Scholarship Opportunities

AFP Greater Austin is pleased to offer professional development opportunities to fundraisers in the greater Austin area.

If you're interested in joining AFP, but need financial support, you can apply for a New Member or Fundraisers of Color Scholarship. The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Austin Chapter offers scholarships to help you become or continue being a member and receive the benefits of career development, a supportive network, membership discounts, educational opportunities and more!

Additionally, 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. 

Our scholarship fund is possible through individual giving, annual appeals, and other event-related projects. 

 Membership Scholarships:

Application for a member scholarship is open to persons who have never been an AFP member or whose membership has been lapsed for two or more years. 

Information for Scholarship Applicants: 

When selecting scholarship recipients, AFP Greater Austin gives priority to applicants who demonstrate the following:

• Financial need, including individuals whose organizations have limited resources available to support professional development opportunities.
• Active engagement with AFP Greater Austin through committee service, volunteer leadership, and other contributions that support the Chapter’s mission and philanthropic efforts.
• A commitment to the fundraising profession, evidenced by a clear passion for fundraising and a desire to pursue professional development opportunities that strengthen their knowledge, skills, and impact.

Application Dates: 

Round 1: Applications open on June 15, 2026 and close on July 15, 2026. Decisions will be announced on July 29, 2026.

Round 2: Applications open on September 16, 2026 and close on October 16, 2026. Decisions will be announced on November 2, 2026.

Round 2 applications are now open!

Membership Scholarship Application

Questions about the application? Contact AFP Greater Austin Board Members Catherine Ervin ([email protected]) or Nigel Fuentes ([email protected].) 

 Fundraisers of Color Scholarships:

The fundraising and philanthropic space in Austin has historically marginalized and left out the voices of fundraisers of color and communities of color. It is our goal to proactively work to dismantle historic racism that has existed within our AFP chapter and in this field. With this and with the goals of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in mind, the AFP Greater Austin Chapter will award scholarships each year to professionals in the philanthropic sector who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color).

Applications will open September 16, 2026 and close on October 16, 2026. Decisions will be announced on November 2, 2026.

This scholarship is made possible by Six Square!

Beth Krueger Emerging Leader Scholarship

Now in our second year, we are excited to offer the Beth Krueger Emerging Leader Scholarship as 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 2027 AFP ICON Conference
• Registration and paid travel to the 2027 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 2027 AFP Greater Austin Chapter Luncheons
• One ticket to Philanthropy Day 2027
• One ticket to One Day Conference 2027
• Opportunity to serve as an Honorary AFP Greater Austin Board Member with an assigned Board Mentor

Total value of the scholarship: $5,270

The winner of this scholarship will have to comply with the following expectations:

1. Commit to take the CFRE certification exam within 2 years of receiving the scholarship.
2. Be an active AFP Greater Austin Chapter member and serve on at least one Chapter committee
3. Attend 70% of AFP Greater Austin Board Meetings as an Honorary Board Member
4. Participate in monthly touchpoints with their assigned AFP Greater Austin Board Mentor. Touchpoints can be an in-person meeting, phone call, or email.
5. Present a report on their experience as the Emerging Leader Scholar and progress toward their CFRE certification to the AFP Greater Austin Board of Directors at the December 2027 board meeting.

Eligibility: To be considered, applicants must

1. Work in a fundraising role at a 501c3 nonprofit organization
2. Work in the Greater Austin area
3. Be willing to comply with the AFP Fundraising Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct
4. Comply with the aforementioned expectations

Application Process:

Written application with at least one reference letter preferably from an AFP member. Written applications are due by 5:00 PM on October 23, 2026.

Click Here to Apply!