AFP Nashville Scholarships 

AFP Nashville's commitment to modeling and promoting philanthropy is demonstrated by awarding several scholarships that advance AFP's mission and vision.  Current open applications can be found below!

Membership Scholarship

The Membership Scholarship program is an outreach initiative of AFP Nashville to make quality professional development more accessible to local non-profit fundraising professionals. Eight scholarships will be awarded throughout 2026. Priority consideration will be given to colleagues who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, affiliated with the US military, persons with disabilities, or who demonstrate financial need. 

Awardees of the Membership Scholarship receive the following benefits:

  • Complimentary annual AFP Global/Nashville membership for one year (currently valued at $350 per year)

  • Complimentary admittance to monthly chapter programs (9 scheduled each year; approximate value: $225)

  • Complimentary admittance to National Philanthropy Day on November 13th

Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must:

  • Be employed or seek employment in the non-profit profession in roles where 50% or more of the time is dedicated to fundraising;

  • Have the full support of their supervisor and their organization’s leadership to participate in this one-year educational program;

  • Attend chapter luncheons, workshops, programs, and events as active participants;

  • Serve as a volunteer for one of AFP Nashville’s committees.

Upcoming Scholarship Opportunities

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)

The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the standards set for core knowledge and skills required of fundraising executives after three years of experience. This practice-based designation requires a demonstration of meeting these standards through an application and a written examination. The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential provides you with a recognizable demonstration of your personal and professional achievement and commitment. This scholarship awards $700 to help cover the cost of the application and exam. AFP Nashville’s current members who have obtained the CFRE designation will support you as you prepare/study to take the exam.

CFRE Scholarship Criteria:
Applicant must:

  • Be an AFP Nashville member in good standing for the past two years.

  • Be employed as a full-time fundraising professional (or, if the candidate is an Executive Director, at least 50 percent of time must be devoted to fundraising.)

  • Agree to take the CFRE exam within one year of receiving the scholarship if selected.

  • Meet all requirements to qualify for the CFRE exam.

  • Agree to volunteer for AFP Nashville – serving on a committee in 2026.

  • Financial needs will be considered when selecting the scholarship recipient. Those candidates whose personal and/or organizational financial position might prohibit their obtaining the CFRE will receive special consideration.

Application to open Summer 2025

 Chamberlain Scholarship – 2026 ICON Conference

This scholarship is designed to help individuals develop their fundraising knowledge and skills through participation in the 2024 AFP International Conference on Fundraising (AFP ICON). The Chamberlain Scholarship covers the Conference registration fee (less $10) for 2026 in San Diego, California, plus provides a $250 stipend toward travel and lodging for one AFP Nashville Chapter member. The Candidate must be a fundraising professional who has never attended an AFP International Conference.

Chamberlain Scholarship Criteria:

  • Candidate must be a member of AFP Nashville.

  • Candidate is employed full-time as a fundraising professional, or if the candidate is an executive director, at least 50% of their time must be devoted to fundraising.

  • Candidate has never attended an AFP or NSFRE International Conference on Fundraising

  • Candidate is responsible for covering the $10 difference for the Conference registration fee.

  • Candidate is responsible for submitting receipts to AFP Nashville for travel and lodging reimbursement up to $250. Expenses incurred outside of travel and lodging, or travel and lodging expenses incurred beyond $250, will be covered by the scholarship recipient or their organization.

  • Candidate must agree to complete an online evaluation form and write a short report on their experience following the Conference to share with the AFP Nashville membership.

  • Agree to volunteer for AFP Nashville – serving on a committee in 2026.

  • Financial needs will be considered when selecting the scholarship recipient. Those candidates whose personal and/or organizational financial position might prohibit their attendance will receive special consideration.

Application to Open Summer 2025

Questions? Contact Destiney Patton, CFRE, Board Member and VP, Scholarships at destiney.patton@secondharvestmidtn.org

 

 

Recent Scholarship Awardees:

 

  • CFRE Scholarship

    • Ashley Reynolds, 2023

  • Chamberlain Scholarship

    • Sierra Leach, 2025

    • Paige Bainbridge, 2023

    • Sarah Martino, 2022

  • Membership Scholarship

    • Synthia Hogan, 2024

    • Kimberley Locke, 2024

    • Al Brady, 2024

    • Anton Jackson, 2024

    • Emma Volpe, 2024

    • Michele Harrell, 2024

    • René Dillard, 2023

 

 

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