Affinity Groups

To support the Chapter’s diversity goals, the Affinity Group Program has been established. Affinity Groups provide AFP members and other fundraising professionals with additional opportunities to be with other individuals from a particular affinity group or geographical area who share similar job responsibilities, challenges, and perspectives. AFP members are encouraged to participate in any and all Affinity Group networking and educational gatherings as a way to enhance their membership. Non-members who participate in Affinity Groups will benefit from the opportunity to learn more about AFP and how it can be an important part of their career development.

Arts Fundraisers Affinity Group

A bi-monthly Lunch and Learn rotating arts organizations around the DC metro area focusing on a chosen discussion topic to fundraising professionals in arts organizations. Please contact [email protected] for questions regarding this group.

Fundraising Consultants Affinity Group

Bi-monthly Lunch and Learn in DC, alternating open discussions with speakers. For more information, please contact Chair Whitney Brimfield, or Co-chairs John Campbell and Chris Stacey.

African-American Affinity Group

This group fosters diversity and engagement among local DC area fundraising professionals of Black descent and African heritage.

The Affinity group’s key objectives include:

  1. provide professional development and mentorship
  2. maximize access to new and existing fundraising practices
  3. Increase visibility among Black and African-American fundraising professionals through communication, social media, and in-person events.
For more information, please contact Co-Chairs Afrah Ali or Ellica Church. 

Law & Justice Affinity Group

A Lunch and Learn every other month, hosted at rotating legal services organizations around the District. The discussion is focused on general trends in fundraising as well as issues that are specific to raising money from law firms and those interested in legal services. 

For more information contact Chair Megan Luckenbaugh.

Young Professionals Affinity Group

This affinity group is geared toward fundraisers aged 31 years old and younger. If you are 31 or under, you are automatically a member of the YPAG group, and we hope you will take full advantage! We aim to create engaging networking opportunities with educational events throughout the year for a rounded experience. The group is lead by Co-chairs Venu Thirumala and Lea Johnson.

Northern Virginia Affinity Group

This group provides networking and professional development opportunities for fundraisers and consultants who live or work in NOVA. Offerings include a monthly coffee club, brown bag lunches, happy hours and networking breakfasts - and are offered in the Arlington area and in western Fairfax/Loudoun/Prince William areas. For more information contact Co-Chairs Pam Becker or Veronica Kannan.

LGBTQ Affinity Group

This group fosters diversity and engagement among local DC area fundraising professionals identifying as as LBGTQ+. This group meets every other month for networking and educational opportunities for LGBTQ+ fundraisers and allies. For more information contact Tommy Wrenn.