Chamberlain Scholarship Recipients

Reflections of ICON

by 2026 Chamberlain Scholarship Recipient Jasmin Martin

Jasmin Martin

Grants Manager

Future Leaders of America

I want to thank AFP Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter for selecting me as their Chamberlin Scholar. It was an honor to attend AFP ICON 2026 in San Diego and have the opportunity to learn from and connect with fundraising professionals from across the country. As a newer fundraiser, I found the conference incredibly valuable. The workshops on donor engagement and relationship-building provided practical insights that I can apply directly to my work. I also appreciated the grant writing sessions, as grant development is a primary focus of my role. 

Attending ICON gave me the opportunity to expand my network and learn more about the career I’m in.Through conversations with fellow fundraisers, I gained new perspectives and practical strategies for addressing common challenges in our field. More than anything, the experience reinforced that fundraising is about building meaningful relationships and creating strong communities.  

Fundraising is the backbone to most organizations and it has been such a privilege to be a part of AFP and truly get to make those life changing connections. It was also wonderful to reconnect with former colleagues and strengthen existing professional relationships. The experience reminded me how interconnected the nonprofit sector truly is. I encourage anyone coming into or interested in fundraising to join AFP and apply for the Chamberlin Scholarship. It is a great place to build community and expand your career.

Inspired at ICON

by 2025 Chamberlain Scholarship Recipient Quindavius Martin

As this year's AFP Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter Chamberlain Scholar, I was truly honored and privileged to attend the 2025 AFP ICON Conference in Seattle. The wealth of fundraising knowledge and workshops available was incredible. I found the sessions on utilizing AI in fundraising, increasing donations from underrepresented donor groups, and current trends in fundraising to be particularly useful for my role as an Assistant Director of Annual Giving.

In addition to the workshops, the opportunities for networking with other fundraising professionals from across the country were both insightful and inspiring. Attending the AFP ICON Conference was a rewarding experience, and I highly encourage those who are eligible to apply for future cycles of the Chamberlain Scholarship and attending an AFP Icon Conference.

Fundraising is Relationship Building 

by 2024 Chamberlain Scholarship Recipient Brian Lam

As a fundraiser, we have a unique power at our disposal (whether we know it or not), and that is relationship building. Picture yourself in this very real scenario – you are at a networking event putting on your biggest smile with a pocket full of business cards and shaking hands with anyone and everyone. With each new connection, a potential partnership is formed, and that is truly where the magic begins and remains in fundraising – the people. The same can also be said about building up a strong network of colleagues who are there to support you with ideas, critiques, and even witty banter and jokes about why you can’t just get a one-million-dollar check and instantly meet your operational goals.  

It takes time and work though. Often being a one-person fundraising team, I have found myself in situations where I feel very siloed and just going through the motions of fund development; however, I always wished for an opportunity to stop and meet others, learn best practices, and even seek out friends and mentors in the profession. Enter AFP’s annual conference, ICON. I was so fortunate to be able to join in on this three-day fundraising event and meet industry professionals and learn from the best of the best. I left with so many new insights on how I could “level up” as a fundraiser, as well as newfound friendships with people who were going through similar struggles as me. I found a community where I belong and felt safe to ask questions and learn, and this experience has been one for the books.

Reflecting on my journey to where I am today, I would be remiss by not extending my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow fundraising colleagues at AFP for giving me the opportunity to participate in this year’s ICON in Toronto. Their generosity has enriched my career, along with supporting me in finding my place among other fundraising professionals in the community and around the world.  

The power of people is where you will find the most success in fundraising, and it is also where you will find the most joy when you make those meaningful connections. Remember to build up and maintain your relationships, and you will see a difference. It takes time, so be patient, and while you wait for that ROI you can chat with me over coffee or tea!