
Recognizing outstanding achievement in the nonprofit sector with three annual awards.

The Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award presented annually at the ANA Nonprofit Federation Summer Conference, recognizes outstanding accomplishments by a nonprofit organization using data-driven marketing to advance its mission.

The Max Hart Nonprofit Achievement Award, presented annually at the ANA Nonprofit Federation Winter Conference, recognizes outstanding career accomplishments by a fundraising professional.

The ANA Nonprofit Federation Rising Leader Award is presented annually at the ANA Nonprofit Federation Winter Conference.
Nominations for these awards are reviewed by the Federation’s Awards Committee and selections are presented to the ANA Nonprofit Federation Advisory Council for final approval.
Have questions about the Nonprofit Federation Awards?
Organization of the Year
The Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award, presented annually at the Nonprofit Federation Summer Conference, recognizes outstanding accomplishments by a nonprofit organization using data-driven marketing to advance its mission. The recipient is determined based on the following criteria:
- Sustained achievement in fundraising through data-driven marketing and consistently successful financial performance.
- Recognized leadership with a reputation for excellence within the nonprofit and data-driven marketing communities, as well as with the public at large.
- High ethical standards and compliance with generally accepted standards for management and public disclosure.

Nominations for the 2022 award are closed. Make your plans now to celebrate the winning organization during the ANA Nonprofit Federation Summer Conference at the Swissôtel Chicago
- 2021 — International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
- 2020 — Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry
- 2019 — Feeding America
- 2018 — AARP/AARP Foundation
- 2017 — National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)
- 2016 — Paralyzed Veterans of America
- 2015 — Food For The Poor
- 2014 — Alzheimer's Association
- 2013 — City Harvest
- 2012 — The Nature Conservancy
- 2011 — Human Rights Campaign
- 2010 — Heifer International
- 2009 — ASPCA
- 2008 — Operation Smile
- 2007 — Doctors Without Borders
- 2006 — American Diabetes Association
- 2005 — CARE
- 2004 — Mothers Against Drunk Driving
- 2003 — Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
- 2002 — Easterseals
- 2001 — Special Olympics
- 2000 — Catholic Relief Services
- 1999 — Christian Appalachian Project
- 1998 — World Vision
- 1997 — American Heart Association
- 1996 — Disabled American Veterans
- 1995 — March of Dimes
- 1994 — Habitat for Humanity
- 1993 — St. Jude Children's Hospital
- 1992 — Salvation Army
- 1991 — Father Flanagan's Boys Town
- 1990 — American Red Cross
- 1989 — Christian Children's Fund
- 1988 — Covenant House
“We are proud of the work we do here at Feeding America to help millions of our neighbors struggling with hunger across the United States. It is a true honor to have our direct marketing program performance and contributions to the nonprofit sector recognized by peers from the ANA Nonprofit Federation.”
-Elizabeth Nielsen, SVP, Digital & Direct Marketing, Feeding America
Max Hart Achievement Award
- is a professional fundraiser with either a nonprofit organization or a service provider.
- is a respected authority on fundraising practices.
- has demonstrated achievement, innovation, and leadership in the marketing community throughout his or her career.
- serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others by exemplifying the highest standards in his or her work.
- is committed to the professional development of others through shared knowledge and mentorship.


Max Hart Award Past Winners
- 2021 — Angie Moore, CARE
- 2020 — Phil Wiland, Wiland
- 2019 — Angel Aloma, Food For The Poor
- 2018 — Tom Harrison, Russ Reid
- 2017 — Susan Loth, DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
- 2016 — Joan Wheatley, Special Olympics
- 2015 — Geoffrey W. Peters, Moore DM Group
- 2014 — Sherry Minton, American Heart Association
- 2013 — Lynn Edmonds, LW Robbins
- 2012 — Charles L. “Chuck” Longfield, Blackbaud
- 2011 — Carol Portale, March of Dimes
- 2010 — Kory Christianson, St. Joseph’s Indian School
- 2009 — Mal Warwick, Mal Warwick Associates
- 2008 — Kelly Browning, American Institute for Cancer Research
- 2007 — Larry May, Direct Media/May Development Services
- 2006 — Christopher Cleghorn, Easterseals
- 2005 — Raymond Grace, Creative Direct Response
- 2004 — Morris Dees, Southern Poverty Law Center
- 2003 — Roger Courts, Sacred Heart League
- 2002 — Roger Craver, Craver, Matthews & Smith
- 2001 — William Begley, Christian Appalachian Project
- 2000 — Claude H. Grizzard, Grizzard
- 1999 — Phyllis Freedman, SmartGiving
- 1998 - No award given
- 1997 — Max L. Hart, Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- 1996 — Kay Lautman, Lautman Maska Neill & Company
- 1995 — Jerry Huntsinger, Huntsinger & Jeffer
- 1994 — Russ Reid, Russ Reid Company
- 1993 — Carol Enters, Carol Enters List Company (CELCO)
- 1992 — John Groman, Epsilon
- 1991 — Don Kuhn
- 1990 — Francis S. “Andy” Andrews, American Fund Raising Services
Rising Leader Award
The ANA Nonprofit Federation Rising Leader Award is presented annually at the Nonprofit Federation Winter Conference. Young professionals are a vital asset to our nonprofit community and it is important to recognize those that are making great strides in shaping the future. Similar to the Max Hart Nonprofit Achievement Award, the recipient is determined based on the following criteria:
- is a professional fundraiser with either a nonprofit organization or a service provider.
- is a respected authority on fundraising practices.
- has demonstrated achievement, innovation, and leadership or the potential for leadership in the fundraising and marketing community.
- serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others by exemplifying the highest standards in his or her work.


Rising Leader Award Past Winners
- 2022 — Tyler Hall, Easterseals
- 2021 — Summer Gill, Texas Children's Hospital
- 2020 — Erica Best, Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry
- 2019 — Adrian White Slagle, One & All
- 2018 — Shira Mitchell, Special Olympics
- 2017 — Eliza Slone, MKDM
Nonprofit Federation Corporate Partners
Diamond Level Sponsors

Platinum Level Sponsors
