AFP Diverse Communities Scholarship Program Overview & Criteria

September 23, 2024

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.
• To submit your Diverse Communities Scholarship Application Click Here

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).

2025 Scholarship Process - Deadline 11/15/24

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy is pleased to offer the Diverse Communities Scholarship program once again for members of diverse/marginalized communities to attend AFP ICON in Seattle, Washington, April 27-29, 2025. The application process will be open September 23 - November 15, 2024.

AFP is excited to offer scholarships that cover the full conference registration fee. Additionally, each selected scholar may receive a stipend of up to $800 USD 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, will be reimbursed for mileage, local transport, and parking cost. Fuel reimbursement is .54 cents/mile. In addition, accommodations are not reimbursable. 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.

The deadline for application submission is November 15, 2024. Selected candidates will be notified by email by December 13, 2024. Submit your application here.

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 foundation@afpglobal.org.

About the Diverse Communities Scholarship

Eligibility

• Fundraising professionals who self identifies as being part of a marginalized community (Aboriginal person, Black/African-American, Alaskan Native, Arab, Asian, Asia Pacific Islander, Faith-based, First Nation/Inuit/Metis, Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQ+, Person with disabilities, Jewish, Rural, or Another underrepresented community.)

Guidelines

• Never attended an NSFRE/AFP International Conference on Fundraising (ICON).
• Have been a professional fundraiser for at least one year.
• Understand that this may be a partial scholarship (conference fees and some travel support only) and that scholar may be required to find additional funds needed to attend this conference (such as travel expenses).
• Understand that their name as an AFP Diverse Communities Scholar may be listed/promoted in AFP communications.
• Understand that if selected as a Diverse Communities Scholar, that scholar will attend the full conference and complete an evaluation.

Should you have questions about the AFP Diverse Communities Scholarship, please contact Othalene Lawrence othalene.lawrence@afpglobal.org.