Recognizing the Best: MAXI Awards and the New Creative MAXIs!
Access the MAXI Awards submission platform following the link above.
Celebrating Excellence in Direct Marketing & Fundraising
The MAXI Awards return in 2026 to honor the most innovative, strategic, and impactful work across the direct marketing and nonprofit fundraising community. Each year, the MAXIs recognize campaigns that push boundaries, deliver results, and set new standards for excellence.
Whether you’re an agency, brand, nonprofit, or partner, MAXI Awards 2026 is your opportunity to showcase your best work and be recognized by industry peers.
MAXI Awards 2026 Timeline:
February 2, 2026
MAXI Awards 2026 Kickoff
Submissions officially open and the 2026 MAXI Awards season begins.
Ready to Enter?
Submit your MAXI Awards entry here.
February 2026 (Date TBA)
MAXI Submission Webinar
Join us for an informational webinar covering categories, judging criteria, and submission best practices.
April 3, 2026
Submission Deadline
All entries must be submitted by this date to be eligible for consideration.
April 22 – May 6, 2026
Judging Period
Entries will be reviewed and scored by a panel of industry professionals.
October 2, 2026
MAXI Awards Ceremony
Celebrate excellence with peers and industry leaders at the MAXI Awards Ceremony.
Why Enter the MAXI Awards?
- Gain recognition for your team’s creativity, strategy, and results.
- Showcase your work to industry leaders and peers.
- Celebrate excellence across direct marketing and nonprofit fundraising.
- Be part of DMAW’s premier awards program.
Additional details, including categories, eligibility, entry fees, and webinar registration, will be announced soon.
Questions about the MAXI Awards?
Contact Prentice Bell at Prentice@dmaw.org
Save the date!
Mark your calendar now and plan to join us in person to celebrate these remarkable achievements in 2026!
2026 MAXI Awards Luncheon
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 11:30 AM
National Housing Center
1201 15th Street NW, Washington, DC
During the 2025 MAXI Awards Ceremony, the best in direct response marketing and fundraising were honored with Gold, Silver, and Bronze MAXI Awards – recognizing campaigns that delivered exceptional strategy, creativity, and measurable impact. Click here for the complete list of winners and see who received best-in-class honors.
Plus, congratulations to the winners of the Creative MAXIs – as voted for onsite by attendees:
Digital Dynamo Award – K2D Strategies, Save the Redwoods League, Trail Mix & Match
Stamp of Excellence Award – MKDM, Ellis Island Museum Reimagined, Acquisition #1
Omni Wow Award – TrueSense Marketing, Freestore Duck Regatta, Multi-Channel Campaign
Announcing the 2025 MAXI Award Winners!
We are thrilled to announce and congratulate all the winners of the 2025 MAXI Awards!
Click below to view the full list of this year’s outstanding Gold, Silver, and Bronze award recipients:
What was new in 2025? Creative MAXI Categories & Live Voting!
2025 marked the exciting debut of the Creative MAXI Awards, honoring visual and creative excellence in three dynamic categories:
Digital Dynamo Award (Creative Digital)
Stamp of Excellence Award (Creative Direct Mail)
Omni WOW Award (Creative Multi-Channel)
Check out the DMAW MAXI CREATIVE FINALISTS!
During the MAXI Awards Ceremony, attendees viewed the finalist campaigns up close and cast their votes live to determine the winners of each Creative MAXI category. Their vote helped shine a spotlight on the campaigns that were most inspiring!
A Big Thank You to Our Judges and Entrants
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the 75+ volunteer judges from across the country who generously gave their time to participate in two days of virtual judging. Special thanks also go to our senior judges, who certified the scoring and confirmed the 2025 award winners.
To everyone who entered the 2025 competition: Thank You! Your dedication to marketing strategy, innovation, and creative excellence continues to elevate our entire industry.
Save the date! Be there to celebrate and vote!
Friday, October 2, 2026
National Housing Center, Washington, DC
Come celebrate the vision, talent, and results behind the most effective marketing campaigns of the year. We hope to see you there! Registration to open Spring 2026.
Thank You To Our 2025 MAXI Partners!
