aasp Aspire Awards

Why Aspire?

Aspire Awards logo

As Advancement Services professionals, we work hard to ensure that our organizations are in alignment with professional best practices. But every best practice begins as an idea - an aspiration. Every day we innovate and adapt to ever-changing conditions, climates, and characteristics of fundraising and non-profit operations. And advancement services professionals are invariably at the forefront of those changes -- yet often work behind the scenes. That is why aasp developed the Aspire Awards program -- the only member awards program dedicated exclusively to celebrating the work of Advancement Services professionals.

Aspire Awards recognize and acknowledge the contributions to and achievements of advancement services professionals, and teams who are trailblazing in search of solutions that will resolve some of the most complex challenges facing the advancement services industry.

Winners of the 2023 Aspire Awards were announced at our 2023 Summit in Chicago, IL. Learn more about last year's winners.
 

The 2024 submission period has closed. Thank you for your submissions!

Please note your submission details, including screenshots and data, may be used in a public display at aasp Summit.

Award Levels

Diamond Aspire Awards

Recognition of outstanding achievement

  • One per category
  • Highest level of excellence

Sapphire Aspire Awards

Recognition of achievement or excellence

  • Up to three per category


Disclaimer: The judges each year reserve the right not to award any level in any given year if, in their judgment, no submission meets or exceeds the criteria set forth for the award. Submission of materials for consideration does not guarantee receipt of an award. The decision of the judges is final with authorization by the aasp Board.

Categories 

Technology & Innovation

Technology & Innovation*

Organizational Development

Organizational Development

Prospect Development

Prospect Development

Gift Administration & Data Services

Gift Administration & Data Services

Donor Relations & Stewardship

Donor Relations & Stewardship

Partnership

Partnership

 

Programs or projects for each must be conceived of and implemented for a specific need, problem, or challenge.

*Program or project must demonstrate an innovative solution utilizing today's technology to answer one of the profession's most complex problems. Additional consideration may be given to the development of a new technology that offers professional solutions to advancement services workforce development or delivery. Technology may not be part of a commercial or monetized product that is patented and/or licensed, nor can it be held with exclusive and/or exclusionary rights.

 Award Eligibility

  1. Entry is open to aasp members only. Become a member!

  2. Each submission should feature original work, projects, programs, or initiatives.

  3. Each submission must be from a member or member institution. Collaborations between institutions or institutions and external vendors/consultants/companies are permitted, however, the project lead must be a member or member institution.

 Learn More about Award Criteria

Poster Requirements

All award winners will have a poster created and shared outside the Vendor Marketplace, creating an opportunity to highlight your work in a more public way. Please note the requirement for posters:

  • aasp Logo
  • Award Received
  • Winning Org Logo
  • Title of Submission
  • Summary (paragraph)
  • Quote from Juror/Quote from winner (use winner quote for social media)
  • Contact Information to learn more
  • Visual from Submission
  • Color Code or Symbol to denote category