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.

2026 Ten Star/Ten Star Gold/IDEA Champion Tracker
2026 Ten Star/Ten Star Gold/IDEA Champion Application

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 across priorities of the strategic plan. 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 five required 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 February 2, 2026 for activities completed during 2025. 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. IDEA Champion is 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 2025-2027 Strategic Plan
• Sample Chapter IDEA Champion Application Submissions
• Member Demographics - Case for Updating Your Member Profile
• AFP Global IDEA Programs 
   

Presentation of Designation 

2026 IDEA Champion chapters will be recognized at AFP ICON 2026 In San Diego, California.

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 February 2, 2026. 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 2026 IDEA Champion Chapters!