2026 Chapter Awards
AFP-Nebraska is honored to recognize and celebrate the dedication, talent, and impact of our peers who strengthen communities across Nebraska through their work in fundraising.
Fundraiser Awards will be presented at National Philanthropy Day on November 16, 2026, at the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Nominations are now open through August 1, 2026.
We invite you to help us elevate the incredible professionals in our field by submitting a nomination.
Annual Awards
Fundraiser of the Year
Recognizes an outstanding fundraising professional employed by a nonprofit or charitable organization. Nominees must have a minimum of five years of experience in fundraising.
Emerging Fundraiser
Honors a rising fundraising professional who is new to the field, with no more than five years of experience.
AFP Nebraska Fundraising Hall of Fame
Celebrates a distinguished fundraising professional whose career has made a lasting impact. Nominees must have more than 15 years of experience.
By nominating a colleague, you help shine a light on the passion, perseverance, and purpose that define our profession. Members of AFP Nebraska will be given extra consideration.
Click on the link below to nominate an outstanding fundraising professional:
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF CURRENT AFP-NEBRASKA MEMBERS!
Previous winners list:
Emerging Fundraiser
2019 - Kyle Cartwright, Nebraska Cultural Endowment
2020 - Patrick Kilcoyn, United Way of the Midlands
2021 - Victoria Ortega, Omaha Performing Arts
2022 - Haley Martinez, Dimensions Research Foundation
2023 - Jessie Hedrick, Community Action Partnership
Fundraiser of the Year
2019 - Ashley Olson, Willa Cather Foundation
2020 - John Mabry, Food Bank of Lincoln
2021 - Hillary S. Nather-Detisch, MPA, CFRE, University of Nebraska Omaha
2022 - Sabrina Weiss, Omaha Performing Arts
2023 - Amy Ossian, Lied Center for Performing Arts
Hall of Fame
2019 - Paul Strawhecker, Strawhecker Nonprofit Services
2019 - Jodie Nolan, Consultant
2020 - Barbara Bartle, Lincoln Community Foundation
2021 - Vi See, CFRE, Retired CEO, Community Action of Lancaster & Saunders Counties
2022 - Mari Lane Gewecke, Retired
2023 - Sara McClure, The Nature Conservancy
Please be sure to submit your nomination(s) by the deadline.
