The DMFA Spark Award recognizes and celebrates emerging leaders in the fundraising field. This award is designed to honor individuals with fewer than five years of experience who have already made significant strides in the industry, demonstrating ambition, creativity, and a deep passion for fundraising.

The DMFA Spark Award is applicable to those whose careers are just beginning in the field of fundraising, and to individuals with a long career in another industry who have recently transitioned into this field.

The DMFA is committed to highlighting our colleagues of all backgrounds and ask you to keep in mind industry professionals of various identity markers. All nominations are due by Friday, October 30. Please note that nominees must:

• Show remarkable initiative in piloting new ideas, volunteering their time, or making notable advancements within their organizations or the industry at large.
• Been in the industry five years or less.
• Be nominated by a current DMFA member.

Special note: The details shared about the nominee matter more than the count of an individual's nominations; highly detailed submissions are encouraged.

Official announcement of the winner will be made in person at the 2026 DMFA Year-End Luncheon on Thursday, December 10 at The Dream Downtown in NYC (355 West 16th Street @ Ninth Avenue). Please register today to join us. The winner will receive a special plaque and recognition on our DMFA Spark Award web page. 

Each DMFA member is allowed to submit one nomination per year.