 2026 are:
- NonProfit Professional of the Year. While there aren’t title limitations, typically this person is a leader or senior member of an organization who propelled the nonprofit to new heights. Though they didn’t do it alone, this individual’s leadership has been pivotal in guiding recent strategy, growth and mission fulfillment.
- Lifetime Achievement. Unlike the other categories, highlight the nominee’s decades-long devotion to nonprofit causes and all of their accomplishments along the way. We want to review their overall career commitment to the nonprofit sector and be amazed.
- Fundraiser of the Year. We’re not just looking for the person who brought in the most dollars — we want to celebrate the fundraiser who created the greatest impact. This could be through a transformative campaign, innovative donor engagement or strategies that significantly advance the nonprofit’s goals.
- Rising Star. This award spotlights an emerging talent in the nonprofit world. Whether they’re new to the sector or stepping into a leadership role for the first time, this individual shows exceptional promise and passion for making a difference.
- Unsung Hero. Every nonprofit has someone who goes above and beyond behind the scenes. Whether it’s a board member, marketer, admin or another dedicated contributor, this award recognizes those whose efforts are essential — yet often go unnoticed. Let’s change that and shine a light on their invaluable contributions.
There’s no fee to submit a nomination. The winners are announced annually on NonProfit PRO’s website and in its e-newsletter each December.
Submissions are currently closed. Please check back later for the 2026 submission period.
Check out past Nonprofit Professionals of the Year Awards winners:
2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007
