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 International Conference on Fundraising (ICON Conference) Scholarship- 2026 Application is now Open!

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 2026 ICON conference will take place April 26-28, 2026 in San Diego, California. This 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 Greater Austin offers two scholarships for its members to attend the AFP ICON Conference. Both scholarships grant the recipients free registration and reimbursement for travel expenses.

Click Here to Apply!

The deadline to apply is December 5, 2025. Winners will be notified by January 5, 2026.

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 Greater 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

AFP Greater Austin members are invited to apply for an ICON scholarship! This scholarship will cover the cost of registration, travel, and lodging as well as a reimbursement stipend for food and essentials. The only requirement for this scholarship are that you have an active membership with AFP Greater Austin and that you have never received this scholarship before.

AFP ICON Testimonial (2025)

"Attending AFP ICON 2025 was a game-changer for my development career. I gained invaluable insight, broadened my fundraising community, and left with practical tools I was able to bring back to my team and implement immediately. This would not have been possible without the generous support of the AFP Greater Austin Chapter's ICON Scholarship! I'm incredibly grateful for the chapter's commitment to developing fundraising professionals, and I encourage others to apply. Attending ICON was truly transformative to me, my organization, and the community we serve!"

~ Doug Leveton, 2025 ICON Scholarship Recipient

NOTE: As a scholarship recipient, volunteerism with AFP Greater Austin throughout the year in which the scholarship is received is required.

Beth Krueger Emerging Leader Scholarship- Winner Announced!

Congratulations to the 2025 Beth Krueger Emerging Leader Scholarship Winner:

Rondel Youngblood, Sr. Director of Development and Partnerships, Austin Area Urban League

Introducing the first annual Beth Krueger Emerging Leader Scholarship — 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 2026 AFP ICON Conference
Registration and paid travel to the 2026 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 2026 AFP Greater Austin Chapter Luncheons
One ticket to Philanthropy Day 2026
One ticket to One Day Conference 2026
Opportunity to serve as an Honorary AFP Greater Austin Board Member with an assigned Board Mentor

The total value of this scholarship is $5,270!

Questions about this scholarship? Contact AFP Greater Austin's Executive Director Jayden Beatty at [email protected]

AFP LEAD Conference Scholarship- Scholarship Winner Announced!

Congratulations to the 2025 LEAD Scholarship Winner:

Shea Wylen, PRN Strategist, Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center

AFP Greater Austin is proud to provide this scholarship to attend the AFP Global LEAD conference in Atlanta, Georgia October 16-18, 2025. This scholarship is 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.

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
Barbara Lynn Dunnam, Executive Director, Mariposa Family Learning Center

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 Principles 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