2017 Outstanding Philanthropist and Foundation in Maryland Awards
AFP Maryland is pleased to honor Mark and Patricia Joseph as 2017 Outstanding Philanthropists and the Kahlert Foundation as the 2017 Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation. We celebrated these awards at National Philanthropy Day in Maryland on Friday, November 17 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.
Mark & Patricia Joseph - 2017 Outstanding Philanthropists
The Kahlert Foundation - 2017 Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation
2017 Outstanding Youth Fundraisers
AFP Maryland also honored six Outstanding Youth Fundraisers:
Hughie Mohler, student at Loyola Blakefield, for work with Baltimore Squashwise
Kade Friedlander, student at the Bullis School, for work with The National Center for Children and Families
Laya Neelakandan, student at the McDonogh School, for work with The World We Want Foundation and Karma for Cara
Mario Nandalal, student at Harford Day School, for work with We Canserve Foundation
Matt and Sarah Kilareski, homeschool students, for work with Johns Hopkins' "Sadie's Gift" organization
Criteria used to select the award winners include evidence of quality of leadership and organizational abilities, originality and creative thought of a fundraising project, and how the funds raised within Maryland benefited a non-profit organization or community, locally, nationally or internationally.
2017 Unsung Hero Awards
An Unsung Hero award is the chance to publicly honor those who do so much to enhance philanthropic support in our community who may not otherwise gain recognition. AFP Maryland honored nine Unsung Heroes at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon:
Kathy Hood, Pathfinders for Autism
Larry & Katherine Jennings, Loyola University Maryland
Sheila Mentz, LifeBridge/Kappa Guild
Allison Benson O'Brien, Living Classrooms Foundation
Lamar Prilliman, New Song Community Learning Center
Sara Service and Harry Rebman, Paul's Place
Kelli Szczybor, Angel Park
These individuals have demonstrated exceptional commitment in volunteer and fundraising projects in years (or hours) benefiting their chosen charitable organization.
2017 Maryland Business Philanthropy Awards
Every year, the Maryland business community contributes millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours to charitable organizations throughout the state. The Maryland Chamber of Commerce, together with the Baltimore Business Journal, celebrated three area businesses with the Business Philanthropy Awards. These awards are presented as part of the Philanthropy Day luncheon held by the Maryland Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Maryland). This is the 16th year that the Maryland Chamber of Commerce has honored the philanthropic efforts of area organizations.
The awards are divided into three categories: Small (employers with 1-100 employees), Medium (employers with 101-500 employees) and Large (employers with over 500 employees).
This year's honorees are:
Brotman Financial Group
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Bank of America
Thank you to our 2017 Sponsors
AFP Maryland is grateful for the contributions of our generous sponsors. View full list
Association of Fundraising Professionals Maryland Chapter Announces New Board of Directors
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Maryland Chapter announced its new Board of Directors for 2026, bringing together a diverse group of experienced fundraising professionals dedicated to advancing ethical philanthropy, professional development, and community impact across the state.
The Board represents leaders from nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and the private sector who will guide the chapter’s strategic direction, programs, and member engagement throughout the year. Please click here to read our full press release.
Ten Star & IDEA Champion Designation 2026
AFP Maryland is honored to receive the 2026 Ten Star Gold and 2026 AFP IDEA Champion designation from AFP Global. This designation recognizes those chapters who have accomplished many of the key objectives outlined in the Promote Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access strategic pathway, and honors chapters for achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range strategic plan. To learn more about our Chapter's commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access, click here.
Support BE the CAUSE
Your investment in the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy will help support local, national, and international programs. Your ongoing support of AFP Maryland is vital to our profession and future programming opportunities. There are many ways you can continually support AFP Maryland and ensure fundraisers like you have access to high quality educational, networking, and professional opportunities. When you give to theBE the CAUSE Campaign, benefiting both our chapter and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, you are investing in the future of our profession and advancing philanthropy for the greater good.Learn more.
