Submit Your Nominations for the 2025 Raise Awards
Annual Awards Honor Innovative Fundraising and Inspiring Stories
OneCause, a pioneer in digital fundraising technology, invites nominations for the 2025 Raise Awards. This prestigious event honors nonprofits that ignite generosity in innovative ways and celebrates the dedicated fundraisers who inspire communities and spearhead significant change.
Steve Johns, the CEO of OneCause, expressed his enthusiasm for acknowledging the remarkable efforts of nonprofits and their supporters. "Fundraising transcends monetary achievements; it's about forging connections, creating opportunities, and driving transformative change. The Raise Awards highlight those individuals and organizations that contribute positively to our society through their innovative approaches and unwavering commitment," he noted.
A Look at the Award Categories
The Raise Awards feature three main categories to honor exemplary achievements in the nonprofit sector:
Innovative Nonprofit of the Year
This category recognizes nonprofits that showcase creativity and fresh ideas, engaging supporters in meaningful ways.
Storyteller of the Year
Honoring excellence in narrative sharing, this award recognizes compelling storytelling that impacts fundraising efforts and inspires generosity.
Fundraisers of the Year
This award acknowledges outstanding individuals who embody their organization’s mission and elevate the donor experience through their dedication and hard work.
Reflecting on Past Achievements
The previous year's awards celebrated remarkable creativity, community involvement, and transformative leadership in fundraising efforts. Royce Sparks, director of communications and philanthropy at Intermountain Centers for Human Development, shared thoughts on the previous recipient Paul O'Rourke: "His recognition at the 2024 Raise Awards was a testament to his passion and dedication to making a difference. Fundraising at its core unites people for a common cause, and these awards celebrate that collaborative spirit while inspiring future initiatives. We need this energy now more than ever."
The 2024 Raise Award winners included:
- Innovative Nonprofits of the Year: Madison Reading Project and Safe Harbor Center
- Storytellers of the Year: MEC Disabilities and Team IMPACT
- Fundraisers of the Year: Danny Mendoza with Foster Love, Lisa Buchs with Calvary Women's Services, and Paul O'Rourke with Intermountain Centers for Human Development
How to Nominate
Nominations for the Raise Awards are open until 11:59 p.m. on June 6, 2025. The process is free, encouraging participation from individuals and nonprofits of all sizes. Their submissions will be evaluated by a committee of nonprofit professionals and industry experts. They will assess the achievements, campaigns, and events that occurred in the previous year.
Winners will receive generous donations to support their missions: $2,500 for winners of Innovative Nonprofit of the Year and Storyteller of the Year, and $500 for individual Fundraisers of the Year.
Recognition at the Raise Conference
Honorees will be celebrated during a special awards reception at the Raise 2025 conference. This event promises to be a memorable occasion for all involved and will take place along the prestigious River Walk.
About OneCause
OneCause is revolutionizing the fundraising landscape with user-friendly digital solutions that enhance the giving experience and increase the effectiveness of fundraising efforts. Since its inception in 2008, OneCause has empowered over 14,000 nonprofits across North America to raise nearly $8 billion for their causes. Their commitment to innovation drives them to bring together nonprofit professionals for knowledge exchange and growth during the annual Raise Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 2025 Raise Awards?
The 2025 Raise Awards are presented by OneCause to honor innovative nonprofits and exceptional fundraisers who change lives through their work.
Who can be nominated for the Raise Awards?
Nominations are open to nonprofits of all sizes as well as individual fundraisers dedicated to their causes.
When is the nomination deadline?
Nominations close at 11:59 p.m. on June 6, 2025.
What are the benefits for the winners?
Winners will receive direct donations to support their missions—$2,500 for Innovative Nonprofit of the Year and Storyteller of the Year, and $500 for individual Fundraisers of the Year.
Where will the award ceremony take place?
The award ceremony will be held at the Raise 2025 conference along the iconic River Walk.
