The Chamberlain Scholarship defrays the cost for first-time attendees of the AFP International Fundraising Conference, no matter the longevity of your AFP membership.

The scholarship covers the conference registration fee, minus a $10 processing fee, to attend AFP ICON, the world's largest fundraising conference, with more than 3,000 fundraising professionals in attendance. An additional $1,000 stipend is also provided to assist in travel and lodging costs. This scholarship is given by the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy and the AFP Southern Colorado Chapter.

Must be a current AFP member and employed at a nonprofit as a fundraising professional or an executive director.

The 2024 Chamberlain Scholarship Application is currently closed. Stay tuned for more information about the 2025 Chamberlain Scholarship!

Questions? Email prez-elect@afpsoco.org.

Discuss. Teach. Learn.

The AFP ICON (formerly known as the International Fundraising Conference) is held each spring and brings more than 4,000 fundraising professionals together to discuss, teach, and learn about new development issues. It offers more than 90 educational sessions designed to serve the development needs of participants from entry level to highly experienced. The Conference exhibit hall features over 100 vendors. Click here for more information about the conference.

2023 Recipient

Tiffany Hayes, CFRE

Grants Manager, Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region

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Like many of my colleagues, I didn’t find fundraising; fundraising found me. So as a newer fundraiser, being a member of AFP SOCO has provided me with tremendous opportunities to connect and grow with other fundraising professionals in our community through Coffee Chats, Lunch & Learns, Summits, and more.

That’s why I am so thrilled and grateful to have been selected by my colleagues at AFP SOCO to receive a Chamberlain Scholarship to attend AFP ICON for the first time. At AFP ICON, I am excited to learn from and connect with fundraising professionals from around the globe. As a Chamberlain Scholarship recipient, I look forward to honoring the memory of Ralph E. Chamberlain, CFRE by making the most of my AFP ICON experience and giving back to AFP SOCO as a new board member. Thank you to the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy and AFP SOCO for providing this scholarship award to fulfill a fundraising bucket list item!

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Because of my experience with AFPSOCO and my great admiration for those in it, it came as an incredible honor to be selected as the Chamberlain Scholarship. My colleagues in the community are investing in me and that is the highest compliment I can receive. I look forward to continuing to grow with AFPSOCO and to invest in up-and-coming professionals in our community, following the example set by those who have helped me on this journey.

Read the full story

GROWING WITH AFP
Like so many others, fundraising is not exactly where I saw myself… but it turns out, it is a pretty great fit. AFPSOCO was one of the first organizations to ignite my interest in fundraising in our community by welcoming me with open arms. There are so many esteemed professionals in the organization that are excited to help the burgeoning fundraisers without hesitation.

Because of my experience with AFPSOCO and my great admiration for those in it, it came as an incredible honor to be selected as the Chamberlain Scholar. My colleagues in the community are investing in me and that is the highest compliment I can receive. I look forward to continuing to grow with AFPSOCO and to invest in up-and-coming professionals in our community, following the example set by those who have helped me on this journey.

ATTENDING AFP ICON REIGNITED MY LOVE OF FUNDRAISING
The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to take a long, hard look at my career. Fortunately, this conference was held in-person. I did not realize how much I needed to be in the presence of my colleagues. Being around other individuals who went through the same hardships helped me realize that I was not alone, and the world is in fact a different place than it was for all of us a few short (or long?) years ago.

My favorite session, hands down, was “Acknowledgement Best Practices for Any Size Shop,” presented by Lynn Wester. Ms. Wester is a powerhouse of knowledge and makes the learning process so fun. The information mixed some of what I already knew and simplified areas in which I can get bogged down with thinking or worrying too much. I am always grateful for knowledge that stretches my mind, because that is where the learning happens, and Ms. Wester does just that while making you giggle the whole time.

AFP ICON: VALUABLE EXPERIENCE
Overall, the entire conference was a well-oiled machine, teeming with eager professionals, and filled to the brim with learning opportunities. AFP ICON is a fundraising geek’s dream, but also welcoming of those who are not as entrenched as others, making the lessons accessible to all experience levels. Oh, and the book fair is incredible!

I am grateful for this incredibly valuable experience AFPSOCO provided me, as well as for the welcoming home network of fundraising professionals and friends.

Courtney A. Deuser | Give! Executive Director

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2023	Tiffany Hayes, CFRE	Grants Manager, Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
2022	Courtney A. Deuser	Individual Giving Coordinator, Pikes Peak Library District
2021	Emily Loof	Development Coordinator, Space Foundation
2020	Brea Reimer-Baum	Associate Director of Development, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
2019	Lillian Bui	Director of Giving & Resource Development, Pueblo Zoo
2017	Carissa Gump, MPA	Foundation Director, NSCA
2016	Judy Cara	Vice President of Philanthropy, Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation and South State Operating Group
2014	Kelly Shelton, CFRE	Philanthropy Manager, Space Foundation