At the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation, we’ve worked hard to ensure our annual Invest in Others Awards program stands apart. There’s no fee or financial requirement to be considered and the award recipients, finalists and honorable mentions are identified after careful judging with a focus on a transparent process.
The Judging Process
First, Invest in Others has an unbiased third-party review all completed applications and narrows it down to the top submissions. That ensures fairness, transparency, and credibility in the selection process, reinforcing that honorees are chosen solely based on the merit and impact of their work.
Next, top nominations per category are forwarded as “blind” submissions to a diverse judging committee of industry professionals with no sponsor affiliation, with the nominee’s name, firm name, and broker-dealer/custodian removed. The nominees’ entry information is not given to anyone outside of Invest in Others and the judging committee will receive only the information necessary to effectively evaluate the candidate. That means Invest in Others’ awards are truly earned, through careful evaluation of meaningful, hands-on impact in communities across the country.
Merit-Based Recognition that’s Free to Nominate, Priceless to Win
The Invest in Others Awards are completely free to enter and recognize financial advisors who are nominated by their peers, community members, and industry leaders. Every year, we invite firms, colleagues, nonprofits, and clients to nominate financial advisors who are dedicating their time, talent, and resources to causes that matter, whether it’s mentoring youth, fighting hunger, supporting veterans, advancing health equity, or any number of charitable missions. The work these advisors do is authentic and impactful, and their recognition should be too.
Alongside the recognition, Invest in Others provides $25,000 grants in honor of each finalist to support their designated charities. This financial support increases to $60,000 grants for each recipient named in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year award categories, and to a $100,000 grant for the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Honorable Mentions recipients receive $2,000 for their charities. It’s a great way to support the nonprofits and missions financial advisors care about!
An Invest in Others Award is priceless to receive because it recognizes not just professional excellence, but the meaningful, often life-changing impact a financial advisor has made in their community, honoring their compassion, leadership, and dedication in front of the industry.
“Only the Invest in Others Awards recognizes the charitable efforts and community impact of financial advisors. These advisors are deeply committed to improving the lives of countless individuals all while balancing the demands of their full-time careers,” said 2025 judge Marianne Rivera, Publisher, Wealthmanagement.com/Informa Connect.
What Makes Our Awards Different
Because there’s no financial barrier to entry, the Invest in Others Awards attract a diverse, genuinely inspiring pool of nominees from across the financial services industry. The integrity of the process is paramount. Nominations are carefully reviewed and evaluated by an independent judging panel full of representatives from recognizable companies, industry associations, media outlets, and industry influencers. (You can meet this year’s judging panel here!)
That means that the stories we spotlight and the advisors we celebrate are selected solely for the good they’ve done in the world. And when honorees are announced, the recognition they receive resonates throughout the industry in a powerful, authentic way. Their stories inspire others to get involved, give back, and use their platforms for positive change.
2025 Invest in Others Awards judge Rickie Taylor, Vice President of National Accounts, CEP Consultants, shared what makes the Invest in Others Awards stand out from other recognition programs in the financial services industry.
“This award recognizes financial advisors who go beyond their professional responsibilities and contribute selflessly to causes greater than themselves. While many enter the profession seeking financial success and improved quality of life for themselves and their families, those who dedicate their time and efforts as volunteers demonstrate exceptional compassion and empathy for individuals with fewer resources. The Invest in Others Awards highlight the genuine passion and commitment these advisors show towards their communities, underscoring their efforts to make a meaningful impact.”
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
At a time when trust and authenticity are more important than ever, we believe the Invest in Others Awards help shine a light on the very best of what the financial services industry can be. These are not just awards, they’re an opportunity to amplify impact, elevate values-driven leadership, and build a stronger, more compassionate profession.
These awards shine a spotlight not just on professional success, but on personal purpose. What sets them apart is the integrity of the process. Judging is independent and blind, with a focus on real impact. They celebrate advisors who are truly making a difference.
2025 judge Kevin Keller, CAE, CEO, CFP Board shared his thoughts about the qualities or achievements judges look for when evaluating nominees.
“I look for heart, commitment and impact. I look for advisors who are deeply engaged in causes, driving change and bringing people together in meaningful ways. Financial planning is a helping profession, and that spirit of service often extends far beyond the client-advisor relationship.”
We also asked him if he was particularly moved or inspired by any of the stories reviewed.
“One nominee helped launch a clean water initiative in East Africa that now provides safe drinking water to thousands of people. He also champions a girls’ rescue center that protects young women from abuse and forced marriage. The depth of commitment and impact in stories like this is incredibly moving,” he said.
2025 Judge Marianne Rivera had a nominee stand out as well, “Every year I’m inspired by advisors who, despite facing personal challenges like a loved one battling cancer or other major illness, pour their heart and soul into their not-for-profit organization to spare others from experiencing the same pain. This year, one advisor hosted a wine dinner event in their home that raised an additional $120,000…that’s impressive!”
2025 judge LeeAnn Roy, Editorial Associate, Advisorpedia, also weighed in, “Participating in judging shapes my view of the financial services industry by helping me see the people behind the advisory titles. It is easy to get lost in performance numbers, AUM, and focusing on career growth. Participating in judging helps me see the personal growth many advisors go through. In my view, for a financial advisor to be recognized through this platform, it means that the advisor gets to shine a bigger light on their charity, while being recognized for their achievements from within the financial advisor community.”
If you know a financial advisor who is making a difference through charitable work, keep them on the radar for next year when the call for nominations goes out. It’s cost free and it’s meaningful… and it just might help your nominee’s philanthropic story spark the next wave of change!
Learn more at investinothers.org/awards.
