The Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives was established in 1989 by Brother Donnan Berry, along with a group of passionate local fundraisers including Michael Acaldo, Emily DiStefano, Gwen Fairchild, Jane Henslee, Stephanie Maxwell, Quinn Rainwater, and Carl Stages. Driven by a vision to elevate philanthropy in the community, Brother Donnan also garnered the support of prominent local philanthropists such as John Barton, Sr., John and Virginia Noland, Mary Frey Eaton, and others. At the time, only a few organizations in the area had dedicated development staff.
In 2001, the organization rebranded as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) to better reflect its mission of promoting ethical fundraising, advancing philanthropy, and providing professional education to its members. Today, the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter boasts over 130 members representing more than 80 organizations.
The chapter has consistently demonstrated excellence, earning AFP Global’s highest honor, the Ten Star Gold Award, for more than a decade—a recognition given to chapters that uphold exemplary standards. Since its inception, the chapter has received the Ten Star Award nearly every year. Additionally, the chapter has maintained the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) Champion designation for years, underscoring its unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the philanthropic community.