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Welcome to the Northwest Arkansas Chapter

The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals offers members the opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage in creative thinking, network with new friends and achieve great results in their work. Please check out our programs, volunteer opportunities and get to know your Chapter leaders. 

The Northwest Arkansas Chapter is recognized as a Ten Star Gold Chapter for 2025. Fewer than 20
percent of AFP's 200 professional chapters earn this recognition, making AFP Northwest Arkansas one of the association's leading chapters around the world.

Congratulations to the Arkansas Chapter for earning the 2025 IDEA Champion Designation. IDEA stands for inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. The IDEA Champion Designation recognizes those chapters that have accomplished many of the key objectives in our goal of advancing diversity. 

                                  
    

Announcements

  • June Newsletter

    Fundraising Fact of the Month

    Planned Giving Creates Lasting Impact 🌱

    While annual gifts fuel today's mission, planned gifts help secure tomorrow's. Legacy gifts such as bequests, beneficiary designations, and charitable trusts allow donors to support causes they care about while creating a meaningful and lasting impact for future generations.

    As fundraising professionals, we are committed to discussing giving opportunities ethically, transparently, and in accordance with AFP's Code of Ethical Standards, always honoring donor intent and encouraging informed decision-making.

    June Challenge:

    Start one conversation this month about legacy giving. You may be surprised how many supporters are interested in creating a lasting impact for the mission they love.

    Faces of Fundraising

    Courtney Voigt, AFP NWA President-Elect

    We are excited to welcome Courtney Voigt as the new President-Elect of AFP Northwest Arkansas. As many of you know, Kayla LaCavera will be relocating, and we are grateful that Courtney has stepped into this leadership role to help continue the chapter's momentum. Courtney currently serves as Chief Development Officer at EverHope Children's Shelter and brings a passion for philanthropy, leadership, and professional development to AFP NWA.

    Courtney's fundraising journey began with a college internship at the American Heart Association, where she helped coordinate a Heart Ball silent auction and quickly discovered a profession that combined relationship-building, strategy, communication, and mission-driven work. Today, she remains energized by helping donors realize the impact of their generosity, mentoring emerging fundraisers, and tackling complex challenges that advance organizational missions.

    Throughout her career, Courtney has learned that successful leadership requires both challenge and support. She believes the strongest fundraising leaders balance vision with strategy, accountability with encouragement, and always keep relationships at the center of their work. One lesson that continues to guide her is the importance of building authentic relationships. Whether working with donors, colleagues, or volunteers, she believes trust, curiosity, and genuine connection are the foundation of meaningful philanthropy.

    A lifelong learner, Courtney values AFP NWA for the opportunities it provides to grow professionally while building a supportive network of fundraising peers. She encourages emerging professionals to invest in their development, seek out mentors, and remember that leadership is a journey of continuous learning. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, baking, solving puzzles, competing in family board games, and making memories with her husband and their dogs.

    Please join us in welcoming Courtney to her new role as President-Elect. We look forward to her leadership and the impact she will continue to make on our chapter and the fundraising profession throughout Northwest Arkansas.

    2026-2027 Collective Impact Fellowship

    Applications Open: May 20-June 19

    The Collective Impact Fellowship is a year-long program for local fundraisers from underrepresented communities. The Fellowship provides participants with full access to:

    • 12-Month Membership & Orientation
    • Professional Development & Education
    • Networking & Community Engagement

    Apply to be a Fellow or a Mentor today!!

    The Fellowship seeks to identify and engage voices that are not currently engaged in the broader nonprofit fundraising community. Individuals from underrepresented communities, including people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, new nonprofit professionals, emerging fundraisers, and those who work at smaller, under-resourced nonprofits are encouraged to apply. You do not need to be a current member to apply of the Association of Fundraising Professionals organization to be eligible for this opportunity. 

    Save the Date!

    August 19

    Education Session

    *September 21*

    Members Only Session

    October 7

    Lunch & Learn

    October 22-24

    AFP LEAD

    November 4

    National Philanthropy Day

    Thank You for submitting nominations for this year's National Philanthropy Day! Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2026 Award Winners.

    Award recipients will be recognized at a celebratory luncheon on November 4, 2026, at the Fayetteville Public Library Event Center.

    Thank you for your support during the Good Takeover Challenge with matching gifts! The AFP NWA Chapter has raised over $1,300 to date.

    2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

    Support the Work of AFP Northwest Arkansas

    Interested in supporting and strengthening the fundraising community in Northwest Arkansas? AFP NWA offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities that help make our programs and connections possible throughout the year. Partners can sponsor our Collective Impact Fellowship, Education Sessions, Member Socials, the AFP NWA Newsletter, and more.

    Your sponsorship helps us provide meaningful professional development, foster collaboration, and grow the impact of philanthropy across our region. If you have questions or would like to discuss sponsorship options, please reach out to Board President Amy McGovern at afpnwa@gmail.com.

    AFP NWA Job Board

    Be sure to check out the AFP NWA Job Board for the latest fundraising positions in our community! Don’t miss out... new opportunities are added regularly!

    If you have a job opening you would like posted on the website, please send

    either a link to the job or a pdf of the job description and contact

    information to afpnwa@gmail.com.

    It's free for members to post job opportunities.

    Need to Join or Renew

    The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the AFP offer members the opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage in creative thinking, network with new friends and achieve great results in their work.

     

    Membership Value Highlights

     

    For questions about your membership, please contact

    Amy McGovern, AFP President.

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