2022 Nonprofit Connect Awards Celebration

The Nonprofit Connect Awards Celebration 

The Awards Celebration (formerly the Annual Philanthropy Awards Luncheon) is Nonprofit Connect's signature event, and Kansas City's oldest and largest celebration of nonprofit excellence. To date, we have honored over 300 nonprofit leaders, organizations, and business owners for their contributions to the community. After two years of being virtual, we are excited to be back in-person for the 38th year of this event. Registrations are now open to sponsor the Awards Celebration and secure your table for May.

To view the 2022 Awards Celebration sponsorship menu, please click here. 

2022 Nominations and Judging 

Nonprofit Connect is proud to celebrate the work being done by nonprofits in Kansas City. We invite you to nominate the nonprofit professionals and organizations who performed tremendous acts of service in 2021, as well as the individuals and entities who advocated for them. 

The call for nominations and judges application will open on Tuesday, January 18. Honorees for the Awards Celebration will be announced in late February. 

Persevering Advocate
-Presented to an individual*.
-Demonstrated an outstanding commitment to champion a nonprofit organization in 2021.
-Exhibited support for the organization through personal leadership and service.
* Note: Designation of primary role (i.e. executive director, nonprofit staff member, board member, volunteer) will be requested on the nomination form. We welcome and encourage nominations of individuals in ANY role.

Equity In Action
-Presented to two nonprofit organizations (one large, one small).
-Exhibits an outstanding commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
-Took initiative in addressing societal issues in 2021.
-Continues to foster an inclusive culture.

Nonprofit Catalyst
-Presented to two nonprofit professionals (one executive, one staff member).
-Demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their organization in 2021.
-Used exceptional leadership and / or teamwork skills to find solutions to relevant issues in 2021.

Stronger Together
-Presented to a nonprofit organization and another entity (i.e. business, foundation, government agency or nonprofit).
-By joining forces and leveraging combined resources, this strategic partnership achieved greater results in service to the community than one entity could have achieved on its own.
-The nomination should focus on the accomplishments of this partnership, whether formed in 2021 or previously, in direct response to relevant issues in 2021.

Excellence In Impact
-Presented to two nonprofit organizations (one large, one small).
-Found creative and inclusive solutions to expand their programs or provide additional services to their community in 2021.
-Demonstrated resourcefulness and determination to continue mission fulfillment.

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