Forty Under 40®

Applications for the 2025 Forty Under 40 program are now closed. Recipients will be announced in October 2025.

Are you a trailblazer, an innovator, a change-maker? Have you achieved remarkable success for yourself and your organization before the age of 40? If so, it's time to step into the spotlight, let your achievements shine, and inspire future generations of association management leaders! 

The Forty Under 40 Program is calling upon exceptional individuals like you to apply and be part of an exclusive community that celebrates brilliance, leadership, and impact.

View eligibility, requirements, tips, and application questions below. 

🗒️ The 2025 application cycle is July 1 - Aug. 31.

Why Participate in the Forty Under 40 Program?

Applying for the Forty Under 40 program opens doors and showcases your achievements and dedication to personal and professional growth. Here are a few key motivations: 

• Recognition & Prestige: Being selected for this prestigious accolade signifies your accomplishments, leadership, and impact have been acknowledged by the association community and your peers bringing a heightened visibility and enhancing your professional reputation. 
  
  
• Expand Your Network: Connect with high-achieving professionals, future association leaders, and potential collaborators to build a strong network of peers for knowledge exchange and ongoing support throughout your career journey. 
  
  
• Inspirational Influence: As a recognized Forty Under 40 recipient, you become a source of inspiration for aspiring professionals. Your journey, achievements, and challenges you've overcome can motivate others to aim higher, embrace innovation, and pursue their goals with determination. 
  
  
• Personal & Professional Development: The rigorous application process encourages self-reflection, introspection, and self-assessment. Reflection and articulation of successes and aspirations can contribute to personal growth, self-confidence, and the ability to express your unique value proposition which can act as a catalyst for professional development and career advancement. 

Ultimately, participating in the Forty Under 40 program offers a chance to elevate your profile, connect with peers, celebrate your achievements, and inspire future generations. Don't wait, seize your chance to gain industry recognition and propel your career! 

Application Criteria

Who Should Apply: 

• 3+ years of employment at a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6), or association management* company.
• Current employment at a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6), or association management* company.
• Plan to continue in roles that aid the future of the association and nonprofit community.
• Exhibit characteristics that demonstrate continued success and leadership skills.
• Previous applicants are encouraged to re-apply. Previous recipients of a Forty Under 40® are not eligible.
• Under the age of 40 as of Dec. 3, 2025.

Application Requirements:

• A current resume
• Two letters of recommendation on organization/company letterhead. Letters should include individuals who can support your application for the award. Recommendations can come from anyone; they don't need to be from the same organization/company.
• A copy of a valid ID (for age verification).
• Application fee of $49 for non-members is due at the time of submission. The application is free for members. Join here!  

Application Questions:

• Describe how you became interested in associations/nonprofits and who/what has influenced you along the way. (150-200 words)
• Provide at least one example of how you have contributed to your current company or organization's growth, innovation, or profitability over the past 12 months. (150-200 words) 
• Explain any professional accomplishments that you feel are relevant to your application for this award. Consider including contributions to the industry through thought leadership and/or volunteering as well as list any honors or awards you have received. (150-200 words)
• What personal, non-work-related achievement have you accomplished? (150-200 words) 
• (Optional) Include any additional information or unique circumstances you feel will enhance your application. (150-200 words)

Application Fees:

•  Members = $0
•  Non-members = $49

Five tips to submit a successful application:

1.    Read the criteria for the award carefully. 

2.    Ensure recommendation letters address the specific criteria for the honor. All recommendation letters should explicitly explain the importance of the applicant’s accomplishments relevant to the award. 

3.    Provide a complete overview of the applicant’s commitment to the association profession. Highlight the unique elements of the applicant’s accomplishments and leadership roles.

4.    Present the supporting evidence in the application and recommendation letters in a way that educates or informs the committee members about the applicant and the applicant's professional contributions.

5.    If at first you don’t succeed, resubmit! The pool of applicants can be competitive. As long as your nominee meets the criteria, review and update the submission for the following cycle and resubmit.

Questions? Please contact awards@associationforum.org with any questions.

*An association management company specializes in providing a host of management services for association clients. Services include professional staff, administrative support, technology, and equipment an association needs to operate efficiently. An association management company typically manages several associations from one company location, providing a wide range of benefits.