Events

AFP GREATER CLEVELAND EVENTS

AFP Greater Cleveland is committed to providing our community with professional development opportunities and networking gatherings. Do you have any questions, comments, or concerns? Please reach out to pd@afpcle.org.

Explore our events and find your community within AFP Cleveland!

May Third Thursday: Donor Psychology is Exploding. But What's Real and What's Useful?

What can you believe? There’s a certificate program on the best ways to talk to people. And now books on donor decision-making. But can’t we just engage our prospects in the mission to turn them into donors the old-fashioned way? What happened to just telling them a sob story? It’s all gotten so complicated with so many folks saying they’ve got the silver bullet that will bring in the bucks!

Our former AFP NEO Chapter Member (and president), Bill Bartolini (PhD, ACFRE, FAFP), is going to cut through the clutter and give us the skinny on what’s real and useful. He earned his PhD at Kent State asking “What People Think and Feel When You Ask Them for Money.” Since then, he has worked at major institutions in Boston, Princeton, and Washington, DC, before concluding his career raising Principal Gifts ($5M+) at The Ohio State University.

He’s funny, entertaining, and insightful. Join us for an exploration of the latest research and—most importantly—what actually works and how you can use it to your advantage.

Funded through member support of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy’s BE the CAUSE campaign.

For accessibility needs, email us at pd@afpcle.org.

Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 9–10:30 AM
Location: Cleveland Sight Center
Cost: $15 AFP Members, $25 Non-Members
Save your seat here!

Giving USA 2026

Join national experts and local fundraising leaders for the return of our Giving USA program. Connect, learn, and gain actionable strategies for your organization.

8:30 AM – Networking Breakfast
9:15 AM – Program Begins
10:00 AM – Panel Discussion
11:00 AM - Conclusion

Sponsored by Campbell & Company and the Cleveland Foundation 

For accessibility needs, email us at pd@afpcle.org.

Date: June 25, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–11:00 AM
Location: Midtown Collaboration Center
Individual Rates: $40 AFP Members, $60 Non-Members
Group Rates: $45 each for groups of 3-5, $40 each for groups of 6+  
Save your seat here!

PAST AFP CLEVELAND EVENTS

April Third Thursday: Affinity Groups
Join us at the Midtown Collaboration Center for AFP Affinity Groups. AFP Cleveland's Affinity Groups are tailored communities designed to unite fundraising professionals around shared interests, roles, and expertise. These groups provide opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from peers facing similar challenges and opportunities in the philanthropic sector. Current groups include Annual Giving, Consulting, Grants, Major and Principal Gift, Planned Giving, and Young Professionals.

March Third Thursday: The Art and Science of Fundraising
Unlock the perfect blend of creativity and strategy at AFP Greater Cleveland’s Art & Science of Fundraising! Join us March 26 at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank for a morning of data-driven insights, prospect research expertise, and meaningful networking.

February Third Thursday: Exploring & Earning Your CRFE

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of and work it takes to become an AFP credentialed Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)?

Many CFREs describe the journey as worthwhile, affirming, and a bit confusing. Join the AFP Greater Cleveland chapter as Barbara Tartaglia-Poure, MLS, ACFRE presents an overview of the CFRE and provide guidance on how best to prepare for the process and earn your CFRE.

Belonging in Fundraising: Building Your AFP Community

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!


Change the world with a giving heart. National Philanthropy Day.

National Philanthropy Day 2025

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.

August Young Professionals Meet Up

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

July Affinity Group Meet Up

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

Proudly sponsored by:

Cleveland Foundation Logo

Campbell & Company Logo

Giving USA 2025

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:

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.

AFP Greater CLE's Third Thursday Series

Fundraising Through Uncertainty, A Discussion

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.