Introducing the inaugural year (25-26) of the Collective Impact Fellowship Program. This program has combined the current AFP NWA chapter scholarship and mentor/mentee programs to create leadership opportunities for individuals to sit at the table, participate in training, mentorship, networking activities, be a future board leader, and join as full-time members. This will ensure our chapter is representative of our entire community and enrich all our learning experiences. In addition, inclusion will have a wide-reaching impact within the populations of donors, volunteers, and clients with whom fundraisers work.
The Collective Impact Fellowship is a year-long program for fundraisers from underrepresented communities, including fundraisers of color (Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Hispanic, Asian), LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented communities. The Collective Impact Fellowship will provide participants with full access to all the benefits of Chapter membership, including:
Followship Funding – Fellows and Fellow Advisors have the opportunity to be awarded one of the following scholarships as a member of the program: Clay Edwards Memorial Fellowship, Chamberlain Fellowship, Allison A. McElroy Fellowship, IDEA Champion Fellowship, Ten Star Gold Scholarship, Collective Impact Fellow Scholarship, Jill Wagar Diversity Membership Scholarship, Cyndi Bilyeu Memorial Leadership Scholarship or CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) Scholarship.
Membership & Orientation
- 12-Month Membership to AFP Global and the Northwest Arkansas Chapter. Each member will be awarded one of the following named followships: Clay Edwards Fellow, Chamberlain Scholar Fellow (AFP Global), IDEA Champion Fellow (AFP Global), Allison McElroy Fellow, Ten Star Gold Fellow (AFP Global) Fellow, Collective Impact Fellow
- Virtual Fellowship Orientation Session: Meet NWA Chapter board members, learn about program commitments and opportunities, sign up for activities, and engage in a community-building exercise with your fellowship class.
Professional Development & Education
- Mentoring Program: Fellows are paired with a senior AFP mentor for one-on-one guidance throughout the year, tailored to their experience, interests, and organizational needs.
- Six AFP Global Webinars provided through the Northwest Arkansas Chapter.
- Five to Six Chapter Luncheon Workshops on a variety of topics, held bi-monthly.
- Bi-Annual Summit Educational Event – A full-day program featuring expert speakers and professional development sessions.
- Access to AFP Global's Online Educational Resources for continued learning.
Networking & Community Engagement
- Two Networking Mixers with AFP general membership.
- Two Webinars with Networking & Discussion Sessions for fellows to connect and engage.
- Volunteer & Attend National Philanthropy Day, celebrating and recognizing outstanding contributions to philanthropy.
For more information or questions, contact Kayla LaCavera - AFP NWA Chapter Board Member, at kayla.lacavera@peelcompton.org
Fellow and Advisor Pairing
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Fellow Names
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Agency
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Advisor Names
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Agency
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Tad Nix
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Freedom Seekers
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Amy McGovern
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The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas
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Tony Brewer
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Dress for Success NWA
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Tyler Clark
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Anna Smedley, PH.D.
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Eureka Springs Community Center
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Mike Williams
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Stewtivate Consulting
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Nicole Terry
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Down Syndrome Connection NWA
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Kelly Horrell
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Circle of Life
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Tyler Brady
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Freedom Seekers
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Frankie Rankin
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SPS
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Amber Holland
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Community Service, Inc.
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Gay Prescott
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Hope Cancer Resources Foundation
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Cecilia Martinez
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Potter's House
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Eva Terry
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Peace at Home Shelter
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Alannah Massey
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Restore Humanity
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Brandy Cox
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University of Arkansas
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Vinitha Ramakrishnan
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Re-Ve Cultural Foundation
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Stacy Seger
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SPS
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Natalie Burgess
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Fayetteville Public Library Foundation
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Jamie Dietrich
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Hope Cancer Resources Foundation
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Stacy Paper
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PerspectAbility
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Kayla LaCavera
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Peel Compton Foundation
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Cecilia Martinez
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Potter's House
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Eva Terry
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Peace at Home Shelter
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Program Timeline
August 13th - Fellowship Orientation at 12:00 PM (Virtual) & August 20th - Chapter Educational Event
September 3rd - Lunch & Learn at 12:00PM & Fellow/Advisor Session (1-on-1)
October 15th - Chapter Educational Event
November 15th - National Philanthropy Day Event
December - Fellow/Advisor Session (1-on-1)
January 2026 - Chapter Educational Event (TBD)
February 2026 - AFP NWA Chapter Social & Fellow/Advisor Session (1-on-1)
March 2026 - Chapter Educational Event (TBD)
April 2026 - Fellow/Advisor Session (1-on-1)
May 2026 - Chapter Educational Event (TBD), Fellowship Celebration, and applications Open for 2026–2027 Fellowship Program
June 2026 - Current Fellows/Advisors help recruit and select new fellowship class
Eligibility: The Fellowship seeks to identify and engage voices that are not currently engaged in the broader nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization fundraising community. Individuals from underrepresented communities, including people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, new nonprofit professionals, emerging fundraisers, and those who work at smaller, under-resourced nonprofits are encouraged to apply. You do not need to be a current member to apply to the Association of Fundraising Professionals organization to be eligible for this opportunity.