NAPFA Awards Program Criteria

Robert J. Underwood Distinguished Service Award

The Robert J. Underwood Distinguished Service Award is presented for outstanding service to the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) or the advancement of the practice of Fee-Only financial planning by an individual association or professional staff member. This award has been presented for exceptional, long-term service to NAPFA, primarily through committee service or other similar contributions. "Unsung hero" or "above and beyond the call of duty" are two ways to describe past recipients.

Potential recipients: NAPFA member or staff.

Criteria Considered by the Awards Committee

Contributions that significantly and consistently impact NAPFA and/or the advancement of the profession through service to the Association.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to serve as a teacher or formal/ informal mentor to other professionals.
Demonstrated leadership commitment and involvement in NAPFA.

These contributions may be a single act or a cumulative performance. Significance will be measured by a positive impact on practitioners, consumers, or the profession as a whole. The effort exerted by the candidate will also be considered.

Nomination process: Nominations will be solicited from the membership through multiple communications channels. The nomination should identify the specific act(s) or performance for which the award is recommended, as well as a brief description of its impact.

Selection process: A committee of three individuals will select from nominees submitted by the membership and the Board.

The Distinguished Service Award will be made in conjunction with one of NAPFA’s National Conferences.

The award does not have to be granted every year.

Click here for Nomination Form

NAPFA Special Achievement Award

The NAPFA Special Achievement Award is presented for significant contribution(s) that greatly enhances Fee-Only financial advisors, the profession of providing financial consulting services, or helps educate consumers on the benefits of having a comprehensive financial plan and working with a highly qualified financial advisor by a non-member. This award has been presented for exceptional, long-term service to the profession or public.

Potential recipients: Non-NAPFA member (journalist, state or national politician, government employee, etc.)

Criteria Considered by the Awards Committee:

Contributions that greatly enhance Fee-Only financial advisors, the profession of providing financial consulting services, or helps educate consumers on the benefits of comprehensive financial planning and working with a highly qualified financial advisor.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to serve as an advocate, educator or storyteller for the profession or public.
Demonstrated leadership commitment and involvement in issues related to consumer protection, financial planning, education or literacy.

Selection process: A committee of three individuals will select from nominees submitted by the membership and the Board.

The NAPFA Special Achievement Award does not need to be given annually, but rather only given in years when someone truly deserves due to his or her contributions. The award will be made in conjunction with one of the National Conferences.

Click here for Nomination Form

NAPFA Inspiring Leader Award

The NAPFA Inspiring Leader Award is presented to a member who has established a record of encouraging, motivating and engaging others in reaching their full professional potential under the auspices of the Association. This award has been presented for exceptional, long-term, service to NAPFA, primarily as a teacher, mentor or coach.

Potential Recipients: NAPFA member

Criteria Considered by the Awards & Recognition Committee

Demonstrated support and encouragement of other Fee-only professionals to participate in NAPFA as an avenue to professional achievement.
Develops peers and encourages colleagues through coaching or mentorship.
Serves as a role model throughout the association.
Active member of NAPFA and involvement in activities of the association.

These contributions may be a single act or a cumulative performance. Significance will be measured by a positive impact on the organization and individual members. The effort exerted by the candidate will also be considered.

Selection process: A committee of three individuals will select from nominees submitted by the membership and the Board.

The NAPFA Inspiring Leader Award will be made in conjunction with one of the National Conferences.

The award does not have to be granted every year.

Click here for Nomination Form

NAPFA New Professional Award

The NAPFA New Professional Award is designed to recognize the achievements and contributions to the profession of young practitioner members of the Association. It may be presented to a member who has made outstanding contributions in their professional and volunteer roles.

Potential Recipients: NAPFA member under the age of 35 (as of September 1, 2019)

Criteria Considered by the Awards & Recognition Committee

Outstanding and creative approaches to problem solving within the financial planning profession.
Demonstrated positive impact on their firm and/or the profession.
Serves as a role model for other young practitioners and students.
Active member of NAPFA and involvement in activities of the association.

These contributions may be a single act or a cumulative performance. Significance will be measured by a positive impact on the nominees firm or the profession.

Selection process: A committee of three individuals will select from nominees submitted by the membership and the Board.

The NAPFA New Professional Award will be made in conjunction with one of the National Conferences.

The award does not have to be granted every year.

Click here for Nomination Form

NCEF Pro Bono Service Award

The NAPFA Consumer Education Pro Bono Service Award recognizes the community service work of NAPFA members who have contributed their time and financial planning expertise to helping those in need achieve positive financial outcomes in the future. This award is presented to a planner or financial planning firm in recognition of their significant pro bono contributions to a nonprofit organization, social services agency or directly to individuals through their own firm.

Potential recipients: NAPFA members or their firms

Criteria Considered by NCEF - Award winners will be selected based on the following criteria:

Scope:

o How many volunteer hours were provided and/or the number of individuals served?

o When did the service begin, how long did it take, and how often does it occur?

o What level of commitment did the nominee demonstrate to their pro bono engagement?

Impact:

o How has the nominee influenced the lives of the recipients of the pro bono services?

o Has the nominee been recognized by others as being dedicated to achieving desired outcomes through their contribution of pro bono volunteer service?

o What would the recipients of the service(s) say about the nominee?

Additional eligibility guidelines:

Volunteer involvement must be current and ongoing as of the last 12 months.
Activities must have included pro bono financial advice and guidance, preferably one-on-one for underserved populations, (e.g., low income, social service agency clients, military personnel/veterans and families, individuals in a crisis situation such as domestic violence survivors, people affected by a natural disaster, college students, serious medical diagnosis, bankruptcy, etc.).

Selection process: A committee will select from nominees submitted by the membership.

The Award will be presented in conjunction with one of NAPFA’s National Conferences. Multiple nominees maybe recognized annually, but the award does not have to be granted every year.

Click here for Nomination Form