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 2025, 102 Chamberlain Scholars attended AFP ICON. Since the program began in the year 2000, we have awarded 2,947 Chamberlain Scholarships.

Diversity Communities Scholarship Program

In 2025, 22 Diverse Communities Scholarships were awarded to attend AFP ICON. That makes 279 since the program began in 2012.

Women’s Impact Initiative

Through the AFP/Alford Group Women’s Mentoring and Leadership Development Program 11 scholarships were provided to AFP ICON 2025. 

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 2025, 57 scholarships were awarded to AFP ICON and LEAD. 

Since its inception, the fund has provided more than 341 scholarships to fundraising professionals from diverse backgrounds.

AFP LEAD

AFP LEAD 2025 held in Atlanta, GA is a program  of 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. Over 400 people attended in 2025.
 

“AFP gave me more than best practices—it gave me community. I was welcomed by people who shared knowledge, offered mentorship, and encouraged me to stretch myself. Thanks to AFP, I pursued my CFRE, attended my first ICON as a Chamberlain Scholar, stepped into leadership, and found colleagues who became mentors, friends, and cheerleaders. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the more you lean into AFP, the more it gives back. Getting involved, asking questions, saying yes, and supporting one another is how AFP makes me better.”
- Tarry Kang, AFP CA, Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter Chamberlain Scholar 2023

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 2025, the Foundation has granted $47, 944 back to 86 chapters. The funds were used for the following purposes:

The Next Big Issue: Trust and Generosity

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy received grants from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation and the Hackett Family Foundation to explore the next big issue facing fundraisers and the nonprofit sector. Through research and convenings, the Foundation is focusing on the issues of declining trust and charitable giving and developing the resources that fundraisers need to be able to combat these trends.

Research and Endowments

• Skystone Partners Research Prize: “Meaningful Philanthropy: the Person Behind the Giving” written by Jen Shang and Adrian Sargeant.
• Donald A. Campbell, Jr. Scholarship Fund provided 5 scholarships to attend AFP ICON.
• Claudia A. Looney Fund for Ethics in Fundraising provided educational sessions and a webinar during Ethics Awareness Month.
• Wilson C. “Bill” Levis Fundraising Research Grants provided $41,259 for 7 research projects including:
  • Adopting Community Centric Fundraising Practices: A National Study
  • Developing the Global Donor Motivation Instrument (GDMI) and GDMI Donor Survey Tool
  • How Donors Give: Observations From Large Transaction-Level Charitable Giving Data
• Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund is making possible 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.
• The Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) in partnership with GivingTuesday produces quarterly reports on fundraising trends and provides guidance for fundraisers on using the data to improve fundraising results.
   

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