AFP Chicago is proud to announce that Channing Lenert, MS, CFRE, recently named as program officer for Polk Bros. Foundation in Chicago, IL, has been selected as one of the Association of Fundraising Professionals' (AFP) 2019 Outstanding Young Professionals. The award recognizes fundraisers under the age of 31 who have already shown exemplary work in raising funds, inspiring donors, helping manage campaigns and giving back to the profession. Lenert is one of three young fundraisers to receive the award this year...  read more

Congratulations Channing on your amazing accomplishment!

What makes your story great? What do you need to include and how should you share it? How can the same story be shared over multiple channels and be successful? Join us to learn how to identify meaningful content within your organization, construct a compelling story, and effectively communicate it to your audience. Come hear from a local fundraising leader about how storytelling has worked for their nonprofit and walk away with techniques they can immediately put to use in their organization. learn more...

Come discuss hot topics in fundraising with AFP Chicago! This exclusive pop up program will provide the opportunity for round-table discussions on a smaller more focused scale. Join your colleagues for a casual conversation discussing strategies and approaches for building successful corporate partnerships. Come join in the conversation!  learn more...

Join your fellow AFP Chicago members and friends at this festive evening of networking and art! Come experience the National Museum of Mexican Art, a Chicago museum that showcases 3,000 years of creativity. You are invited to build your relationships with some of the leading professionals in our field and make new ones. Our special guest speaker will be Tony Martinez, Jr., President and CEO of Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation.

Join AFP Chicago in celebrating Chicago's philanthropic community on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the Hilton Chicago. We are pleased to honor those who demonstrate high ethical standards and exemplify the philanthropic spirit of our great city.

Click here to purchase a sponsorship or an individual ticket today.

Congratulations to our extraordinary honorees!

Distinguished Philanthropist - Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols
Executive Leader - George S. Wright, Citi
Professional Grantor - Christine O'Reilly, Chicago White Sox Charities
Benjamin Franklin - Christine Zrinsky, Lincoln Park Zoo
Outstanding Community Leader - Liz Thompson, The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education
Outstanding Volunteer - Richard W. Hutson
Emerging Philanthropists - Dan Weishar, The Andrew Weishar Foundation

Meeting up with your colleagues in fundraising has never been easier! These monthly casual events are a great opportunity for members and non-members in the Chicagoland community to meet, network, and hang out.  Due to the growing popularity of these monthly meet-ups, be sure to RSVP.  Event registration is free for members and non-members (you pay for your own food & drinks). Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!  learn more...

Registration now open! Fundraising newbie? Prepping for the CFRE exam? Fundamentals is a great primer for those new to the field of fundraising, but it also has the potential to be a beneficial study tool with lasting impact on your career.  learn more... 

AFP Chicago's premier learning forum is back and better than ever! We are very excited to have Vu Le as our keynote presenter. Vu is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the Executive Director of Rainier Valley Corps, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration. Known for his no-BS approach, irreverent sense of humor, and love of unicorns, Vu has been featured in hundreds, of his own blog posts at NonprofitAF.com. Secure your seat!  learn more...

Don't forget to "bundle" your Breakfast Workshop Registrations
4 Program Purchase Deadline is TOMORROW!

Instead of registering for each event separately, purchase a "bundle," and gain access while you SAVE. Bundling your programs provides you convenience (only register once), savings, and flexibility.

The April 15 CFRE Application deadline will be here before you know it! Start your application at no cost at the CFRE website. View the application requirements. You only pay when you are ready to submit. AFP members enjoy a special discounted rate of $700 - that's a 20% savings off the regular rate. Have questions or need help getting started? Contact CFRE International at [email protected]. 

I have been involved with AFP-Chicago's Peer Mentoring Program for a long time - first as a  member of the Peer Mentoring Committee, then serving as a Mentor multiple times, and for the last few years, as Vice Chair, serving with Sherre Jennings Cullen.  It has been one of the most gratifying professional volunteer experiences of my career.Why? Well first, I suppose, it's because of all the wonderful people I've met.  One whom I remember with great fondness is Karen Sims who recruited me to the committee and led it with passion and distinction... read more

We're happy to have you!

Esther Aldrich, CURE
Jessie Arenson
Lisa Barker, Ingalls Development Foundation
Meaghan Burdick
Blake Carleton, YMCA of the USA
Jennifer Conway, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
Julie Cooper, JB Cooper LLC
Maggie Cullerton Hooper, Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs & Special Events
Jen Devine, The Morton Arboretum
Nora Engonopoulos, Chicago Architecture Center
Emily Etzkorn, University of Illinois Foundation
Claire Faughnan, Greater Chicago Food Depository
Kayla Furjanic, The Morton Arboretum
Elise Geiger, Meals On Wheels Chicago
Rod Gingrich, Court Theatre
Lucas Greer
Samantha Hill Wallace, Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Asso
Terri Horton-O'Connell, Foundation For Women's Cancer
Kim Lamansky, Tri City Health Partnership
Kristine Mackey, USA Midwest Province Jesuits
Jean McCullough, Community Nutrition Network
Anna Miller, The Morton Arboretum
Qiana Moore-Nightengale, Court Theatre
Kate Murphy, Citizens United For Research In Epilepsy
Madelyn Patterson
Andrea Porter
Samantha Schmidt, Governors State University
Evan Smeenge
Catherine Splett, Special Leisure Services Foundation
Louisa Wyatt, Ingenuity Inc
Chris Younkin-Wilson, Chicago Architecture Center

New members as of February 2019
If your name is not included, please contact Carletta at [email protected].

Do you have a success story to tell us?