Lauren Trujillo, SB Public Library Foundation, others, honored at National Philanthropy Day

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Chapter, is proud to announce the honorees for this year’s National Philanthropy Day® Celebration, taking place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Oxnard Levity Live. National Philanthropy Day (NPD), introduced locally in 1987, is a special occasion to acknowledge the transformative power of giving and to celebrate the exceptional individuals whose generosity and service have made a lasting impact in our community.

2025 National Philanthropy Day Honorees:

• Philanthropist of the Year: Santa Barbara – Sarah Berkus Gower
• Philanthropist of the Year: Ventura County – Ojai Women’s Fund
• Volunteer of the Year: Santa Barbara – Dan Lillard
• Volunteer of the Year: Ventura County – Madhu Bajaj
• Professional Fundraiser of the Year – Lauren Trujillo, SB Public Library Foundation
• Youth in Philanthropy – Youth Arts Leadership Academy (YALA), TOArts
• Champion for Social Justice – Nyeland Promise

The Chapter’s Presenting Sponsor for the event is the Santa Barbara Foundation. Other sponsors include the PNC Bank and Fielding Graduate University. Elena Nicklasson, The Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Chapter Board President, remarked, “National Philanthropy Day is more than a celebration—it is a reminder of the extraordinary ways generosity shapes our community. This year’s honorees embody the very best of what it means to give: they lift others, strengthen organizations, and ignite lasting change. By recognizing their leadership, we honor their impact and also the spirit of philanthropy that calls each of us to contribute to a better, more vibrant future.”

Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available at https://community.afpnet.org/afpsbv/events/npd

The Association of Fundraising Professionals The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents more than 27,000 members worldwide working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs. The Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Chapter supports development professionals and the nonprofit community through networking, professional development, and recognition of excellence in fundraising. To learn more: https://community.afpnet.org/afpsbv/aboutus/ourchapter