IDEA Champion Designation

The IDEA Champion Designation recognizes those chapters who have accomplished many of the key objectives outlined in the Promote Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access strategic pathway.

2025 Ten Star/Ten Star Gold/IDEA Champion Tracker
2025 Ten Star/Ten Star Gold/IDEA Champion Application (Coming December 2024)
Chapter Samples Document (coming November 2024

AFP’s Strategic Plan is the blueprint for organizational growth and success in the future. For the strategic plan to be effective, it must be implemented through a partnership between the International Headquarters and the local chapters. As each chapter contributes its part to the overall Strategic Plan, AFP will meet its goals and continue to advance philanthropy and the fundraising profession around the world. 

Program Mission 

The IDEA Champion Designation recognizes those chapters who have accomplished many of the key objectives outlined in the Promote Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access strategic pathway. This designation encourages chapters to perform specific activities designed to increase IDEA within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy in all cultures.

Chapters that successfully accomplish the six required goals goals during the previous calendar year – and submit an application form – will be honored with the IDEA Champion Designation.

Eligibility 

Your chapter must acknowledge and be committed to the AFP Global IDEA Statement of Principles

The IDEA Champion Designation can be earned by all AFP chapters. Once a chapter fulfills the necessary goals, it becomes eligible to receive the award. The chapter designation application form is due for the upcoming process by January 31, 2025 for activities completed during 2024. The application must be signed by the chapter president and the chapter’s IDEA chair.

Process 

The goals may change every year, reflecting adjustments in the Strategic Plan and in AFP itself, although some goals may be constant year-to-year. The application was recently reviewed by a global taskforce of AFP volunteer leaders to determine how chapter designations can be made more accessible to chapters both large and small. IDEA Champion will be a combined application with Ten Star & Ten Star Gold and there are no longer any optional goals for these designations. 

The AFP IDEA Committee reserves the right to confirm goals on a nomination-by-nomination basis as it deems appropriate.

Resources

• AFP Global 2021-2024 Strategic Plan 
• Sample Chapter IDEA Champion Application Submissions 
• Member Demographics - Case for Updating Your Member Profile 
• AFP Global IDEA Programs 
   

Presentation of Designation 

2025 IDEA Champion chapters will be recognized at AFP ICON 2025 In Seattle, Washington.

IDEA Champion chapters earn the privilege of displaying the IDEA Champion logo on their chapter’s page on AFP’s website and may use the logo on their own websites, newsletters and stationery. Chapters will be listed in the IDEA section of the AFP website and on signage at AFP ICON. Each IDEA Champion chapter will also be awarded a free membership for a new member from a diverse community.

Application and Deadline 

All nomination forms for the upcoming process must be received on or before January 31, 2025. Receipt of the IDEA Champion nomination form will be acknowledged to the sender via email.

If you have any questions please contact Chapter Engagement.

Congratulations to the following 2024 IDEA Champion Chapters!