Spotlighting new board member, Courtney Spilker

We reached out to one of our newest board members, Courtney Spilker, who builds relationships and fundraises for the Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association. She joined the AFP Board in 2024.

Name
Courtney Spilker

Profession
Director of Development at the Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association working with alumni and donors of the College of Engineering.

Where you’re from
Southeast Nebraska

Alma mater
University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Favorite place in Madison for coffee or lunch

For lunch, either Forage Kitchen or Casetta.

You are fairly new to the AFP Board. What led you to the AFP Board and what are you most excited about? How long have you been a member of AFP Madison?
I joined the AFP Board and became a member in 2024 as a way to meet more individuals in the Madison community working in the nonprofit sector. I have been blown away by the level of expertise, knowledge, and dedication of those that I have met on the board and through AFP events. The Madison community is full of very bright people, striving to make our community and society a better place. It’s been such an energizing outlet for me. I am most excited to continue to find ways that I can bring value to the AFP Greater Madison organization and our members.

Favorite aspect of fundraising (e.g. grants, meeting with donors, database expertise, etc.) and why?
Donor meetings and relationships are my favorite part of fundraising. I get to meet with so many smart, generous, and interesting people and feel lucky to facilitate the impact they want to make through their philanthropy.

Fun facts
I received a bachelor’s degree in Soil and Crop Sciences and spent the first part of my career working with retailers and farmers in the agriculture industry. Land stewardship and agriculture are still a big personal passion of mine.

I visited Madison a total of three times (including one trip as an 11-year-old) before deciding to move here with my husband from Colorado in early 2023.

Fortunately, Nebraska and UW–Madison are the same color of red so I can easily cheer on both teams on game day.

Anything else you’d like to add?

If you see me at an AFP event or around town I’d love to meet you so please don’t hesitate to say, “Hi!”

Have an interest in getting involved with our board or in our chapter? Contact Membership and Engagement Chair, Breanne Chase, at bchase@mononaterrace.com.