Several Kenyans and organisations were among those who were honoured with the East Africa Philanthropy Awards (EAPA).
EAPA is awarded in recognition of individuals and organisations whose philanthropic endeavours have left an indelible mark on society.
The philanthropic acts that the awards seek out vary in scale and form.
Some have saved lives, brought smiles to faces, instilled hope in times of despair and others have been pivotal in paving the way for the lifetime success of figures, locally, regionally and internationally.
Among those who were feted include Olivia Nalwadda, who received the award for Pioneering Youth Leadership in Philanthropy, Edith Murogo, recipient of the award for Exceptional Philanthropy, Love Binti International was honoured with the EAPA Jury’s Choice Award, Vice Versa Global secured the East Africa Advocate for Giving Practice (Media) Award and Our Sister’s Opportunity won the East Africa Sustainable Impact Investment Award.
Others are KCB Foundation who clinched the East Africa Business for Good Award and AGAR Ethiopia and ECCT who won the East Africa Champion of Communities Award.
The awards seek to embolden the testament of the transformative power of giving and therefore inspire others to follow suit.
The inaugural EAPA in 2012 marked a pivotal moment. The EAPN honoured the region’s changemakers and influential voices at the annual East Africa Grantmakers Conference, now known as the East Africa Philanthropy Conference.
Since then, subsequent editions of the Awards have continued to celebrate philanthropy in its various forms, recognising outstanding contributions in categories such as youth philanthropy, corporate philanthropy, community philanthropy, faith-based philanthropy and the esteemed Jury award category.
Among the categories awarded by EAPA include the Digital and Innovative Philanthropy Award, which recognises organizations or individuals who have effectively leveraged digital platforms and innovative methods to advance philanthropic initiatives.
It celebrates creativity and the use of technology in driving awareness, raising funds and mobilising communities for social causes.
Others are Sustainable Impact Investment Award that honours entities which make investments aimed at generating both financial returns and positive social or environmental impacts.
It recognizes efforts dedicated to environmental sustainability and climate action, celebrating initiatives focused on protecting natural resources, promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints.
Others are the Community Empowerment Award, which acknowledges initiatives that empower local communities through education, health, economic opportunities, and capacity-building and the Youth Leadership in Philanthropy Award that honours leaders under the age of 35.
Also awarded was the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Excellence Award, which honours businesses with exemplary CSR programmes that have made a positive impact on society.
Advocate for Giving Practice (Media Award) recognises outstanding reporting and coverage of philanthropic actions in the region, Philanthropy Lifetime Award which honours visionary leaders and philanthropists who have made extraordinary contributions to the community and the development of philanthropy in East Africa.
Jury’s Choice Award is awarded in special recognition determined by the jury for exceptional philanthropic contributions.