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Dear AFP Central VA members and friends,

As summer settles across Central Virginia, I hope you're finding moments to pause and reflect amid the pace of our work. For some, this season marks the close of one fiscal year and the beginning of another. For others, it's simply an opportunity to celebrate progress, take stock of where you are, and refocus on what lies ahead. Wherever you find yourself this summer, I hope you'll take a moment to recognize the impact you've made in your community.

It's also been an exciting season for our chapter!

The return of the Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship reflects our commitment to cultivating the next generation of fundraising leaders in Central Virginia. At the same time, our monthly workshops have brought members and friends together to explore fundraising strategy, leadership, and the evolving culture of philanthropy. More than professional development, these conversations have challenged us to think differently, learn from one another, and strengthen our collective practice. That's the kind of chapter we're continuing to build together.

As we look ahead, I hope to see you at next week's Meet & Greet and the Virginia Fund Raising Institute later this month. These are wonder opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and invest in your own growth.

We'll take a brief pause from chapter programming in August before returning this fall with another exciting lineup. Please save the date for September 10, when we'll welcome Sarah Milston, Founder & CEO of The Spark Mill, and October 8, when Robert L. Dortch, Jr. joins us for an engaging conversation.

I'm also thrilled to share that National Philanthropy Day returns on November 5—we can't wait to celebrate philanthropy across Central Virginia once again. Nominations are now open. Ticket details coming soon.

Thank you for being part of AFP Central Virginia. Whether you're taking time to recharge this summer or gearing up for a busy season ahead, I hope you'll continue to find connection, inspiration, and support through our chapter. I look forward to seeing many of you in the months ahead.  

Yours in service,
LaChelle M. Lewis, Ph.D.
Chapter President, AFP-CVA

LaChelle M. Lewis, Ph.D., 2026 AFP Central VA President

P.S. Here are quick links to help you navigate our website!

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AFP Central Virginia is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A) in all Chapter activities.

Announcements

  • National Philanthropy Day Nominations Are Now Open

    By: Trammell Beckmann Trammell Beckmann , 4 days ago

    Every act of generosity has a story. National Philanthropy Day® is our opportunity to recognize the individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and philanthropy strengthen Central Virginia and inspire others to give, serve, and lead.

    AFP Central Virginia is now accepting nominations for the 2026 National Philanthropy Day Awards. We invite you to help us celebrate those making a lasting impact across our communities by submitting a nomination in one of the following categories:

    • Emerging Philanthropic Leader Award
    • Enduring Spirit of Philanthropy Award
    • Outstanding Organizational Partner Award
    • Volunteer Impact Award

    Award recipients will be recognized during AFP Central Virginia's reimagined National Philanthropy Day celebration this November—a community-centered experience featuring service, learning, connection, and the recognition of our region's philanthropic leaders.

    Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

    Click here to access the National Philanthropy Day Nomination Form.

  • AFP Central VA Scholarships

    By: Trammell Beckmann Trammell Beckmann , 4 months ago

    Invest in yourself! AFP Central Virginia is  accepting scholarship applications. When you join the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Virginia chapter, you receive the best resources for fundraising professionals, including access to mentoring, monthly program meetings, networking, and state and international conferences. You will meet colleagues in the region who understand the day-to-day challenges you face in philanthropy and will be your champion along the way, wanting to see you succeed. Learn more about member benefits.

    AFP Central Virginia’s scholarship structure aligns with our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). Our key goals for these scholarships are to remove barriers for:

    • Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)

    • Fundraisers from small organizations

    • Members who are deeply engaged in AFP’s work to support and improve the fundraising profession

    Learn more and complete your application.

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