Education

In order to thrive in today’s rapidly changing philanthropic landscape, nonprofit organizations must develop smart and engaging fundraising strategies that leverage new and emerging forms of giving. AFP DC exists to give fundraisers the knowledge, tools, and community they need to put these strategies into practice and advance their organization’s mission. 

We share industry-wide best practices, hands-on tools, and techniques from philanthropists and experts, and offer a robust calendar of educational programs throughout the year. In keeping with the AFP DC’s goals around Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), we strive to provide a varied slate of session topics from presenters that reflect the full diversity of our local fundraising community.

We co-sponsor the Bridge to Integrated Fundraising & Marketing Conference which is attended by more than 2,200 fundraisers, C-Suite executives, and philanthropists each year.
  • We provide accreditation training for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
  • Nearly 400 individuals attend our education and certification training annually.
  • We currently have more than 100 CFRE and ACFRE professionals among our members.
AFP DC's educational programs cover a wide range of important topics for all levels of fund-raising professionals. Click on the program calendar to view our upcoming events.

Meetings, Groups & Classes

Advanced Executives Events

The Advanced Executives program is geared toward fundraisers with 10 or more years in the profession and is perfect for "decision-makers" in an organization including CEOs, Chief Development Officers, and others with responsibility for Planned Giving, Capital Campaigns, Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Foundation/Corporate Relations, consultants and board chairs.

CFRE Study Group

The CFRE study group is a seven-week study group hosted annually by the AFP DC Chapter. Sessions include subject areas from the CFRE test content outline and resource materials provided by CFRE.

Study Group Subject Areas

Current and Prospective Donor Research,  Securing the Gift,  Relationship Building,  Volunteer Involvement,  Leadership and Management,  Ethics and Accountability,  Planned Giving, and  Overall Test Taking Strategies for the CFRE

Once you are registered, you will be sent the syllabus, complete with the schedule of planned readings and speaker information, to allow you to come prepared for the first session.

Core Education Sessions

Core Education Sessions include a mix of tactical and strategic sessions suitable for a range of experience levels and organization types, with built-in networking time.

Fundraising Lunch and Learn Series

Fundraising Lunch and Learn sessions provide an opportunity for fundraising professionals (or not-yet professionals) to come together in a less structured free-flowing environment to share their lunch time and discuss topics that are relevant to them. All fundraising professionals are invited, such as individuals early in their professional fundraising career, individuals who may not yet belong to a professional fundraising organization or individuals who have never attended fee-based educational programs.

Other individuals may be seasoned fundraisers that are interested in the topic or who want to spend time with up-and-coming fundraisers.

Special Events

As philanthropy consistently evolves, so too must our approach to fundraising. AFP DC helps our members respond to the latest trends in philanthropy, leverage new technological advancements, and target new and emerging donor markets. We offer cutting-edge and innovative educational programs that will challenge, inspire, and improve members’ careers.

 If you have an questions regarding educational programming or upcoming events, please contact us at [email protected].