Supporting Members with Program Scholarships

AFP Greater Austin is pleased to offer program scholarships as part of professional development programming. AFP Greater Austin offers not just an opportunity to learn, but also to network, engage, share ideas, and connect with fundraisers from across the globe. 

Two scholarship opportunities are now open for 2026. Applications for both opportunities are due September 11, 2026.

Beth Krueger Emerging Leader Scholarship - Applications Now Open!

Now in our second year, we are excited to offer the Beth Krueger Emerging Leader Scholarship as a unique opportunity designed to recognize and invest in the growth of an up-and-coming professional in the fundraising field. This annual scholarship will support individuals who show exceptional promise, passion, and leadership potential in advancing the nonprofit sector.

AFP Greater Austin is committed to cultivating a strong pipeline of future leaders to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our sector. This scholarship is made in honor of Beth Krueger, a beloved and influential leader whose legacy continues to inspire and uplift fundraisers across our community.

The scholarship winner will receive:

• AFP Greater Austin Chapter Membership
• Registration and paid travel to the 2027 AFP ICON Conference
• Registration and paid travel to the 2027 LEAD Conference
• Funds to cover the cost of CFRE Certification (The winner must commit to take the certification test within two years of receiving the scholarship.)
• Free access to all 2027 AFP Greater Austin Chapter Luncheons
• One ticket to Philanthropy Day 2027
• One ticket to One Day Conference 2027
• Opportunity to serve as an Honorary AFP Greater Austin Board Member with an assigned Board Mentor

Total value of the scholarship: $5,270

The winner of this scholarship will have to comply with the following expectations:

1. Commit to take the CFRE certification exam within 2 years of receiving the scholarship.
2. Be an active AFP Greater Austin Chapter member and serve on at least one Chapter committee
3. Attend 70% of AFP Greater Austin Board Meetings as an Honorary Board Member
4. Participate in monthly touchpoints with their assigned AFP Greater Austin Board Mentor. Touchpoints can be an in-person meeting, phone call, or email.
5. Present a report on their experience as the Emerging Leader Scholar and progress toward their CFRE certification to the AFP Greater Austin Board of Directors at the December 2027 board meeting.

Eligibility: To be considered, applicants must

1. Work in a fundraising role at a 501c3 nonprofit organization
2. Work in the Greater Austin area
3. Be willing to comply with the AFP Fundraising Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct
4. Comply with the aforementioned expectations

Application Process:

Step 1:
Written application with at least one reference letter preferably from an AFP member. Written applications are due by 5:00 PM on September 11, 2026.

Step 2:
The top three candidates chosen by the AFP Greater Austin Scholarship Committee will participate in a virtual Interview. The top three candidates will be notified on September 18, 2026.

Step 3:
AFP Greater Austin will publicly announce the winner of the scholarship at the 2026 One Day Conference on Friday, October 9th.

Click Here to Apply!

LEAD Conference - Applications Now Open!

AFP Greater Austin is proud to provide 1 scholarship to attend the AFP Global LEAD conference in Atlanta, Georgia October 22-24, 2026.

AFP LEAD is AFP’s leadership conference designed to enhance your leadership skills and organizational impact, all with a nonprofit/fundraising focus. Whether you’re an emerging leader in the profession, an AFP Chapter Leader, or a senior development professional, AFP LEAD provides effective fundraising-focused leadership training.

During AFP LEAD, attendees will experience:

• 3 engaging days of leadership and nonprofit management content
• 7 blocks of breakout education sessions
• Recordings of each breakout education session for on-demand viewing following the event
• 2 inspiring keynote addresses
• A plethora of networking opportunities with hundreds of fellow nonprofit leaders

This scholarship has an estimated value of $1,500 and covers the cost of registration, travel, lodging, and a small trip stipend to cover food/beverage expenses.

Applications are due by September 11, 2026. Winners will be announced on September 18, 2026.

If you have questions about this scholarship or need support submitting an application, email [email protected].

Click Here to Apply!

 Learn more about  AFP's New Member and Renewal Member Scholarships.