Professional Scholarships
The AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter promotes the professional development and career advancement of its members through educational programming and by offering a network of professional resources that can help members generate philanthropic support for their organizations.
We recognize that financial constraints can limit educational opportunities for our members. We are proud to help offset the cost through our scholarships.
Five types of scholarship awards are being offered:
- The Presidential Membership Scholarships cover a full professional membership to our chapter for a year (up to 5 will be awarded)
- Fundamentals of Fundraising Scholarships assist in the tuition cost for the spring and fall sessions of our Fundraising master class (2 will be awarded)
- Seeds Scholarships Provides a Small Organization AFP Membership (up to 3 will be awarded)
- Chamberlain Scholarship covers the registration fee and travel to the 2023 AFP International Conference – Typically March/April (1 will be awarded)
- CFRE Scholarships covers CFRE Refresher Course fee AND reimbursement of the exam fee for recipients passing the CFRE exam within one year of taking the Refresher Course. (up to 5 will be awarded)
- YP Scholarships covers a full membership to support those who are newer to a career in the development field. (up to 5 will be awarded)
Presidential Scholarship
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“Thank you so much for selecting me for this amazing opportunity to grow as a professional in a field that I love. I am blessed to receive this professional scholarship and so thankful to the committee for selecting me for this honor. I acknowledge the importance of being a part of the Cincinnati Chapter and I will embrace this opportunity to grow and contribute the knowledge that I have been able to experience in fundraising thus far in my career.” Gina Huiet, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur |
(Deadline: Friday, March 10, 2023)
The Presidential Membership Scholarship pays tribute to the excellent leadership Kila Hanrahan provided to the Greater Cincinnati Chapter during her 2021 presidency. This gift of appreciation is a meaningful expression of acknowledgement of a job well done and honors Kila’s commitment to professional fundraising and the community. This scholarship award, a one-year AFP Professional Membership, can be redeemed immediately.
In awarding this unique scholarship, the Scholarship Committee will look for candidates who have the potential to excel in the fundraising profession. It is a condition of the award of this one-year scholarship that the recipient contributes back to the Greater Cincinnati Chapter as a committee member.
Scholarship selection will be based on the following criteria:
- Candidate is employed by a non-profit organization operating within the Greater Cincinnati area served by the AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter.
- Candidate is primarily responsible for fundraising within the nonprofit organization for which he/she is employed.
- Demonstrate a financial need. Strong consideration will be given to individuals employed by organizations whose budgets are constrained and/or the individual would be responsible for paying their own membership dues.
- Scholarship is open to a new or existing member. Candidate must want to advance philanthropy by practicing ethical and effective fundraising that changes our community for the better
- The individual has not received an AFP scholarship in the past three years
- Interpersonal skills and ability to engage with others. Does the candidate exhibit a tendency to proactively and enthusiastically build productive relationships with people?
- Scholarship recipient is required to volunteer on an AFP Committee
2022 Presidential Scholarship Recipients:
- Michelle Estes, YWCA of Greater Cincinnati
- Gina Huiet, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
- Quinton Jefferson, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
- Sarah Strouse, Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati
- Janece Schaffer-Burbank, Royalmont Academy
- Daniel Tonozzi, La Soupe
- Megan Woods, First Step Home
Fundamentals of Fundraising Scholarship
(Deadline: Friday, March 10, 2023)
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“I’m very much looking forward to the Fundamentals of Fundraising course being a strong foundation as I begin my career in Development as it will amplify my work with organizations and donors and further my connection with other fundraising professionals through AFP Greater Cincinnati.” Will Ellis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park |
Two full scholarships are offered to attend AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter’s spring or fall session of Fundamentals of Fundraising. This course is a fundraising master class covering various aspects of development. It is designed for newcomers to the field and senior non-profit professionals who want to learn more about fundraising.
Scholarship selection will be based on the following criteria:
- Must be an AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter member in good standing
- The individual has not received an AFP scholarship in the past three years
- The number of scholarships to be given each year will depend on availability of funds and the number of qualified applicants
- After participating in the Fundamentals of Fundraising Course, scholarship recipients should submit an article to the AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter newsletter sharing how the course was beneficial to them
- Scholarship recipient is required to volunteer on an AFP Committee
2022 Fundamentals of Fundraising Scholarship Recipients:
- Will Ellis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
- Rachelle Phillian, Girls on the Run Greater Cincinnati
Seeds Scholarships
(Deadline: Ongoing application window)
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“I am thrilled and honored to accept the SEEDS Scholarship from AFP Cincinnati! This opportunity provides training, resources and networking in the local fundraising sector that I simply can’t get anywhere else. Joining and serving AFP Cincinnati will allow me to broaden my philanthropic scope, raising awareness and funds–not only for my cause of historic preservation but–to contribute to the broader development community that has been doing incredible work in Greater Cincinnati for decades. I look forward to an exchange of ideas and to making an impact with my work focused on saving places that matter in our growing built environment.” -Lindsey Armor, Engagement and Development Director at Cincinnati Preservation Association |
The AFP Chapter Seeds Scholarship provides a Small Organization AFP membership. The AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter is committed to helping small nonprofit organizations get the seed money they need to secure an AFP membership. This seed money is an investment to help small nonprofits build their fundraising toolbox. It’s our desire that these fundraising professionals will become long-term members through the kick start funding of a Seeds Scholarship.
