Welcome!

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Southern Minnesota chapter is one of AFP's most active and engaged small chapters in the United States. Since its inception in 2003, the chapter has been a pilot site for several new AFP Global programs, and members have served on the AFP Global and AFP Foundation for philanthropy Boards. Chapter members from throughout Southern Minnesota have experienced great benefits from chapter meetings, peer networking, and professional training opportunities. Collectively, the current chapter membership has a wealth of experience in all aspects of fundraising. This expertise, along with resources of AFP Global, make membership a must for all Southern Minnesota fundraising professionals. 

AFP is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of participants at our convenings in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any convening venue, including talks, workshops, parties, and social and other online media. Convening participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the convening without a refund at the discretion of the convening organizers. Details of the Member Code of Conduct Policy can be found at www.afpglobal.org.

A Message from Our Board President 

I am excited to serve as the President of the AFP Southern MN Chapter Board of Directors! Our AFP members have dedicated themselves to supporting non-profit organizations that help our communities thrive.

AFP is an invaluable resource for our profession as we can practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy. During my time with AFP, I've participated in the Women's Impact Initiative Mentor Program and learned more than I could have imagined with a new network of fundraising professionals to lean on when the work gets tough. 

I want everyone to experience the power of community through AFP. Your membership includes:

• Monthly Educational Meetings
• Network and Workshop Ideas 
• during the 4th Friday Fellowship (mornings)
• WIT Hour - happy hour hosted with the BOD
• Explore the community boards and resources from AFP National
• Join an Affinity Group
• Participate in online webinars and learning opportunities
• Celebrate Philanthropy at National Philanthropy Day in November

I am not able to do the work of our chapter by myself, and want to thank all of our Board of Directors, National Philanthropy Day volunteers and chapter members for their continuous support for advancing the mission of AFP. 

-- Ellen Heydon, President, AFP Southern MN Chapter Board of Directors, Hiawatha Homes

For more information about becoming a member of the AFP Southern Minnesota Chapter, contact Vicki Allen, Membership Chair, at vallen1010@gmail.com.

CONGRAtULATIONS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS! 

Caitlynn is the Development Manager at EA Therapeutic Health.  Caitlyn is the first Development Manager at EA Health.  She is excited to bring back the knowledge she gains and relationships she will make to her community.  By learning from leaders in the field and connecting with peers, Caitlynn will be better equipped to create effective Congratulations to our 2026 ICON Chamberlain Scholar, Caitlynn Poshusta, Development Manager at EA Therapeutic Health! With this scholarship, Caitlynn will be attending the AFP 2026 International Conference on Fundraising in San Diego, CA, the largest fundraising conference in the world, in April. 

fundraising systems, grow donor relationships, and secure the funding necessary to support and expand our programs.

Ellen Heydon, Foundation Director at Hiawatha Homes Foundation is 1 of 2 Southern MN Chapter ICON Scholarship Award recipient this year.  Ellen has been selected as a scholarship recipient for her commitment to ethical fundraising and leadership development. The scholarship enables her to attend AFP ICON despite limited professional development resources at Hiawatha Homes, and will support her continued growth, networking, and impact within the fundraising profession.  Ellen is currently active in Rotary and serves on the board of AFP Southern MN Chapter and serves on the Advisory Committee for 180 degrees.  

BJ Gangestad-Birk, Communications Specialist, Ability Building Community.  This scholarship will support BJ and Ability Building Community as it navigates an uncertain funding landscape while continuing to provide vital services. Attending AFP ICON will strengthen BJ's fundraising skills and expand their professional network, directly benefiting ABC and the broader community they serve.

Apply for aN AFP Member Scholarship!

We have Global & Chapter Scholarship opportunities available. Apply Here!

AFP ICON!

AFP ICON is the world’s No. 1 fundraising conference, bringing together over 3,000 fundraising professionals for three dynamic days of learning, networking, and growth. https://afpglobal.org/afp-icon

Apply Here!