Nomination Procedures
ACF Awards for Excellence in Philanthropy

Nomination form for the awards.  

But first, please see the details below regarding entry criteria and the type of people recognized in these awards.  Submit your nomination form by February 2, 2024.  Statements of support and similar items from other supporters are required and due by the same date. They can be submitted individually by supporters, or the nominator may submit in one batch, to Matthew Leighty at [email protected].  There is a separate form for the Creativity Award.

As an ACF member, you have the opportunity to nominate a colleague for one of ACF's prestigious awards. You also have the opportunity to showcase your most successful and creative work through the Creativity Award, which offers a cash prize funded by an anonymous donor.

ACF’s Recognition Committee depends on the thoughtful and detailed input of members like you in order to select the most deserving recipients. If you know an individual whose skill, commitment, and selflessness have significantly impacted your community or organization, please consider nominating him/her for an ACF Award for Excellence in Philanthropy.  Thank you in advance for your nominations and participation in the ACF Awards for Excellence in Philanthropy!

Click here for special Creativity Award entry instructions. 

Please note that, due to logistical constraints, the Spirit of Giving and Outstanding Executive Awards will not be presented at the 2024 conference. 

Spirit of Giving Award
The inaugural presentation of the ACF Spirit of Giving Award at the international level occurred in 2004 in the city known for its SPIRIT, St. Louis.  This award is intended to recognize an individual/family who exemplifies generous contribution of service, time and support that inspires others to greater commitment and involvement.  Any individual/family involved with an ACF organization is eligible for nomination for this ACF Spirit of Giving Award.  
 
Attributes of the Spirit of Giving Award recipient include:
  • Lifts the spirits of others to generous giving
  • Represents the true spirit of Christian stewardship
  • Seeks no recognition for self
  • Demonstrates commitment to service
  • Shares an excitement for opportunities to participate in action for the common good
Examples of who might receive the Spirit of Giving Award:
  • Major Donor(s)
  • Young/old/special person who leads in service and thereby inspires others
  • Behind-the-scenes person whose story may inspire others to greater service and giving
  • Lower socioeconomic person or employee who makes a sacrificial gift that inspires others to greater giving
  • Joyful giver
Outstanding Executive Award
The Outstanding Executive Award is designed to honor a deserving CEO or president who serves the Lutheran church through deed and example. Any executive of a church-related agency or institution, or any Lutheran serving a non-Lutheran organization, is eligible. Nominees need not be members of ACF.

Attributes of the Outstanding Executive are:
  • Visionary leadership
  • Effectiveness in management and fundraising
  • Inspirational leadership of staff and volunteer constituency
  • Boldness in proclaiming the importance of Christian stewardship through public speaking or writing
  • Commitment to the mission of the church beyond the sphere of his/her organization
Virgil Anderson Award 
The prestigious Virgil Anderson Award is presented to an active ACF member who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to an organization within the fundraising and/or public relations/marketing fields. The recipient should be an active or retired ACF member.
Distinguishing qualities of the Virgil Anderson Award recipient include:
  • Extraordinary service to the development profession
  • Participation in and service to ACF
  • Positive influence among peers
  • Service to the church and community at-large
In keeping with tradition, all nominations for this award will remain confidential. The winner will be selected without his or her personal input and will not be notified until the awards ceremony.
 
Jay Bleeke Award
This award honors Jay’s spirit of leadership, networking, welcoming personality, drive for knowledge and enthusiasm for ACF. The Jay Bleeke Award is presented to a young ACF member who has taken a leadership role within ACF and has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to an organization within the fundraising and/or public relations fields.

Distinguishing qualities of the Jay Bleeke Award recipient include:
  • An ACF member under 40
  • Exemplary participation in ACF: involvement at local and/or international levels
  • Inspiration to others regarding greater commitment and involvement
In keeping with tradition, all nominations for this award will remain confidential.  The winner will be selected without his or her personal input and will not be notified until the awards ceremony.
 
Creativity Award
The Creativity Award recognizes excellence in inventive, inspiring work and includes a cash prize.  You are encouraged to submit your most successful and creative project, technique, or program.  Several entries may be recognized, with the winning entry announced during the Faith & Fundraising Conference.  Submit this form to begin your entry.

Guidelines for the Creativity Award:
  • Items submitted typically include: fundraising appeals, donor upgrade strategies, recognition techniques, capital campaigns, grant proposals, youth philanthropy programs, newsletters, brochures, videos and websites.
  • Nonmembers are encouraged to enter.
  • Those working for professional consulting firms are welcome to participate.
  • More than one entry may be submitted.
  • Include links (preferred), PDFs, audio, video, brochures, etc. with submitted entry. They will be returned after the conference.
  • Provide budget information and results as appropriate as this helps the committee understand your level of success.
  • Submit your entry materials to Matthew Leighty at [email protected]