AFP Diverse Communities Scholarship Program Overview & Criteria

Advancing Diversity by Establishing a Diverse Profession
A Joint Strategic Initiative of AFP and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy

• Make an online secure gift to the Diversity Scholarship Campaign.
• See the impact your gift makes in the 2024 Impact Report.

As a community of inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA), the Association of Fundraising Professionals seeks, embraces, and engages diverse individuals, groups, and organizations with a broad representation of experiences, perspectives, thoughts and cultures within the fundraising profession. Through this strategic initiative, AFP is committed to activities that increase awareness of IDEA issues. As part of this commitment, AFP Global and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy have created a scholarship program to provide financial assistance for the professional development of fundraisers who are themselves members of one or more marginalized communities.

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy invites all AFP members to support diversity within the fundraising profession through the Diversity Scholarship Campaign. Contributions to this campaign will fund scholarships to support registration and some travel costs to attend the annual AFP ICON (International Conference on Fundraising).

THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the diversity scholarship campaign for your generosity and for helping to ensure the success of this program.

Should you have questions about the AFP Diversity Scholarships Campaign, please contact [email protected].

2026 Scholarship Process - Deadline 12/15/25

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy is pleased to once again offer the Diverse Communities Scholarship program for members of diverse communities to attend AFP ICON in San Diego, CA, April 26-28, 2026. 

AFP is excited to offer scholarships that cover the full conference registration fee. Additionally, each selected scholar may receive a stipend of up to US$800 to help cover travel and accommodation expenses, ensuring equitable access and participation in the conference. Stipend reimbursements will be reviewed and assessed individually on a case-by-case basis.

Scholars who are within 50 miles of the conference site can include expenses for mileage (.60 cents/mile), local transport, accommodations, and parking costs in their reimbursement request. The most cost-effective transportation should be utilized for travel greater than 50 miles. Receipts are required for all reimbursable claims. Claims must be submitted within 30 days of the conference.

Should you have questions about the AFP Diverse Communities Scholarship, reimbursement, or require assistance to complete the application, please contact AFP Global IDEA staff at [email protected].

The deadline for application submission was December 15, 2025. Selected candidates will be notified by email by January 15, 2026. 

About the Diverse Communities Scholarship

Eligibility

The scholarship offers financial assistance for professional development for:

• AFP members who self-identify as coming from one or more diverse communities
• And/or those who are employed by grassroots organizations that primarily serve diverse populations

Guidelines

• Only those who have never attended an AFP International Conference on Fundraising (ICON) can apply. (Previously known as NSFRE)
• Understand that this scholarship will cover the conference fee and up to USD800 in travel expenses.
• Understand that names of AFP Diverse Communities Scholars may be listed/promoted in AFP communications.
• Understand that if selected as a Diverse Communities Scholar, that individual will attend the full conference and complete an evaluation.
• If applicable, scholars have/will have valid documentation required for travel to San Diego, CA in April 2026, if needed. (Passport, Real ID, Travel Visa, etc.)

Should you have questions about the AFP Diverse Communities Scholarship, please contact [email protected].