Applications for IFF open February 17th and close March 17th at 11:59 PM. Apply Here.
Since its launch in 2019, nearly 30 fellows have completed the Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship. Alumni have found connection, support, and innovation through this program. AFP is delighted to open up applications for the 2026 co-hort. Read below for dates, application details, and program responsibilities.
About the IFF Program
The Association of Fundraising Professionals - Central Virginia Chapter's 2026 Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship (IFF) welcomes 5-10 fellows in their first 2-5 years in the fundraising field who belong to a diverse group or have a diverse background. IFF has 3 main areas of focus:
- Mentorship + Coaching
- Professional Development at Conferences and Events
- Monthly Workshops and Deep Dives
The goal of this program is to build fundraising leaders that reflect the diversity of our communities in Central-Virginia and develop practices that make a more just, equitable, and holistic Richmond area fundraising community.
We encourage anyone to apply who feels like they represent a diverse perspective (for example: race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, etc.
Program Details
Monthly Topic Deep Dives
- Turn ethical fundraising strategy into tactics that you can use in your org.
- Learn from experts about community-centric fundraising.
- Spend intentional time with the co-hort finding community and shared values.
- Meet monthly with mentors from across the region who specialize in fundraising areas you’re interested in or share an identity with you
Field Trips / Conference Experiences
- Join us at VFRI’s conference from July 22-24 to learn at workshops and more.
- Spend intentional time at other fundraising events or conferences, learning from organizers how to create ethical and community-centric spaces for our donors and communities.
Mentorships
- Meet monthly with mentors from across the region who specialize in fundraising areas you’re interested in or share an identity with you
AFP and VAFRE memberships are fully covered for Fellows. Fellows can also attend VFRI and other events during the fellowship at no cost.
Key Details
-Co-hort size from 5-10 fellows.
-Monthly commitment of 4-8 hours.
-Tangible tactics to bring back to your org to make your work more ethical, grounded in IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) principles, and collaborative.
- Engaging sessions that will explore topics like
- Language Justice, Community-Centric Fundraising, Leadership Strategy, Community Engagement, and more.
- Required Monthly Workshop Dates and Other Events:
· April 3
· April 9
· May 14
· June 25
· August 13
· September 10
· October 8
· November 15
· December 10
· Virginia Fund Raising Institute (Williamsburg, VA) Conference July 22-24
Program Application
Application Timeline:
- Applications open February 17, 2026
- Applications close 11:59 pm, March 17, 2026
- Notifications of selection by March 23, 2026
To apply, fill out this online application: https://forms.gle/ns6Q3wCosL2hVRvh7
Program Background
The Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship (IFF) was created by former AFP Central Virginia board member, Jessica Cocciolione in 2019. The original purpose of the program was to uplift the diversity that exists among fundraisers in Central Virginia and impart a foundational knowledge of traditional fundraising practices. In 2020, a new framework was designed by alumni of IFF’s first cohort, Nicole Jones and Nadia Gooray. This new framework encompassed three pillars: (1) centering the whole person, (2) foregrounding systems change, and (3) embedding equity and community-centered practices.
In 2025, this holistic framework was adapted by IFF 2021 alumna, Yasmin Gregg in collaboration with members of AFP’s IFF committee. She will be the 2026 Facilitator.
Yasmin Gregg, MS, is a woman of faith and a devoted wife and mother. She is a nonprofit professional from Richmond, Virginia who is called to build authentic and inclusive community partnerships that translate into meaningful support. She holds a master's degree from University of Richmond’s SPCS Nonprofit Studies program and a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from Howard University. Yasmin is the Development Director at The Commonwealth Institute and an adjunct professor at Howard University teaching Fundraising for the Arts and Finance Management. She is a 2021 alumna of AFP Central Virginia’s Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship and a 2023 recipient of the Young Professional of the Year Award from Chamber RVA. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and creating theatre.