Bethpage, NY – April 8 - The Association of Fundraising Professionals Long Island Chapter announced it is now accepting nominations for its 2004 awards program, honoring individuals, corporations, businesses, organizations and foundations whose involvement and commitment to the philanthropic community has exhibited unique leadership and effectiveness in philanthropy on Long Island.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 28th, and awards will be presented at Philanthropy Day, which will be held on Friday, November 19th at the Long Island Marriot in Uniondale.

Philanthropy Day is a nationally recognized professional conference for development professionals, board members, business leaders, community activists and individuals committed to supporting the efforts of nonprofit organizations. It is also one of the largest one-day fundraising conferences in the country, attracting more than 750 attendees and 58 exhibitors, and includes an Awards Luncheon, celebrating the contributions of individuals and corporations to philanthropy.

“We hope that members of the Long Island nonprofit community, including volunteers, board members and employees will submit a nomination,” said George Richardson, Chairperson of Philanthropy Day 2004. “We encourage anyone who has encountered an individual or an organization that has contributed to Long Island through philanthropy will take this opportunity to recognize both the commitment to philanthropy and service and the importance of making the decision to invest in Long Island’s people and resources.”

AFP/LI is seeking nominations for outstanding individuals, corporations and professionals who have made a difference in the Long Island community by actively advancing philanthropy. The Honorary Award categories include:

• Outstanding Philanthropist, an individual whose generosity inspires others to give;
• Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer, an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a volunteer;
• Outstanding Corporation, a company that has distinguished itself as a “good corporate citizen” and has demonstrated a commitment to the Long Island community;
• Outstanding Fundraising Executive, a fundraising executive who exemplifies the philosophy of the AFP through ethical, innovative and dynamic professionalism;
• The Gilbert Tilles Award, a special award designated for the individual, organization business or foundation that exhibits unique leadership in philanthropic endeavors.

To obtain nomination forms, visit www.afpli.org or www.philanthropyday.org or call Joan Connor at 516-520-5084. For information on corporate sponsorships, becoming an exhibitor and conference enrollment, contact Joan Connor directly.

AFP/LI was founded in 1985 to provide a forum for fundraising professionals to share information and hone their expertise. Today, the chapter boasts more than 300 members and serves as the voice of philanthropy on Long Island. The Association for Fundraising Professionals is an international organization representing 26,000 members in 174 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs.