Philly - Phil·ly 'filē: A fun abbreviation of philanthropy; a twenty-three-year-old tradition best served with drinks.
The Philly Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in nonprofit marketing, communications, and fundraising. This annual event honors the hard work that goes into crafting compelling messages to advance missions and create meaningful impact.
2026 Philly Awards
We are officially launching the 23rd Annual Philly Awards, and the buzz is bigger than ever as we celebrate Nonprofit Connect's 50th Anniversary! This event is the ultimate showcase of the powerhouse marketing, communications and fundraising campaigns driving our sector forward. The energy is always electric! You won't want to miss an evening of great food, drinks and a front-row look at the creative work that truly moved the needle for the Kansas City community over the past year.
Additionally, we are excited to host the celebration at the legendary Knuckleheads offering double the energy and space—incredible exposure and a dedicated VIP Happy Hour for top sponsors.
Event Details
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Knuckleheads
5 p.m. VIP Happy Hour
5:30 p.m. General Entry & Networking
6–7:30 p.m. Philly Awards
Categories
Submissions for the 2026 Philly Awards are now open!
Submit your entries and pay here.
Early Bird Deadline – Thursday, August 20
Final Submission Deadline – Thursday, September 3
Before submitting your organization's entry/entries, review these helpful resources:
Gold and Silver awards will be presented across 13 categories, with winners announced during the Philly Awards celebration on November 12. We invite nonprofits, creative agencies and freelancers to submit their best work for review by a panel of marketing and communications professionals.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Every day, nonprofits perform incredible work that makes Kansas City a better place to live and work. By sponsoring the Philly Awards, you directly support these organizations while empowering Nonprofit Connect to provide the vital resources they need to thrive. Click here to explore sponsorship opportunities and benefits.
Sponsorship Levels
Presenting Sponsor: $5,000 (One Available)
Gold Sponsor: $2,500 (Five Available)
Silver Sponsor: $1,500 (Eight Available)
Company Cocktail Table Sponsor: $750
Nonprofit Cocktail Table Sponsor: $500
Become a Judge
Help recognize the year's best nonprofit marketing, communications and fundraising work. Judges review submissions, share their expertise and help select this year's Philly Award winners.
Applications are open through Friday, August 21.
Apply to become a judge →
Presenting Sponsor
Past Philly Award Winners
We've celebrated the Philly Awards for twenty-two years. Browse the winning entries from past years.
2026 Philly Awards Committee
Jennie Andra (Co-chair)
Melissa Molloy (Co-chair)
Karen Cutliff
Roxane Hill
Lacey Helmig
Braden Pedersen
Blake Peery
Sarah Sikich
Questions
For questions about the Philly Awards, please contact events@npconnect.org.
