YOUNGSTOWN — The Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter is now accepting nominations for the 2024 National Philanthropy Day Award Celebration which will be held on Friday, Nov. 15. This annual event provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the good work being done through the philanthropy of individuals and organizations in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys.

Nominations are now being accepted in the following categories:

1. Outstanding Philanthropist (individual or family)

2. Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist (for-profit corporation with more than 100 employees)

3. Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist (100 employees or fewer)

4. Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser (individual)

5. Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group (volunteer group)

6. Outstanding Young Philanthropist (individual or group, 18 and under)

7. Legacy Award (presented posthumously to an individual or family)

Nomination forms with expanded descriptions and criteria for each award category are available at http://bit.ly/49oG3JU. To be considered, nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday July 12. Nominations may be mailed to AFP, P.O. Box 672, Youngstown, Ohio 44501-0672; emailed to afpmash@gmail.com or submitted via the online form found at http://bit.ly/49oG3JU. To be eligible, nominees must reside in Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana counties in Ohio or in Mercer or Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania.

The National Philanthropy Day Committee will select the 2024 honorees from the submitted nominations. The 2024 Committee is comprised of:

Kathleen Austrino, Fundraising Chair, Altrusa International of Youngstown, Ohio, Inc.

Susan Berny, Development Officer, Sight for All United

Kimberly Deichert, Administrator, Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango

Paige Fortner, Senior Support Action Group Program Manager, Family & Community Services, Inc.

Gabrielle Jones, Development & Program Coordinator, Leadership Mahoning Valley, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber

Linda Kostka, CFRE, Development Director, Mahoning Valley Historical Society

Liz McGarry, Development Director, Hospice of the Valley

Luke Politsky, Director of Development, Youngstown Business Incubator

JoAnn Stock, CFRE, Executive Director, Leadership Mahoning Valley, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber

Elinor S. Zedaker, Fund Development

Honorees will be recognized at this year’s luncheon celebration which will be held on Friday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman, Ohio.

Philanthropy is vital to the local charities and agencies and the well-being of the communities. The public is invited to nominate groups or individuals that meet the criteria for these prestigious awards in a variety of categories. For more information, contact one of the event Co-Chairs: Paige Fortner: 330-501-9062, pfortner@fcsserves.org or JoAnn Stock: 330-744-2131, JoAnn@regionalchamber.com

The AFP Mahoning-Shenango Chapter (AFPMASH) supports local fundraising professionals through educational programs, networking, and other activities. The Chapter members are from Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana counties in Ohio and Mercer, Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania.