AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy Impact Statement

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy champions philanthropy and volunteerism by developing the nonprofit sector’s current and future leaders, welcoming diverse new voices into the charitable world and rigorously upholding the highest standards of ethics.

Leadership Development 

Chamberlain Scholarship Program

In 2024, 105 Chamberlain Scholars attended AFP ICON. Since the program began in the year 2000, we have awarded 2,845 Chamberlain Scholarships.

Diversity Communities Scholarship Program

In 2024, 26 Diverse Communities Scholarships were awarded to attend AFP ICON. That makes 257 since the program began in 2012.

Collegiate Scholarship Program

In 2024, 14 collegiate scholars attended AFP ICON or LEAD through the generosity of the Marjorie K. and Stephen M. Levy Philanthropic Professional Education Fund. A total of 126 scholars have been awarded through this fund since 2017.

Women’s Impact Initiative

Through the AFP/Alford Group Women’s Mentoring and Leadership Development Program 9 scholarships were provided to ICON 2024. 

Blackbaud Diversity Fund 

The Foundation for Philanthropy’s ongoing partnership with Blackbaud, and our shared commitment to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) has led to the creation of the Blackbaud Diversity Fund. The fund offers diversity-based scholarships for both ICON and LEAD. In 2024, 24 scholarships were awarded to ICON and 40 have been awarded to LEAD. 

Since its inception, the fund has provided more than 284 scholarships to fundraising professionals from diverse backgrounds.

AFP LEAD

AFP LEAD held in St. Louis, MO on October 16–18, 2024 is brought to you by the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy and provides relevant training on leadership development for fundraising professionals that helps them move into senior positions in the nonprofit sector.
 

“It was a great experience of fellowship and camaraderie among fundraising professionals from all over the world as well as with my own team. Engaging in conversations with peers provided valuable insights and perspectives. Throughout the conference, I consistently felt included and invited to participate in various ways — which reminded me the power of a simple invitation. I felt the difference of being invited to join versus asked to join — which can translate into the work we do everyday.”
- Emily Denes, AFP AZ, Greater Arizona Chapter Chamberlain Scholar 2024

Chapter Partnership Grants & BE the CAUSE

In partnership with AFP Chapters, the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy conducts BE the CAUSE our annual fundraising campaign. A portion of the funds raised are granted back to chapters for programs and services in their local communities.

In 2024, the Foundation has granted $53,013 back to 85 chapters. The funds were used for the following purposes:

AFP Leadership Institute

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy provided funds for the development of the AFP Leadership Institute and scholarships for attendees. This program is focused on four key leadership skill sets: self-awareness, culture building, communication, and learning agility. Four cohorts have been completed in 2023-2024 with 89 fundraisers completing the program.

Research and Endowments

• Skystone Partners Research Prize: “Generosity and Gender: Philanthropic Models for Women Donors and the Fund Development Professionals Who Support Them” written by Lois A. Buntz, CFRE.
• Donald A. Campbell, Jr. Scholarship Fund provided 5 scholarships to attend AFP ICON. 
• Funds from the Marjorie K. and Stephen M. Levy Philanthropic Professional Education Fund provided collegiate scholarships and AFP LEAD programming.
• Claudia A. Looney Fund for Ethics in Fundraising provided complimentary webinars during Ethics Awareness Month.
• Wilson C. “Bill” Levis Fundraising Research Grants made for the following research:
  • Estimating the Total Social-Network Return to Fundraising Solutions
  • The COVID Caveat: Exploring the effects of personal values, identity, and crisis in philanthropic decision-making.
  • Raising Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Dollars: Best Practices from Experienced Fundraisers
• Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund grant received for the creation of new curriculum teaching fundraising professionals how to access Donor Advised Fund dollars and the creation of new research and translating it into practical use.
• Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) in partnership with GivingTuesday producing quarterly reports on fundraising trends.
   

Thank you for making a difference with your generous donations!

To view the full Statement, please download: AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy Impact Statement