AFP Member Spotlight: Megan Spranger, J.D., CFRE
AFP member spotlights are a recurring series of interviews with AFP members, highlighting the unique individuals and career paths that exist within the fundraising profession. If you would like to see yourself or a colleague featured, submit your profile here.
In this member spotlight, we interviewed Megan Spranger, J.D., CFRE, the newly elected chapter president's council representative for the AFP Global Board of Directors. She shared with us how she got started volunteering with her local chapter as their National Philanthropy Day chair, a role which led to greater chapter participation, attending AFP ICON, and ultimately applying to be chapter president’s council representative.
Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there?
A: I went to law school with the idea of working in the nonprofit world. I ended up practicing law for a few years after graduation, but it felt like something was missing. I reflected on why I became an attorney in the first place and remembered my original plan. I then set to work trying to learn how best I could find a nonprofit role that fit my background and talents. I applied for and got a job as a major gift officer at Lawrence University. During my first donor trip, I had a wave of “this is amazing” and knew fundraising is where I belong.
Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member and how did you become a volunteer?
A: During my first week, my supervisor (a longtime AFP member and strong supporter) suggested I become a member, so I did. My first chapter program was eye-opening—the opportunity for connection and networking. After attending events for a few years, a chapter leader reached out to ask if I had considered getting more engaged and shared a few opportunities. I joined our National Philanthropy Day committee as a co-chair and the board soon after.
Q: Can you share with us a little bit about the path you took within AFP that led you to board service?
A: I started as co-chair for National Philanthropy Day. Our chapter hosts a full day of professional development including our awards celebration, so it was quite a jump into the deep end. The following year, I was invited to join our leadership track. As a chapter leader, I was given the opportunity to attend ICON for the first time and I left Toronto wanting to get more engaged with Global. I saw the CPC application shortly after—and here I am!
Q: What is one skill you think is invaluable as a fundraising leader?
A: I find the most invaluable skill is active listening. It is a skill that we must master as fundraisers with our conversations with donors, volunteers, and board members, but we often find it a challenge internally with colleagues, staff, and direct reports.
Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of achieving my CFRE a few years ago. It wasn’t an easy task and really prompted me to think about my fundraising experience at that time. I was able to reflect on all I had learned in my everyday work and what I had absorbed from the network I had built within AFP.
Q: What is one goal you have for your time on the AFP board?
A: I am really looking forward to my role as CPC representative in 2025. My goal is to maximize my time by engaging on various committees with my role in mind and connecting with other chapter leaders across the organization. I don’t yet know what I don’t know, so I’m looking forward to digging in!
Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals?
A: Build your network. Join your local AFP chapter and make connections. It has been wonderful to be able to build relationships with individuals outside my organization to reflect on challenges and successes—especially because they are encountering similar highs and lows, so we speak a common language.
This spotlight is part of a series highlighting the new 2025 AFP board members. Be on the lookout for these profiles throughout the month of January.