The Association of Fundraising Professionals - Greater Madison Chapter funds educational scholarships to encourage participation in professional education courses and to help individuals serving nonprofit organizations develop their knowledge and skill in fundraising. All members, regardless of level of experience, are eligible to apply for these scholarships. In addition, many scholarships are open to non-members of the organization.
Please note that AFP Greater Madison hosts seminars and roundtable discussions on a regular basis. These events range from $10-$30. Each event's registration includes the option to "scholarship" your attendance if the cost is a barrier. You do not need to complete a scholarship application for those opportunities. Check out our events page here.
Available Scholarships
Membership Scholarship
Description: To advance our philanthropy profession and help grow chapter membership, we offer membership scholarships to qualified individuals to help members join and remain in AFP. The chapter is pleased to open this opportunity to active and lapsed members as well as new members. Scholarship Awards are a reimbursement – awardee must submit their membership application and
payment to AFP Global and submit locally for repayment.
Application Periods: Ongoing
Scholarship Levels: 50% - 100% of annual membership dues based on your qualifying membership level.
Annual AFP International Conference (ICON)
Description: Scholarships to AFP members to attend the AFP International Fundraising Conference (ICON). AFP ICON 2025 will be held in Seattle, WA on April 27-29, 2025.
Application Periods: October 1 – November 30 annually
Scholarship Levels: Conference registration covered for one attendee, possibility of additional scholarship stipends available
To read more about the conference schedule, visit them online at afpicon.com/
CFRE Certification
Description: Open to Members of AFP of Greater Madison who meet the CFRE criteria and will be taking their initial CFRE exam.
Application Periods: Ongoing
Scholarship Levels: 50% of CFRE application ($350 for Certification and $204 for Re-Certification)
Professional Development Scholarship
Description: AFP Greater Madison members are welcome to apply for support for professional development opportunities throughout the year, such as conferences, certifications, and educational opportunities.
Application Periods: Ongoing
Scholarship Levels: Range is dependent on available funds.
General Rules For All Scholarships
- Scholarship recipients must reside or work in the Greater Madison area.
- A recipient is only eligible for one scholarship each year. If awarded a scholarship, you must wait until the next calendar year to apply for a scholarship.
- Scholarship recipient is responsible for any additional fees or expenses outside of the awarded scholarship, including costs incurred from making changes to their reservations.
- Scholarships are non-transferable.
- Scholarship recipient agrees that if they do not attend the opportunity for which they’ve received a scholarship, the recipient will reimburse AFP Greater Madison the full amount of the scholarship funds they or any organization received.
Requirement After Award:
- Write and submit an article of 500 words for publication in the chapter’s newsletter about your experience. *If writing is not your strong suit, you may opt to share your experience verbally at an event or through a video recording.
Scholarship Payment/Reimbursement:
- Once you are notified that you have received a scholarship, you are responsible for paying for and completing any registration, hotel reservations, and advance purchase of tickets, unless otherwise directed.
- You will receive a check for your scholarship based on your application and the approved scholarship amount. Please allow 2-4 weeks before a check is issued. The check will be written to you as an individual unless you ask for it to be directed to your organization.
- You may use the scholarship funds toward registration/course fees, travel, or lodging unless specifically outlined in your award notification.
How to Apply:
- Fill out the required online form
If you need to inquire about a scholarship application or have questions, please contact Lisa Gundlach, Chapter Scholarship Chair.
