National Philanthropy Day 202640 Years of Purpose and Progress
AFP Golden Gate celebrates the 40th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day with a luncheon celebration at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.
Join us as we honor individuals and organizations for their bold, purposeful leadership in Bay Area philanthropy.
Friday, November 13, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
Meet Our 2026 Honorees
Leaders whose generosity, creativity, and courage embody this year’s theme:
40 Years of Purpose and Progress
Jeff Atwood and Betsy Burton
Outstanding Philanthropists
Katie Smith, Ritter Center
Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer
Eliane Fersan, CFRE, Global Nexus Solutions
Hank Rosso Outstanding Fundraising Professional
Brandon Clark, St. Anthony Foundation
Emerging Fundraising Leader
Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation
Outstanding Grantmaker
Armando Zumaya, Somos El Poder
Groundswell Award
Caroline Peterson
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
Sponsorship Opportunities
National Philanthropy Day brings together fundraising professionals, nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, volunteers, and community partners from throughout the Bay Area to celebrate the impact of philanthropy and those who make it possible. Sponsorship opportunities are now available! View our sponsorship package for sponsorship levels, benefits, and recognition opportunities.