State Wide Conference 2026

AFP Kentucky Conference 2026:

The Power of Major Gifts

Presented by the Bluegrass, Cincinnati, and Louisville AFP Chapters
Campbell House | 1375 S. Broadway | Lexington, KY
August 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.

The 2026 AFP Kentucky Conference is designed for the full spectrum of fundraising professionals and changemakers—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 - with the help of ethical AI strategies

  • Strengthen leadership and strategic planning skills for major gift fundraising.

  • Connect with peers and mentors to exchange best practices and expand professional networks.

The conference is hosted by the AFP Bluegrass, Cincinnati, and Louisville Chapters—official chapters of AFP Global, representing more than 30,000 members worldwide. AFP’s mission is to advance ethical and effective fundraising through education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing, and advocacy.

 

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.

REGISTER NOW