Fundraising Fact of the Month:

Storytelling Increases Donations

This month, we’re reminded that every story matters. By sharing the experiences of those we serve, we help our community better understand the real impact their generosity makes possible.

Research consistently shows that donors are more likely to give when they feel emotionally connected to a mission. Fundraising campaigns that share authentic, personal stories often inspire more support than campaigns focused only on statistics and numbers. Simply put: people give to people.

As fundraisers, we know that data is important, but stories bring that data to life. A single story of hope, resilience, or support can help donors see the heart behind the mission and the meaningful difference their gifts make.

As May comes to a close, we challenge you to highlight one meaningful story that demonstrates the direct impact of donor support. Real experiences create emotional connection, strengthen donor relationships, and inspire generosity in powerful ways.

2026 National Philanthropy Day Awards

Nominations due June 12, 2026

Each year, the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals proudly celebrates philanthropy by honoring outstanding community members through our National Philanthropy Day (NPD) Awards. Organizations are encouraged to nominate individuals, businesses, and groups whose generosity and commitment to philanthropy have made Northwest Arkansas a better place to live and work. An anonymous panel of community leaders will review all submissions and select this year’s honorees.

Don't forget to submit your nominations by June 12!!

Award recipients will be recognized at a celebratory luncheon on November 4, 2026, at the Fayetteville Public Library Event Center.

If you have any questions regarding the nominating process contact the

NPD NWA Committee at AFPNWA@gmail.com.

Congratulations!
2025-2026 Fellowship Cohort

2026-2027 Collective Impact Fellowship

Applications Open: May 20-June 19

The Collective Impact Fellowship is a year-long program for local fundraisers from underrepresented communities. The Fellowship provides participants with full access to:

• 12-Month Membership & Orientation
• Professional Development & Education
• Networking & Community Engagement

Apply to be a Fellow or a Mentor today!!

The Fellowship seeks to identify and engage voices that are not currently engaged in the broader nonprofit fundraising community. Individuals from underrepresented communities, including people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, new nonprofit professionals, emerging fundraisers, and those who work at smaller, under-resourced nonprofits are encouraged to apply. You do not need to be a current member to apply of the Association of Fundraising Professionals organization to be eligible for this opportunity. 

IDEA Insights

Please take a moment to update your information on the AFP NWA Chapter site:  https://community.afpnet.org/afparnorthwestchapter/home  

Log in and click on your profile at the top, right side of the page. Verify your contact information and update, if applicable.  Help us keep our community connected, included, and in the know.

Your future self (and our IDEA goals) will thank you.  THANK YOU!!

IDEA Moment: Inclusion, diversity, equity, and access aren’t extras in our fundraising work. They’re how we build a community where generosity can thrive.

Inclusion invites people in.

Diversity strengthens our perspective.

Equity ensures everyone has what they need to participate fully.

Access removes barriers so every supporter can engage with confidence and joy.

When we practice IDEA, we expand the circle of who feels welcome in our mission, and that makes our impact stronger for everyone!

Thank you for your support during the “Good Takeover Challenge” with matching gifts! The AFP NWA Chapter has raised over $1,300 to date.

The AFP NWA and Arkansas Chapters at AFP ICON 2026 in San Diego, CA!

During ICON, AFP Global announced the creation of FORGE. Global is looking for volunteers to serve on FORGE Committees. Please consider signing up to participate in a working group to help inform this initiative and encourage participation by your chapter volunteers and members alike by June 12.

Link to Volunteer

2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

Support the Work of AFP Northwest Arkansas

Interested in supporting and strengthening the fundraising community in Northwest Arkansas? AFP NWA offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities that help make our programs and connections possible throughout the year. Partners can sponsor our Collective Impact Fellowship, Education Sessions, Member Socials, the AFP NWA Newsletter, and more.

Your sponsorship helps us provide meaningful professional development, foster collaboration, and grow the impact of philanthropy across our region. If you have questions or would like to discuss sponsorship options, please reach out to Board President Amy McGovern at afpnwa@gmail.com.

AFP NWA Job Board

Be sure to check out the AFP NWA Job Board for the latest fundraising positions in our community! Don’t miss out... new opportunities are added regularly!

If you have a job opening you would like posted on the website, please send

either a link to the job or a pdf of the job description and contact

information to afpnwa@gmail.com.

It's free for members to post job opportunities.

Need to Join or Renew

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the AFP offer members the opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage in creative thinking, network with new friends and achieve great results in their work.

Membership Value Highlights

• AFP NWA Chapter Monthly Education Sessions
• AFP National Webinars
• Mentorships
• Networking with area fundraising professionals
• Monthly Chapter Newsletters
• Add more: AFP NWA Chapter Website: https://community.afpglobal.org/afparnorthwestchapter/home

For questions about your membership, please contact

Amy McGovern, AFP President.