Chamberlain Scholarship

AFP, Santa Barbara Ventura Counties Chapter is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2025 Chamberlain Scholarship.  Each year AFP Foundation for Philanthropy offers one registration scholarship to qualified chapters for the Annual AFP International Conference on Fundraising (ICON).  This program is designed to help individuals serving nonprofit organizations develop their knowledge and skills in fundraising.  The scholarship honors the memory of Ralph E. Chamberlain, CFRE.

AFP ICON, AFP’s flagship “International Conference,” is held each year and brings together nearly 4,000 fundraising professionals to discuss important trends and issues related to fundraising and philanthropy, with a focus on fundraising practice and technique. 

The 2024 AFP ICON will be held April 27-29, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

One candidate will be chosen by our Chapter Scholarship Committee to receive a scholarship toward registration for the AFP International Fundraising Conference on Philanthropy.   Registration fees, except for a $10 payment to secure registration, are paid by the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy.   

Chamberlain Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Candidate is employed as a fundraising professional or, if candidate is an executive director, a substantial amount of time must be devoted to fundraising.
  2. Candidate has never attended an AFP or NSFRE International Conference on Fundraising as a registered participant (unless as a member of the Conference Host Committee) and is enthusiastic to attend the full conference as scheduled.
  3. Candidate must agree to complete an online evaluation form about his or her experience at International Conference.
  4. Only one individual from any local organization or institution may be selected.
  5. Candidate must be willing to share their AFP ICON experience with their chapter after the conference has concluded. This can be accomplished through a report to chapter leadership, a contribution to the chapter newsletter, or an alternate contribution identified by chapter leadership.

Please note, this is not a full scholarship and the winner will be required to cover any and all expenses exceeding the amounts awarded. Chamberlain Scholars are responsible for registering themselves for the conference and for making all travel and lodging arrangements. 

Click here to apply.

2025 Chamberlain Scholar

Interview with Isabel Callaway – AFP/ICON – May 2025

 

What inspired you to apply for the Chamberlain Scholarship, and how did it feel to be selected as this year’s recipient from the Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter?

Fundraising is new to me. I was highly encouraged at my office to apply for the Chamberlain Scholarship, and I felt very fortunate and grateful for this tremendous opportunity to advance my new career.

·       What were some of the most impactful sessions, themes, or conversations you experienced at AFP ICON, and how do you see them shaping your work in fundraising?

The AFP/ICON Conference 2025 offered an incredible number of resources, learning opportunities and peer-to-peer advice. I made efforts to attend as many sessions as possible, as well as to purposefully network with many great people in the fundraising community. There were several key points that impacted me about my own role at the Ventura Botanical Gardens. The session about Donor Development and “The 12-week Fast Track Plan for the Full Year” was very important since it provides a simple system to stay on track with the development plan. I also attended a couple of sessions regarding donor retention and the importance of creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as written documents outlining the specific steps required to consistently complete a task in every stage of the fundraising cycle.

·       Were there any unexpected moments or networking connections at ICON that left a lasting impression on you? I was impressed every day by the level of professionalism with which the conference was handled. I connected with several interesting colleagues who were surprisingly open and willing to share their insight and best practices ideas. I made valuable connections, in California and out-of-state with peers in similar fields. My most inspiring moment was attending guest speaker, Jose Hernandez’s speech (USA Astronaut) He is living proof of the determination to achieve what others may see as impossible. Commitment and determination are powerful tools to have!

·       What advice would you give to future Chamberlain Scholars or first-time AFP ICON attendees?

Be open to hearing from everyone around you. Every person has something to share. Take good notes, ask questions, attend as many sessions as possible and network with lots of people. Share your knowledge and experience, even if it comes from a different field. Do not shy away because you are new to fundraising. Many skills are transferable. Get involved, do not be silent, grab the microphone and ask questions. Pay attention about how to transfer your current skills to become a great fundraiser. Do not waste this one-of-a-kind experience!

·       How has being a member of the AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter supported your professional growth?

The AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter has been incredibly supportive in my first year as Director of Development at the Ventura Botanical Gardens. There is always a new learning opportunity offered in the AFP Calendar, and there are so many experienced people ready to give a hand to keep us going and growing, so we can provide a better service to our organization, our donors, and our community.

I am very grateful for this wonderful opportunity which I recommend to anyone who may be interested in joining the AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties