AFP NWA Chapter Scholarships 

Every participant in the Collective Impact Fellowship has the opportunity to apply for chapter scholarships. Our chapter is grateful to the generous individuals and organizations whose legacy and support make these awards possible. These awards cover AFP membership, professional development, and/or conference attendance — so cost is never what stands between you and this community."

Clay Edwards Fellowship  |  AFP NWA Chapter 

Named in honor of Clay Edwards, former Associate Vice-Chancellor of Development at the University of Arkansas, this scholarship covers up to $2,000 towards registration and travel expenses for attending the AFP ICON International Conference.

Chamberlain Scholar Fellowship  |  AFP Global & AFP NWA

Honoring Ralph E. Chamberlain, CFRE — a founding voice of AFP — this AFP Global scholarship covers ICON conference registration. Additionally, the NWA Chapter Board created a scholarship to provide $1,000 towards travel costs. Must be a first-time ICON attendee.

Allison A. McElroy Fellowship  |  AFP NWA Chapter

Supported by AFP NWA co-founder Allison A. McElroy, this fellowship covers the cost of AFP membership (Professional, Young Professional, or Small Nonprofit tier).

Jill Wagar Small Nonprofit Diversity Membership Scholarship

Supported by AFP Chapter member Jill Wagar to increase participation of underrepresented groups and small, under-resourced nonprofits in the fundraising profession. Open to individuals who fundraise for small nonprofits, with preference for those who self-identify as members of an underrepresented group (race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, or ability/disability).

Cyndi Bilyeu Memorial Leadership Scholarship  |  AFP NWA Chapter

Named in memory of Cyndi Bilyeu — long-time AFP NWA member, Executive Director, and CEO — this scholarship honors her commitment to leadership, mentorship, and professional development. Open to Executive Directors and CEOs of nonprofits with fundraising responsibilities.

CFRE Scholarship  |  AFP NWA Chapter

Reimburses CFRE exam expenses for current AFP NWA Chapter members who have passed the CFRE exam within the past 12 months or will pass it within the Fellowship year. Recipients must serve as a fellowship Advisor as a condition of the scholarship.

IDEA Champion Fellowship  |  AFP Global 

Available to fundraising professionals who self-identify as coming from an eligible diverse community as defined by AFP (African-American/Black, Asian, Disabled, Faith-based, LGBTQ+, Hispanic, Jewish, or Rural), or who work for an organization where 50% or more of staff or clients are from those communities.

Ten Star Gold Fellowship  |  AFP Global 

Awarded by AFP NWA as a Ten Star Gold Chapter, this scholarship covers one of three AFP membership tiers: Professional, Young Professional, or Small Nonprofit Organizational Membership.

 Interested in applying for a scholarship?

 Click Here to Apply

Scholarships are the backbone of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy’s mission. The Foundation provides hundreds of scholarships every year for fundraisers —both AFP members and non-members —to help them elevate their professional skills through education, networking, leadership development, and more. Our scholarships serve young professionals, those who self-identify as diverse, those new to the profession, and all fundraisers who need these resources.

Visit the Scholarships page on the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy website for more information on the scholarships offered.