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

“Although I am relatively new in this profession, to me, Development is about developing community. I look forward to hearing what people envision for the future strengths of our region, and to help create pathways for those goals to be actualized in a greater community-wide context.”  Sarah Strouse, Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati

(Deadline: Sept 9, 2022)

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
  • 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
  • Sarah Strouse, Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati
  • Daniel Tonozzi, La Soupe
  • Megan Woods, First Step Home

Fundamentals of Fundraising Scholarship

(Deadline: Applications are closed for 2022)

“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)

” As CEO of Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati, our region’s federation of social justice, environmental, and animal welfare charities, I am thrilled we were selected as a recipient of the Cincinnati AFP Chapter’s SEEDS Scholarship. A former member of another AFP chapter many years ago, I recall the tremendous assistance I gained as a then-new fundraiser in the field from my association with AFP, its networks, and its trainings. I am so very much looking forward to using this wonderful opportunity to refresh and update my skill set and expose Community Shares and the dozens of local charities we work with to the development advantages AFP provides.   Duane Gordon, CEO, Community Shares Of Greater Cincinnati  

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: Sept 9, 2022)

I recently took the Fundamentals of Fundraising course and I know that only scratches the surface of what I need to know to become an amazing fundraiser in the non-profit world. I’m hoping if given the chance to attend the 2021 AFP International Conference I can continue building my professional network. I have a long term goal of pursuing my CFRE, so I’m looking to learn from as many people as I possibly can.” Hanna Firestone , Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired

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 2023 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
  • All scholarship recipients are required to volunteer on an AFP Committee

CFRE Scholarship

(Deadline: Applications are closed for 2022)

“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

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: Sept 9, 2022)

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