2025 Raise® Awards Now Accepting Nonprofit Nominations

Annual Awards Recognize Fundraising Innovation, Bold Ideas, and Powerful Storytelling

INDIANAPOLIS, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OneCause, a leading provider of digital fundraising technology and host of the Raise fundraising conference, has opened nominations for the 2025 Raise Awards. The Raise Awards recognize outstanding nonprofits that spark generosity in new ways and the unstoppable fundraisers who inspire supporters, rally communities, and drive real change for their causes.

"We're honored to celebrate the incredible work of nonprofits and fundraisers each year through the Raise Awards," said Steve Johns, chief executive officer for OneCause. "Fundraising isn't just about dollars raised—it's about creating opportunities, building connections, and making change happen. The Raise Awards shine a light on the people and organizations who create impact through innovation and dedication. It's a privilege to recognize the fearless changemakers who are building better tomorrows for all of us."

• Innovative Nonprofit of the Year: Recognizing organizations that bring creativity and fresh ideas to fundraising, engaging supporters in new and meaningful ways.
• Storyteller of the Year: Honoring excellence in sharing mission and impact through compelling narratives, branding, and campaigns that inspire giving.
• Fundraisers of the Year: Recognizing individuals who live out their organization's mission, elevate the donor experience, and go above and beyond to drive impact.

Last year's awards highlighted creative community engagement, the power of authentic storytelling, and transformative leadership in fundraising:

"It was an honor that Paul O'Rourke was recognized as a 2024 Raise Award winner for doing work that he truly loves," said Royce Sparks, director of communications and philanthropy at Intermountain Centers for Human Development. "At its core, fundraising is about bringing people together to make a difference. The Raise Awards celebrate that collective impact, and I'm continually inspired by the creativity and dedication of the nonprofit fundraisers who are transforming lives every day. This type of community engagement is needed 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

Nomination Process

Raise Awards nominations are being accepted online through 11:59 p.m. on June 6, 2025, at: https://raise.onecause.com/awards/.

There is no cost to submit for the awards, which are open to individual fundraisers and nonprofits of all sizes. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee of nonprofit professionals and industry experts, evaluating achievements, campaigns, and events from March 2024 through March 2025.

Winners will receive cash donations to further their missions—$2,500 for Innovative Nonprofit of the Year and Storyteller of the Year winners, and $500 for individual Fundraisers of the Year.

Honorees will be recognized at a special awards reception at Raise 2025, which will be held September 8-9 in San Antonio, Texas, along the iconic River Walk.

About OneCause 

OneCause is driving the future of fundraising with easy-to-use digital fundraising solutions that help nonprofits improve the giving experience and raise more money. OneCause builds technology that optimizes everyday generosity, making it easier for nonprofit organizations to fundraise and for nonprofit supporters to give. Since 2008, OneCause has helped over 14,000 nonprofits in the United States and Canada raise $8 billion for their missions. Headquartered in Indianapolis, OneCause is committed to driving innovation in the charitable sector, bringing together nonprofit professionals across the world for the annual Raise Conference to exchange ideas that further fundraising. For more information, visit www.onecause.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

SOURCE OneCause