Sponsored by:
Scholarship selection will be based on the following criteria:
- Candidate is employed by a small non-profit organization with a budget under $1M operating within the Greater Cincinnati area served by the AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter
- Candidate is the person primarily responsible for fundraising within the nonprofit organization for which he/she is employed
- Demonstrate a financial need. Strong consideration will only be given to individuals employed by small nonprofit organizations whose budgets are constrained.
- Scholarship is open to a new or lapsed member. Candidate must want to advance philanthropy by practicing ethical and effective fundraising that changes our community for the better.
- The applicant/nonprofit organization has not been an AFP scholarship recipient in the past three years
- All scholarship recipients are required to volunteer on an AFP Committee
Three Seeds Scholarships are available each year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all scholarships have been awarded.
2022 Seeds Scholarship Recipients:
- Jeanne Jentsch, Wave Pool Corp
Chamberlain Scholarship
(Deadline: Friday, September 8, 2023)
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“Wow… I am absolutely thrilled to be this year’s recipient of the Chamberlain Scholarship. Oftentimes, those of us who have chosen to serve at smaller organizations never get the opportunity to experience the kinds of professional development that would truly help us to drive our missions forward, this scholarship changes that for American Legacy Theatre and for me.” Victoria Mullins, American Legacy Theatre |
The Chamberlain Scholarship program is awarded through the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, and honors Ralph E. Chamberlain, CFRE. Mr. Chamberlain had a long and distinguished career of service to the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The Chamberlain Scholarship covers the cost of registration for the 2024 AFP International Conference (typically held in March/April) while the matching chapter scholarship provides up to $1,200 for travel and lodging. All recipients must be first-time attendees of the International Conference.
The scholarship recipient is responsible for registering for the Conference. For more information about the International Conference visit www.afpicon.com.
Guidelines:
- Must be an AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter member in good standing
- Candidate must be employed as a fundraising professional or, if candidate is an executive director, a substantial amount of time must be devoted to fundraising
- Candidate has never attended an AFP or NSFRE international conference on fundraising as a registered participant (unless as a member of the Conference Host Committee)
- Recipients must agree to submit an article to the AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter newsletter sharing how the International Conference was beneficial to them
- The individual has not received an AFP scholarship in the past three years
- All scholarship recipients are required to volunteer on an AFP Committee
2022 Chamberlain Scholarship Recipient:
- Victoria (Vic) Mullins, America Legacy Theatre
CFRE Scholarship
(Deadline: Friday, June 16, 2023)
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“It is an incredible opportunity to be a recipient of the CFRE Scholarship this year. I’m looking forward to preparing for the exam with guidance from some of our region’s greatest fundraisers, taking the two-day CFRE Refresher Course, and contributing to the advancement of the fundraising profession as a CFRE myself.” Sara Kahmann, Women Helping Women |
The AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter offers up to five scholarships that cover the cost of the CFRE Refresher Course PLUS reimburse recipients for the CFRE exam fee of $700 upon passing the exam. For reimbursement, applicants must pass the exam within one year of attending the CFRE Refresher Course.
Guidelines:
- Must be an AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter member in good standing and engaged in the practice or study of philanthropy
- Scholarships will only be available for first-time applicants
- The applicant has not been an AFP scholarship recipient in the past three years
- Applicants must submit documentation of passing the exam within one year of attending the CFRE Refresher Course.
- The amount and number of scholarships to be given each year will depend on availability of funds and the number of qualified applicants
- After passing the CFRE exam, the recipient should submit an article to the AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter newsletter sharing their experience and offer advice to those who are interested in taking the exam
- All scholarship recipients are required to volunteer on an AFP Committee
2022 CFRE Scholarship Recipients:
- Sara Kahmann, Women Helping Women
- Jarrod Williams, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance
Young Professionals Scholarships
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“I am so grateful for the Young Professionals Scholarship! Being a member of the AFP Cincinnati Chapter gives me the chance to connect with others in my field and help improve our community as a whole. I cannot wait to get started!” Mackenzie Duan, Cincinnati Art Museum |
(Deadline: March 10, 2023)
The AFP Young Professional Scholarship supports those who are newer to a career in the development field. Five YP membership scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are looking to further their professional development, gain knowledge and take part in all that AFP has to offer to its members.
The YP Mission Statement: The YP Committee looks to integrate and develop the voice of all young professionals across the Greater Cincinnati chapter.
“YP” is someone who is 30 years of age or younger.
Guidelines:
- Available to AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter individual members in good standing and engaged in the practice or study of philanthropy looking to renew their membership OR an individual looking to pursue a new membership with AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter
- The applicant has not been an AFP scholarship recipient in the past three years
- This scholarship is limited to young professionals: Someone who is 30 years of age or younger.
- All scholarship recipients are required to volunteer on an AFP Committee
2022 Young Professional Scholarship Recipients:
- Mikayla Courtney, Mount St. Joseph University
- Mackenzie Duan, Cincinnati Art Museum
- Justin Hanks, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology
- Jessee Huber, Cooperation for Findlay Market
- Rebecca Stratton, Good Samaritan Foundation
Questions: please email admin@afpcincinnati.org
**Note: The amount and number of scholarships to be given each year will depend on availability of funds and the number of qualified applicants