AFP Southern Minnesota is offering several support opportunities as part of a comprehensive scholarship program that serves to:
- support career development
- expand knowledge and skill in fundraising
- build effective fundraising leadership for nonprofit organizations
- develop chapter membership
Interested individuals and organizations may apply for scholarships as many times as they wish, but are limited to receiving one scholarship per calendar year.* Scholarship applicants must meet the stated qualifications to be considered for an award. All scholarships are subject to the availability of funding for the award from external or chapter sources.
*A scholarship is considered to be received in the year when the activity occurs for which it is awarded.
Click here for AFP Southern Minnesota Chapter Scholarship Program Application Form
Membership Scholarships
New Member Scholarships
This introductory scholarship is for those who have never belonged to any AFP chapter and are currently employed in the fundraising profession or fulfill that role for their organization. Applications are taken on a continual basis. AFP Southern MN Chapter will fund a portion of a new membership registration and chapter dues for one year (depending upon financial need and available funds). This scholarship opportunity does not include any extra meeting charges. Determine which membership category option is best for you at www.afpnet.org. Annual membership fee may vary depending upon membership category plus an additional $75 for chapter dues.
Congratulations to our recipient Membership scholarship winners!
Congratulations to Becca Herbstritt of the Elder Network on being the most recent recipient of an AFP Membership Scholarship!
Professional Development Scholarships
AFP International Fundraising Conference Chamberlain Scholarship
The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy sponsors the Chamberlain Scholarship which was founded in memory of Ralph E. Chamberlain, CFRE. Mr. Chamberlain was instrumental in establishing the AFP and was a deeply committed philanthropist and volunteer. This opportunity is open to all AFP Chapters which may name one grant recipient per year to receive a free registration to attend the AFP International Fundraising Conference. This is a one-time award and recipients must be first-time attendees of the AFP International Fundraising Conference.
Click here for Chamberlain Scholarship Request for Applications (Currently Closed)
Caitlynn Poshusta, has been named a Chamberlain Scholar by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Foundation for Philanthropy and will be attending the 2026 International Conference on Fundraising in San Diego, CA. Largest Fundraising Conference in the World.
Caitlynn is the Development Manager at EA Therapeutic Health. Caitlyn is the first Development Manager at EA Health. She is excited to bring back the knowledge she gains and relationships she will make to her community. By learning from leaders in the field and connecting with peers, Caitlynn will be better equipped to create effective
fundraising systems, grow donor relationships, and secure the funding necessary to support and expand our programs. The knowledge she bring back will directly support EA’s ability to continue offering low-cost, accessible therapeutic care to our community—a mission that has never been
more essential. For the past four years, Caitlynn has volunteered with the Jeremiah Program, serving on both the Development and Events Committees.
AFP Southern Minnesota Chapter Scholarship
The AFP Southern MN Chapter may provide additional scholarships to chapter members for registration and/or travel expenses for Continuing Education opportunities offered through AFP, if funding is available. The AFP Southern MN Chapter Board determines who may receive scholarships, as well as specific scholarship amounts. Applications are received on a rolling basis.
AFP ICON
The world's No. 1 conference for fundraising professionals, AFP ICON, heads to San Diego in 2026 and provides you with:
- three unforgettable days, April 26-28, reinvigorating you and your career;
- more than 100 breakout education sessions to choose from on-site featuring fundraising's hottest topics and brightest minds;
- session recordings of every breakout session provided at no additional cost after the conference;
- countless networking opportunities with thousands of fellow change-makers;
- and more!
Click here to learn more!
Ellen Heydon, Foundation Director at Hiawatha Homes Foundation is 1 of 2 Southern MN Chapter ICON Scholarship Award recipient this year. Ellen has been selected as a scholarship recipient for her commitment to ethical fundraising and leadership development. The scholarship enables her to attend AFP ICON despite limited professional development resources at Hiawatha Homes, and will support her continued growth, networking, and impact within the fundraising profession. Ellen is currently active in Rotary and serves on the board of AFP Southern MN Chapter and serves on the Advisory Committee for 180 degrees.
Scholarships Contact
Please contact afpsouthernmn@gmail.com with any questions about scholarships, or to receive your scholarship application form.