Events

AFP GREATER CLEVELAND EVENTS

AFP Greater Cleveland is committed to providing our community with professional development opportunities and networking gatherings. Do you have any questions, comments, or concerns? Please reach out to pd@afpcle.org.

Explore our events and find your community within AFP Cleveland!

September Third Thursday: Cocktails & Calamities

So much of our profession involves relationship building and oftentimes there can be awkward conversations or experiences that make us second-guess, laugh unexpectedly, or cringe altogether. Cocktails & Calamities offers a safe and reflective space for members and guests to learn from other professionals in a networking and panel environment. You’ll learn not just what happened, but the whys, how they handled it, and retrospective lessons learned.

Drink ticket and light appetizers included.

For accessibility needs, email us at pd@afpcle.org.

Date: September 17th, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
Location: CLE Urban Winery
Ticket Cost: $30 
Save your seat here!

PAST AFP CLEVELAND EVENTS

April Third Thursday: Affinity Groups
Join us at the Midtown Collaboration Center for AFP Affinity Groups on July 16th. AFP Cleveland's Affinity Groups are tailored communities designed to unite fundraising professionals around shared interests, roles, and expertise. These groups provide opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from peers facing similar challenges and opportunities in the philanthropic sector. Current groups include Annual Giving, Consulting, Grants, Major and Principal Gift, Planned Giving, and Young Professionals.
Save your seat here

Giving USA 2026

Join national experts and local fundraising leaders for the return of our Giving USA program. Connect, learn, and gain actionable strategies for your organization.

8:30 AM – Networking Breakfast
9:15 AM – Program Begins
10:00 AM – Panel Discussion
11:00 AM - Conclusion

Sponsored by Campbell & Company and the Cleveland Foundation 

For accessibility needs, email us at pd@afpcle.org.

Date: June 25, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–11:00 AM
Location: Midtown Collaboration Center
Individual Rates: $40 AFP Members, $60 Non-Members
Group Rates: $45 each for groups of 3-5, $40 each for groups of 6+  

May Third Thursday: Donor Psychology is Exploding. But What's Real and What's Useful?

What can you believe? There’s a certificate program on the best ways to talk to people. And now books on donor decision-making. But can’t we just engage our prospects in the mission to turn them into donors the old-fashioned way? What happened to just telling them a sob story? It’s all gotten so complicated with so many folks saying they’ve got the silver bullet that will bring in the bucks!

Our former AFP NEO Chapter Member (and president), Bill Bartolini (PhD, ACFRE, FAFP), is going to cut through the clutter and give us the skinny on what’s real and useful. He earned his PhD at Kent State asking “What People Think and Feel When You Ask Them for Money.” Since then, he has worked at major institutions in Boston, Princeton, and Washington, DC, before concluding his career raising Principal Gifts ($5M+) at The Ohio State University.

He’s funny, entertaining, and insightful. Join us for an exploration of the latest research and—most importantly—what actually works and how you can use it to your advantage.

Funded through member support of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy’s BE the CAUSE campaign.

April Third Thursday: Affinity Groups
Join us at the Midtown Collaboration Center for AFP Affinity Groups. AFP Cleveland's Affinity Groups are tailored communities designed to unite fundraising professionals around shared interests, roles, and expertise. These groups provide opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from peers facing similar challenges and opportunities in the philanthropic sector. Current groups include Annual Giving, Consulting, Grants, Major and Principal Gift, Planned Giving, and Young Professionals.

March Third Thursday: The Art and Science of Fundraising
Unlock the perfect blend of creativity and strategy at AFP Greater Cleveland’s Art & Science of Fundraising! Join us March 26 at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank for a morning of data-driven insights, prospect research expertise, and meaningful networking.

February Third Thursday: Exploring & Earning Your CRFE

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of and work it takes to become an AFP credentialed Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)?

Many CFREs describe the journey as worthwhile, affirming, and a bit confusing. Join the AFP Greater Cleveland chapter as Barbara Tartaglia-Poure, MLS, ACFRE presents an overview of the CFRE and provide guidance on how best to prepare for the process and earn your CFRE.

Belonging in Fundraising: Building Your AFP Community

Step into a space built for connection, growth, and real talk about the fundraising profession in Cleveland. In this interactive session, we’ll explore upcoming AFP programming, scholarship opportunities, and the many ways you can help shape our community. Through a guided identity mapping activity, you’ll reflect on your personal journey in philanthropy and connect with peers who share your passion for impact. This is your chance to be seen, be heard, and build the network that will support you as you grow. Come ready to share, learn, and leave feeling like you belong here, because you do.

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025

Time: 10 AM

Location: Open Doors Academy, Cleveland

Cost: $20 for active AFP members | $30 for non-members

Click Here to Save Your Seat!


Change the world with a giving heart. National Philanthropy Day.

National Philanthropy Day 2025

National Philanthropy Day® is a special day set aside each November to recognize the contributions of philanthropy and those active within the philanthropic community. Their efforts and generosity continue to enrich our world and our lives. National Philanthropy Day® is the AFP Greater Cleveland Chapter's largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting member scholarships and programming.

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025

Time: 3:30 PM

Location: Windows on the River, Flats West Bank, Cleveland

Click here to visit our official page for National Philanthropy Day.

Please direct all questions and sponsorship inquiries to LeAirra Lacey and Jena Olsen, Co-Chairs of our National Philanthropy Day® event, at npd@afpcle.org.