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.

AFP LEAD Conference Scholarship- Applications Now Open!

AFP Greater Austin is proud to provide two scholarships to attend the AFP Global LEAD conference in Atlanta, Georgia October 16-18, 2025. These scholarship are made possible by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation!

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 on July 11, 2025. Winners will be announced on July 25, 2025.

Click Here to Apply!

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

Certified Fund Raising Executive Scholarship- Scholarship Winners Announced!

Congratulations to the 2025 CFRE Scholarship Winners:

Lucinda Cassidy, Development Director, St. Edwards University
Rona Lanell Walton, Senior Grant Consultant, The Collection Plate
Vivian Young, Individual Giving Manager, Texas Appleseed

The CFRE is an internationally recognized credential for professional fundraisers who meet specific standards of achievement, skills, and expertise. CFRE symbolizes a commitment to excellence and membership in a community of fundraising leaders.

Certification requires a successfully completed written application and exam, and a pledge to follow the Association of Fundraising Professional's code of ethics and accountability standards. Applications are judged based on education, professional practice, performance and service.

To learn more, visit the CFRE website for information about the exam, locate preparatory classes, and register to complete an online application.

2025 Lilly School of Philanthropy Principals and Techniques of Fundraising Course

Sponsorship Winners Announced!

The AFP Greater Austin Chapter is excited to award five scholarships for the prestigious Principles & Techniques of Fundraising four-day course, presented in Austin by the Lilly School of Philanthropy, this April.

Generously sponsored by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the Lilly School, these scholarships provide an incredible opportunity for fundraising professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge in philanthropy. Each scholarship is valued at $1,695, covering the full cost of the course.

Scholarship Winners:

Jasmine White, Corporate Relations Manager, Central Texas Food Bank
Phoebe Potiker, Direct Response Fundraising Manager, Central Texas Food Bank
James Thomas, Development Associate, Interfaith Action of Central Texas
Kimberly Blas, Development Specialist, Austin Lighthouse-Travis Association for the Blind
Missy Strittmatter, Chief Development Officer, Leadership Austin

ICON Scholarships for 2025 are Now Closed

Applicants will be notified of award decisions by 1/31/2025

AFP International Conference on Fundraising (ICON Conference) Scholarship Opportunities

Want to be part of the community changing our world? Are you looking to build your future alongside the great nonprofits from around the world? Do you have the talent, dedication, and passion to inspire action?

Here is your chance to join your colleagues for the AFP International Fundraising Conference on Fundraising. The conference brings nearly 4,000 fundraising professionals together to discuss important trends and issues related to fundraising and philanthropy, with a focus on fundraising practice and technique. It offers more than 100 educational sessions designed to serve the development needs of participants -- from entry level to seasoned professionals. This is your opportunity to learn and get reinvigorated!

AFP Austin offers two scholarships for its members to attend the AFP ICON Conference. Both scholarships grant the recipient free registration and reimbursement for travel expenses.

Scholarship Opportunity #1: Chamberlain Scholarship

AFP Global grants each AFP Chapter one Chamberlain Scholarship to award each year. AFP Global covers the cost of registration while AFP Austin will reimburse for travel to the conference. This scholarship is only available to members who have never attended an AFP ICON before.

Scholarship Opportunity #2: Chapter ICON Scholarship

This is another scholarship opportunity for an AFP Austin member to attend the AFP ICON Conference. AFP Austin will cover the cost of registration as well as reimburse for travel to the conference. The only requirements for this scholarship are that you have an active membership with AFP Austin and you have never received this scholarship before.

AFP ICON Testimonial (2019)

"When I saw that ICON was going to be held just down the road in San Antonio, I knew I couldn’t miss it, but was concerned about the cost. The scholarship made it possible for me to fully experience the conference. I was amazed at the quality of the presenters, the meaningful conversations with old and new fundraising peers, and connections made. I eagerly planned my conference schedule to attend sessions that were relevant to my professional identity (such as Sarah Nathan and Genevieve Shaker’s “Through the Looking Glass: Articulating Your Identity as a Professional Fundraiser”), topics that would enhance my current duties (John Hicks’ “Nine Ways to Turbocharge your Grantseeking” was a standout), as well as current trends in fundraising, such as new ways to measure fundraising effectiveness (presented by BoardSource’s Andy Davis and Anne Wallestad). I’m eagerly compiling new ideas to share with my colleagues at College Mentors for Kids and will continue the conversations started at ICON with fundraising peers more broadly".

~ Laura Feldman Mishkin, AFP ICON 2019

NOTE: As a scholarship recipient, volunteerism in AFP is encouraged and you will be required to demonstrate active participation throughout the year.