AFP Kentucky Conference 2026:
The Power of Major Gifts
Presented by the Bluegrass, Cincinnati, and Louisville AFP Chapters
August 20–21, 2026
Fundraising is, at its heart, about trust, relationships, and shared vision. It invites people to invest not only in an organization, but in the future of their community.
When rooted in connection and clarity, fundraising becomes a powerful force for collective impact. Major and planned gifts have the potential to create lasting transformation—not only for donors, but for the neighborhoods, families, and futures we serve together. Please join us for this innovative and impactful conference.
Pre-Conference Intensive – Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
Thursday, August 20, 2026
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Reception Follows
Hosted by Bluegrass Care Navigators
Before the full conference begins, join us for a focused deep dive into one of the fastest-growing philanthropic vehicles in the country: Donor Advised Funds. Presented by experts from the AFP Global Foundation, this half-day intensive will equip participants with practical, ethical, and strategic approaches to navigating DAF conversations with confidence.
You’ll explore:
- How DAFs are reshaping major gift fundraising nationwide
- Strategies for identifying and engaging DAF donors
- Navigating transparency, timing, and stewardship considerations
- Ethical best practices in DAF solicitation and reporting
- How to integrate DAF strategy into your broader major gift portfolio
Whether you are new to DAFs or looking to refine your approach, this session will
position you to better serve donors and strengthen your organization’s long-term
sustainability.
Cocktails, small bites, and networking will follow in the Atrium at BGCN.
Select featured speakers are expected to join the networking reception.
Full Day Conference - Major Gifts & Planned Giving
Friday, August 21, 2026
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Reception Follows
Campbell House | Lexington, KY
The 2026 AFP Kentucky Conference is designed for the full spectrum of fundraising
professionals and change makers—whether you are new to philanthropy or leading a multimillion-dollar campaign.
This year’s theme spotlights Major and Planned Gifts, with three learning tracks tailored to meet you where you are in your fundraising journey:
Foundations Track -For professionals new to development or major gifts
Momentum Track - For mid-career fundraisers building and managing donor portfolios
Mastery Track - For senior leaders shaping strategy and cultivating legacy giving
No matter your title—volunteer, board member, program manager, development
director, or executive—you’ll gain the tools, strategies, and connections to strengthen your work and expand your impact.
Participants Will:
- Understand the essential principles of cultivating and soliciting major gifts
- Explore strategies for engaging donors in planned giving and legacy conversations
- Learn practical techniques to build and manage donor portfolios effectively—including the ethical integration of AI tools
- Strengthen leadership and strategic planning skills for major gift fundraising
- Connect with peers and mentors to exchange best practices and expand professional networks
- Hosted by the AFP Bluegrass, Cincinnati, and Louisville Chapters—official chapters of AFP Global, representing more than 30,000 members worldwide—this conference advances AFP’s mission to promote ethical and effective fundraising through education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing, and advocacy.
Friday Conference Schedule
8:30 – 9:00 AM | Registration, Coffee, Networking
9:00 to 9:45 AM | Opening Plenary
9:45 – 10:00 AM | Transition to Breakout Tracks
10:00 – 11:15 AM | Session 1
11:15 – 11:30 AM | Coffee & Connection Break, Transition to Breakout Tracks
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Session 2
12:30 – 1:45 PM | Networking Lunch & Plenary
1:45 – 2:00 PM | Transition to Breakout Tracks
2:00 - 3:00 PM | Session 3
3:00 – 3:15 PM | Refresh & Recharge Break
3:15 – 4:15 PM | Session 4
4:15 – 4:45 PM | Closing Plenary
4:45 – 5:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Networking Reception
5:15 – 6:30 | Networking Reception
A full lineup of sessions for each track, along with featured speaker spotlights, will be announced soon. Stay tuned for additional details as we approach the conference.
Cost:
Registration Options
Pre-Conference + Full Day
AFP Members:
$150 before June 21, 2026 | $175 after
Non-Members:
$225 before June 21, 2026 | $275 after
Pre-Conference Only (August 20)
AFP Members: $50
Non-Members: $75
Full Day Only (August 21)
AFP Members: $125 before June 21, 2026 | $175 after
Non-Members: $175 before June 21, 2026 | $225 after