Philanthropy Ohio strives to share the incredible stories of Ohio philanthropists, from leaders to innovators and collaborators, through the nomination and presentation of the annual Philanthropy Awards. These awards honor the excellent work of individuals and organizations who strengthen the sector and improve Ohio communities.
Do you have an individual or organization in mind that deserves to be celebrated? Your nomination can be just one of the many ways to show gratitude toward those whose hard work and dedication have made meaningful contributions to philanthropy in Ohio. The nominations are open now through August 8 for this year’s awards, which we’ll celebrate on Tuesday, September 24, at Philanthropy Forward ’24.
The five awards represent diverse areas of significance in the sector. The Ohio Philanthropy Award, Emerging Ohio Philanthropist Award, the Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy, the Ohio Philanthropy Innovation Award and the Public Policy Award celebrate lifetime achievement in philanthropy; an emerging leader; a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging champion; an innovator; and a public policy advocate.
We welcome and encourage your nomination of an individual or organization that meets the criteria for the five awards. Please complete the online nomination form and submit any supplemental materials that support your nomination. Philanthropy Ohio Board and committee members will select the winners. The deadline to submit your nominations is Thursday, August 8.
The Ohio Philanthropy Award is the lifetime achievement award. Nominees should have made outstanding contributions to philanthropy; demonstrate long-standing leadership in advancing philanthropy; display creativity in responding to societal problems; and have left a significant positive impact on philanthropy.
The Emerging Ohio Philanthropist Award nominee, regardless of age, should be engaged in philanthropy during the last few years either in a career path or as a private individual and show amazing potential. Nominees should demonstrate exemplary leadership in advancing philanthropy; engagement beyond a single community; creativity in a philanthropic endeavor or project; or significant accomplishment in a short period of time.
The Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Philanthropy recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a significant commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in their philanthropic practice in Ohio. Nominees should build bridges, connecting people dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; champion the acceptance, respect and inclusion of all; promote justice, impartiality and fairness; forge genuine partnerships with diverse communities; or implement diversity, equity, inclusive and belonging practices in organizational operations, grantmaking and other areas.
The Ohio Philanthropy Innovation Award nominee should have moved Ohio philanthropy forward through an innovation in the last few years. An innovation is an idea that when implemented had a demonstrable effect in Ohio that led to positive change in how the philanthropic sector operates, thinks or impacts communities. Types of innovation in philanthropy can include forming a public/private partnership, implementing a unique grantmaking or investing strategy, leveraging resources or developing a new collaboration.
The Public Policy Award nominee should advocate for policies that impact the sector and its communities; support public policies that address systemic disparities and produce equitable outcomes for all Ohioans; remain nonpartisan while working with issues that are political; and
amplify the voice of philanthropy while educating and influencing Ohio policymakers.
Meet the 2023 award winners and learn more at www.philanthropyohio.org/awards.
Submit your nomination today!
Alyssa Donahey
Associate, Communications & Membership
Philanthropy Ohio’s blog is meant purely for informative discussion of topics, practices and viewpoints in philanthropy. We collaborate with various members, funders, consultants, philanthropy-serving organizations and Professional Partners to bring you quality content. Guest authors are partners in our collective vision for a just and vibrant Ohio through impactful philanthropy. Statements on this blog reflect the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily fully represent the opinions, policies, practices, values and mission of Philanthropy Ohio. This blog may contain testimonials, opinions and real-life experiences of members. However, the experiences are personal to those particular members, and may not necessarily be representative of all members or of Philanthropy Ohio.