Step into a space built for connection, growth, and real talk about the fundraising profession in Cleveland. In this interactive session, we’ll explore upcoming AFP programming, scholarship opportunities, and the many ways you can help shape our community. Through a guided identity mapping activity, you’ll reflect on your personal journey in philanthropy and connect with peers who share your passion for impact. This is your chance to be seen, be heard, and build the network that will support you as you grow. Come ready to share, learn, and leave feeling like you belong here, because you do.

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025

Time: 10 AM

Location: Open Doors Academy, Cleveland

Cost: $20 for active AFP members | $30 for non-members

Click Here to Save Your Seat!

National Philanthropy Day® is a special day set aside each November to recognize the contributions of philanthropy and those active within the philanthropic community. Their efforts and generosity continue to enrich our world and our lives. National Philanthropy Day® is the AFP Greater Cleveland Chapter's largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting member scholarships and programming.

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025

Time: 3:30 PM

Location: Windows on the River, Flats West Bank, Cleveland

Click here to visit our official page for National Philanthropy Day.

Please direct all questions and sponsorship inquiries to LeAirra Lacey and Jena Olsen, Co-Chairs of our National Philanthropy Day® event, at npd@afpcle.org.

Calling all emerging fundraising pros! AFP Greater Cleveland is launching a Young Professionals Affinity Group, and we’re kicking things off with a casual summer meetup! Join us for good food, great convos, and a chance to shape what you want from this community. Appetizers are on us—drinks are on you. We’ll keep things laid-back with optional ice breakers and a chance to connect about your goals and ideas for future YP gatherings.

Date: Tuesday, August 12

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Location: BrewDog Cleveland

Join AFP Greater Cleveland for a summer Affinity Group Meet Up on Thursday, July 17 from 8:30–10:00 AM at MidTown Tech Hive! Whether you're passionate about Annual Giving, Consulting, Grants, Foundations, Corporate Relations, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, or Young Professionals—this casual morning gathering is a chance to find your fundraising community, swap ideas, and build new connections with peers across the sector. No RSVP needed—just bring your energy and curiosity. We can’t wait to see you there!

Date: Thursday, July 17

Time: 8:30 - 10:00 AM

Location: MidTown Tech Hive

For accessibility needs, email us at: events@afpcle.org

Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Location:
The Cleveland Foundation
6601 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
Complimentary valet parking available onsite.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Cleveland invites you to join national experts and local fundraising leaders for the return of our Giving USA program.

Melissa Berliner, Senior Vice President at Campbell & Company, will offer insights from the recently released 2025 Giving USA Report, followed by a panel conversation with:

• Phyllis Harris, Executive Director, The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
• Ginger Mlakar, Senior Vice President, Philanthropic Strategy and Growth, and General Counsel, The Cleveland Foundation
• Lauren Steiner, Founder + CEO, Grants Plus

Event Schedule:

• 8:30 AM: Networking Breakfast
• 9:15 AM: Program Begins
• 10:00 AM: Panel Discussion
• 11:00 AM: Program Concludes

Cost to Attend:
AFP Member: $40 per person
Non-Member: $60 per person

Join us to connect, learn, and gain actionable strategies for your organization. We can't wait to see you there!

Recap coming soon.

Join members of AFP Greater Cleveland for a facilitated discussion about fundraising and leading in uncertain times. Nichole Collins, CFRE, Philanthropic Advisor at the Cleveland Foundation, will be our featured facilitator.

Date: May 15, 2025

Time: 8:30 am

Location: Cleveland Sight Center

Cost: Free

Recap coming soon.

Join AFP Greater Cleveland for our annual Fundraising Boot Camp! This year, we will dedicate our time together to networking and growth by presenting on two topics essential to fundraising success: relationship-based fundraising and advocacy.

Date: March 27, 2025

Location: The Greater Cleveland Food Bank - 13815 Coit Road, Cleveland, OH. 44110

Click Here to Read More

Join AFP Greater Cleveland members for an opportunity to connect and network with fellow fundraising professionals in one of our seven affinity groups:

Major/Principal Gifts, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Grants/Foundations/Corporate Relations, Events, Consulting, and Young Professionals.

Date: February 20, 2025

Time: 8:30 am

Location: The Midtown Tech Hive

Cost: Free

Read the Event Recap Here

Join AFP Greater Cleveland Chapter members for an opportunity to connect with fellow fundraising professionals, reflect on what shaped our work in 2024, and consider the topics and trends impacting our work in the year ahead.

This facilitated conversation will allow you to ask questions, share insights, and help AFP shape this year’s professional development programming agenda.

Date: January 16, 2025

Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am

Location: The Cleveland Foundation

Cost: Free