2025 Nonprofit Connect Awards Celebration

The Awards Celebration is Nonprofit Connect’s signature event and Kansas City's oldest and largest celebration of nonprofit excellence. Now in its 41st year, this event has honored nearly 350 nonprofit leaders, organizations, and business owners for their contributions to the community.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Each day, nonprofit organizations perform tremendous acts of service that make Kansas City a better place to work and live. By sponsoring the Awards Celebration, you not only advocate for these organizations, but allow Nonprofit Connect to provide resources to help them fulfill their mission. View the sponsorship levels below or CLICK HERE for a printable version.

For questions regarding sponsorships for the 2025 Awards Celebration please contact events@npconnect.org.

Available Sponsorship Levels

Presenting Sponsor — $20,000
Platinum Sponsor — $10,000
Gold Sponsor — $5,000
Silver Sponsor — $3,500
Bronze Sponsor — $2,500
Table of Eight — $1,000
Half/Full Program Booklet Sponsor — $250/$500
Event Champion Ticket — $350
Individual Ticket — $120

Nominations for the 2025 Nonprofit Connect Awards Celebration have closed.

Nonprofit Connect is proud to celebrate the nonprofit professionals and organizations who perform tremendous acts of service in our community, as well as the individuals and entities who advocate for them. Honorees for the Awards Celebration are listed below.

The categories for the 2025 Awards Celebration are:

Persevering Advocate

Presented to an individual*.
Demonstrated an outstanding commitment to champion a nonprofit organization.
Exhibited support for the organization through personal leadership and service.

* Note: Designation of primary role (i.e. executive director, nonprofit staff member, board member, volunteer) will be requested on the nomination form. We welcome and encourage nominations of individuals in ANY role.

Equity In Action

Presented to a nonprofit organization
Exhibits an outstanding commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Continues to foster an inclusive culture.

Nonprofit Catalyst

Presented to two nonprofit professionals (one executive, one staff member).
Demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their organization.
Used exceptional leadership and / or teamwork skills to find solutions to relevant issues.

Stronger Together

Presented to a nonprofit organization and another entity (i.e. business, foundation, government agency or nonprofit).
Achieved greater results in service to the community through combined resources than one entity could have achieved on its own.

Excellence In Impact

Presented to two nonprofit organizations (one large, one small).
Found creative and inclusive solutions to expand their programs or provide additional services to their community.
Demonstrated resourcefulness and determination to continue mission fulfillment.

2025 Honorees

Equity in Action
Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care - Represented by David Wiley

Stronger Together
Northeast Community Center-Home of Harmony Project KC and The Greater KC Hispanic Development Fund - Represented by Kyla Pitts-Zevin and John Kearney

Nonprofit Catalyst (Staff Member - Small Organization)
Kathryn Walker - ARTS KC

Nonprofit Catalyst (Staff Member- Large Organization)
Gloria Jackson-Leathers - Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Nonprofit Catalyst (Executive-Small Organization)
Bobbi Jo Reed - Healing House KC

Nonprofit Catalyst (Executive – Large Organization)
Robin Winner & Dennis Meier - Synergy Services

Excellence in Impact
Great Jobs KC - Represented by Earl Martin Phalen

Persevering Advocate
Teresa & Tom Walsh - HNC Living Foundation